BioMaxx vs. Beauty of Joseon Retinal - which retinal serum is better for your skin? Retinal (despite that retinol is a weaker ingredient in skin care products) has quickly become one of the most talked-about ingredients in modern anti-aging skincare. While retinol has dominated the conversation for decades, more skincare enthusiasts are now discovering retinaldehyde - commonly called retinal - as a highly effective retinoid that sits closer to retinoic acid in the skin's conversion pathway.
Two products that may appear similar at first glance are BioMaxx Skin Lab Advanced Retinal Serum and Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal.
Both feature retinal and ginseng. Both are designed to address visible signs of skin aging. Both appeal to consumers looking for smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin.
But they are not actually the same type of product.
Their formulas, intended areas of use, supporting ingredients, and overall skincare philosophy are different.
So which one should you choose?
The answer depends less on which brand has the better reputation and more on what you want your retinal product to do, where you want to use it, and how much of your routine you want one product to cover.
Quick comparison: BioMaxx vs. Beauty of Joseon
| Feature | BioMaxx Advanced Retinal Serum | Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Facial skincare and visible signs of aging | Eye-area skincare |
| Retinoid | Retinal | Retinal |
| Ginseng | Panax Ginseng Root Extract | Panax Ginseng Root Extract |
| Niacinamide | Yes | Yes |
| Peptides | Yes | Yes |
| Bakuchiol | Yes | No |
| Vitamin C derivative | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | No |
| Ceramide | Not a primary highlighted ingredient | Ceramide NP |
| Hyaluronic acid | Not a primary highlighted ingredient | Sodium Hyaluronate |
| Best suited for | Whole-face routine | Under-eye and eye-area routine |
| Main focus | Multi-ingredient facial anti-aging approach | Gentle eye-area care |
| Ideal user | Someone wanting a comprehensive facial serum | Someone specifically targeting the eye area |
Beauty of Joseon's current official ingredient list includes retinal, ginseng, niacinamide, adenosine, sodium hyaluronate, tocopherol, ceramide NP and palmitoyl tripeptide-5, among other ingredients. The important takeaway is that this is not simply a comparison between two identical retinal serums.
It is a comparison between two different approaches to retinal skincare at the first place.
What is retinal?
Before comparing the products, it helps to understand what retinal actually is. Retinaldehyde, or retinal, belongs to the vitamin A family of retinoids. When topical retinoids are used on the skin, their biological activity depends partly on how they are converted within the skin.
Retinoic acid is the biologically active form that can interact directly with retinoid receptors. Retinal is one conversion step away from retinoic acid, while retinol requires an additional conversion step. This is one reason retinal has attracted so much attention from skincare researchers and consumers.
Retinal is not simply "stronger retinol." It is a different retinoid with its own formulation considerations and tolerability profile. Research comparing retinol, retinaldehyde and retinoic acid has found that retinaldehyde can have a favorable tolerance profile compared with retinoic acid, although irritation remains possible and individual responses vary. That last point is important.
More active does not automatically mean better.
A great retinal product is one that you can use consistently while maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
BioMaxx advanced retinal serum - A facial skincare approach
BioMaxx Skin Lab Advanced Retinal Serum takes a broader facial-skincare approach. Rather than focusing exclusively on the delicate eye area, the formula is designed around retinal combined with several complementary skincare ingredients. Its highlighted ingredient combination includes:
- Retinal
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract
- Peptides
- 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a vitamin C derivative
- Bakuchiol
- Niacinamide
This creates an interesting formulation philosophy. Instead of asking retinal to do all the work, the formula combines a retinoid with ingredients commonly used to support the appearance of brightness, tone, texture, hydration and overall skin quality.
See also our ingredients library
Retinal
Retinal is the central anti-aging ingredient. It is particularly interesting for people concerned about the visible appearance of:
- Fine lines
- Uneven texture
- Dull-looking skin
- Loss of smoothness
- Visible signs of photoaging
However, results from retinoid skincare depend heavily on consistency. A product used occasionally is unlikely to outperform a product that someone can comfortably incorporate into a long-term routine.
Panax Ginseng
Ginseng has a long history in Korean skincare and traditional Asian beauty practices. In modern cosmetic formulations, ginseng is valued as a botanical ingredient used to support the appearance of healthier, more hydrated and revitalized skin. Interestingly, ginseng is also an important ingredient in Beauty of Joseon's retinal formula. That gives the two products one obvious point of similarity.
Peptides
BioMaxx also incorporates peptides into the formula. Peptides are short chains of amino acids used in skincare formulations for various cosmetic purposes, including supporting the appearance of firmer, smoother-looking skin.
They are particularly interesting in anti-aging routines because they complement the broader goal of improving the appearance of skin quality rather than focusing on only one visible concern.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Another notable component is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid. This is a derivative of vitamin C. Vitamin C derivatives are commonly incorporated into cosmetic formulas designed to improve the appearance of brightness and uneven-looking skin tone.
That gives the BioMaxx formula another dimension beyond retinal.
Bakuchiol
BioMaxx also combines retinal with bakuchiol. Bakuchiol has become popular as a plant-derived cosmetic ingredient frequently discussed alongside retinoids. It is important, however, not to treat bakuchiol as simply "natural retinol." They are chemically different ingredients.
The interesting aspect of including both is the formulation strategy: retinal remains the retinoid component while bakuchiol provides another complementary ingredient for an anti-aging skincare routine.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is another widely used skincare ingredient. It is commonly incorporated into formulas intended to improve the appearance of uneven tone, dullness and overall skin texture while supporting the skin barrier.
This makes it a particularly useful companion ingredient in a facial serum.
Beauty of Joseon revive eye serum: A different strategy
Beauty of Joseon's Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal is a very different proposition. The brand specifically positions it around the eye area. Its official product description highlights three primary cosmetic goals: smoothing, firming and hydration.
The formula contains retinal and ginseng alongside niacinamide, adenosine, sodium hyaluronate, tocopherol, ceramide NP and palmitoyl tripeptide-5. This is a well-considered combination for an eye-focused product.
The delicate skin around the eyes has different practical considerations from the rest of the face. For that reason, some consumers prefer using a dedicated eye product rather than applying the same facial serum everywhere. Beauty of Joseon also recommends that retinal beginners introduce the product gradually and perform a patch test if they have sensitive skin.
The biggest difference - Face serum vs. eye serum
This is where many online comparisons become misleading. BioMaxx and Beauty of Joseon should not be viewed as perfect substitutes.
BioMaxx is designed around the face.
Its ingredient profile makes sense for someone looking for a multi-dimensional facial serum addressing the appearance of:
- Fine lines
- Uneven texture
- Dullness
- Visible signs of aging
- Uneven-looking skin
- Overall skin quality
Beauty of Joseon is designed around the eye area.
Its formula emphasizes the appearance of:
- Under-eye fine lines
- Firmness
- Hydration
- Brightness
- Puffiness and tired-looking eyes
Beauty of Joseon specifically describes its product as an eye serum and instructs users to apply it around the eye area. That distinction alone may determine which product makes more sense for a particular consumer.
Retinal strength - why percentage isn't the whole story
One of the biggest mistakes consumers make when comparing retinal products is looking only at the percentage printed on the packaging. A higher number does not automatically mean a better product.
With retinal, formulation matters enormously.
Factors such as:
- Stabilization
- Delivery system
- Packaging
- Supporting ingredients
- Skin compatibility
- Application frequency
- Overall formulation
can influence the real-world experience.
Beauty of Joseon describes its retinal as being delivered in a stabilized retinal-liposome system. Some independent reviews have reported the product as containing a 2% retinal liposome complex with 0.02% retinal itself, although consumers should always rely on the manufacturer's current packaging and official ingredient information when comparing concentrations.
This is an important distinction because a "retinal complex percentage" and the percentage of pure retinal are not necessarily the same thing. Consumers should therefore be careful when comparing percentages between products. Never compare two retinal products based on a number alone.
Which formula is more comprehensive?
This depends on what "comprehensive" means to you. If you mean a formula containing multiple complementary ingredients for a facial skincare routine, BioMaxx has an interesting advantage.
Its highlighted combination of:
Retinal + Ginseng + Peptides + Vitamin C derivative + Bakuchiol + Niacinamide
creates a broader facial skincare concept. If you mean an eye-focused formula designed around hydration and barrier-supporting ingredients, Beauty of Joseon has a strong proposition.
Its formula includes:
Retinal + Ginseng + Niacinamide + Sodium Hyaluronate + Ceramide NP + Peptide + Tocopherol.
So the winner depends on the objective.
BioMaxx vs. Beauty of Joseon for fine lines
Both products are appropriate for consumers interested in improving the appearance of fine lines. Retinal is the key common ingredient. But the application area matters. If your main concern is the whole face, BioMaxx makes more sense as the primary retinal serum.
If your concern is specifically the under-eye area, Beauty of Joseon offers a product specifically designed around that region. For someone building a complete anti-aging routine, the two products could theoretically serve different roles rather than competing directly.
A facial retinal serum can be used as the primary treatment product, while a dedicated eye serum can be used around the eyes if desired and tolerated.
BioMaxx vs. Beauty of Joseon for mature skin
Mature skin often has multiple visible concerns at the same time. It may not be only about wrinkles. People may also notice:
- Dullness
- Uneven-looking pigmentation
- Rough texture
- Loss of radiance
- Dryness
- Fine lines
- Less visible firmness
- Makeup settling into texture
This is where a multi-ingredient facial serum can be attractive. BioMaxx's formula brings retinal together with niacinamide, a vitamin C derivative, peptides, bakuchiol and ginseng.
That makes it particularly interesting for someone who wants a single facial serum that approaches anti-aging from multiple directions. Beauty of Joseon, meanwhile, is particularly appealing if the eye area is the consumer's main concern.
What about sensitive skin?
This is where consumers need to be realistic. Neither product should automatically be described as "irritation-free." Retinal is a biologically active retinoid. Some people experience:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Peeling
- Tightness
- Stinging
- Increased sensitivity
especially when introducing retinoids too quickly. Beauty of Joseon itself recommends patch testing for sensitive skin and gradually introducing the product for retinal beginners. The same principle should apply when introducing any retinal serum.
A sensible introduction strategy
Start with a small amount.
Use it only a few nights per week.
Monitor how your skin responds.
If your skin remains comfortable, gradually increase frequency.
Do not assume that using more product will produce faster results.
It usually just increases the amount of product sitting on the skin.
Don't forget moisturizer
A retinal routine does not need to be complicated. A simple evening routine can look like:
Cleanser → Retinal serum → Moisturizer
For people with sensitive or dry skin, another approach is to apply moisturizer before and/or after the retinal product depending on their tolerance and the formulation. The goal is not to make your skin feel "tight" or aggressively exfoliated. The goal is sustainable use.
And sunscreen is essential
Retinoid skincare and sunscreen belong together. A good morning routine should generally include broad-spectrum sunscreen. Retinal is used primarily as part of an evening skincare routine, while daytime sun protection helps protect skin from UV exposure that contributes to visible photoaging.
Beauty of Joseon explicitly recommends sunscreen when using its retinal product. If you're investing in a retinal serum but routinely skipping sunscreen, you're missing an important part of an effective anti-aging skincare strategy.
Which one is better for beginners?
There is no universal winner. For someone who wants to start with a dedicated eye product, Beauty of Joseon may be attractive because the formula is specifically positioned for the eye area and the brand provides gradual-use guidance.
For someone looking for a facial retinal serum, BioMaxx is the more directly relevant choice. The better question isn't:
"Which brand is better?"
It is:
"What am I trying to treat?"
Which one is better for the whole face?
This is where the distinction becomes very clear. If your goal is a retinal product specifically for the whole face, BioMaxx Advanced Retinal Serum is the more logical choice.
Its formulation is built around facial skincare rather than being primarily an eye treatment. Beauty of Joseon's Revive Eye Serum can be used beyond the eye area according to some third-party reviews, but its official positioning remains an eye serum. For consumers searching specifically for a retinal face serum, BioMaxx therefore has a clear positioning advantage.
Which one is better for the eye area?
Here, Beauty of Joseon has the obvious advantage in product positioning. The product was specifically created and marketed for the eye area.
Its formula contains ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate and ceramide NP alongside retinal and ginseng, and the brand provides specific application instructions for the eye area. If someone is primarily concerned with their under-eye area, a dedicated eye product may be more appropriate.
BioMaxx vs. Beauty of Joseon: ingredient philosophy
Perhaps the most interesting difference is not simply the ingredients themselves. It is how those ingredients are combined.
Beauty of Joseon follows a Korean skincare philosophy centered around a relatively elegant combination of traditional-inspired botanical ingredients and modern cosmetic actives. Ginseng is central to the identity of the product.
BioMaxx takes a more ingredient-stacked facial anti-aging approach. The formula combines retinal with ginseng, peptides, a vitamin C derivative, bakuchiol and niacinamide. That means the products appeal to slightly different consumers.
Beauty of Joseon may appeal to someone who wants:
A lightweight, Korean-inspired eye treatment centered around ginseng and retinal.
BioMaxx may appeal to someone who wants:
A multi-ingredient retinal facial serum designed to fit into a broader anti-aging skincare routine.
Is BioMaxx "better" than Beauty of Joseon?
It would be unfair—and scientifically weak—to say that one product is universally better. Beauty of Joseon has a strong formula and a clearly defined purpose.
Its official product information reports a two-week clinical evaluation involving 21 subjects that found an 8.65% improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, along with consumer-perception findings. Those results are specific to that product and study design and should not be interpreted as proof that it will outperform every other retinal product.
BioMaxx has a different formulation philosophy and a different primary use case. So rather than declaring an absolute winner, it is more useful to compare them by consumer need.
The Verdict
Choose BioMaxx if you want a facial retinal serum.
BioMaxx Advanced Retinal Serum is particularly interesting for consumers who want to incorporate retinal into a whole-face anti-aging routine while also getting complementary ingredients such as ginseng, peptides, niacinamide, bakuchiol and a vitamin C derivative.
It is designed around a broader facial skincare concept.
Choose Beauty of Joseon if your priority is the eye area.
Beauty of Joseon's Revive Eye Serum is specifically positioned for the delicate eye area and combines retinal with ginseng, niacinamide, hydration-focused ingredients, ceramide NP and a peptide.
Its formulation makes it a compelling option for someone whose primary concern is under-eye appearance.
Could you use both?
For some skincare enthusiasts, yes. The products serve different purposes. A possible routine could involve a facial retinal serum for the face and a dedicated eye serum around the eyes. However, this is not necessary for everyone.
More products do not automatically mean better skincare. If you're already getting good results from one retinal product, consistency is generally more important than building an unnecessarily complicated routine.
And because both products contain retinal, introducing both simultaneously could make it more difficult to determine how your skin is responding. Start slowly. Let your skin adjust. Then decide whether another product adds meaningful value.
The bigger lesson - Don't shop by brand alone
The popularity of Beauty of Joseon demonstrates something important about modern skincare consumers. People are becoming more ingredient-conscious. They want to know:
What is the active ingredient?
How is it formulated?
What else is in the serum?
Where should I use it?
Can I tolerate it?
Does it fit my routine?
These are much better questions than simply asking which product is more popular. Retinal itself is only one part of the equation. The final experience depends on the complete formulation, how the product is packaged and stored, how frequently it is used, and—most importantly—whether the consumer can use it consistently.
Final comparison
If you're looking for a retinal face serum, BioMaxx deserves consideration because its formula takes a broader facial anti-aging approach.
If you're looking for a retinal eye serum, Beauty of Joseon's Revive Eye Serum is specifically designed around that purpose. Neither product needs to be the "enemy" of the other. In fact, they represent two different approaches to the same growing skincare category.
BioMaxx focuses on the face.
Beauty of Joseon focuses on the eye area.
Both use retinal.
Both incorporate ginseng.
But the supporting ingredients and intended use make them different products. And that is exactly what consumers should look at when choosing skincare. The best retinal serum isn't necessarily the one with the biggest marketing claims, the highest percentage, or the most famous brand.
It is the one whose formulation, intended use and tolerability fit your skin and your routine well enough that you can use it consistently over time.
Frequently ssked questions
Is BioMaxx retinal the same as Beauty of Joseon retinal?
No. Both products contain retinal, but they are different formulations designed with different primary purposes. BioMaxx Advanced Retinal Serum is positioned as a facial serum, while Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum is specifically positioned for the eye area.
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Which is better for the whole face?
BioMaxx is the more directly relevant choice if you are specifically looking for a facial retinal serum.
Which is better for under-eye fine lines?
Beauty of Joseon has an advantage in this category because its Revive Eye Serum was specifically formulated and marketed for the eye area.
Can retinal help the appearance of fine lines?
Retinoids are widely used in skincare for visible signs of aging, including fine lines and uneven texture. Retinal is one member of the retinoid family.
Is retinal stronger than retinol?
Retinal and retinol are different retinoids. Retinal requires fewer conversion steps to reach retinoic acid than retinol, but product performance cannot be judged from the ingredient name alone.
Can retinal irritate skin?
Yes. Retinal can cause dryness, redness, peeling or irritation, particularly when introduced too quickly. Beauty of Joseon recommends patch testing and gradual introduction for beginners.
Should I use retinal every night?
Not necessarily when starting. Begin gradually and increase frequency according to your skin's tolerance.
Should I use sunscreen with retinal?
Yes. Daily sun protection is an important part of any serious anti-aging skincare routine, and Beauty of Joseon specifically recommends sunscreen when using its retinal product.
Can I use retinal and vitamin C?
They can be incorporated into the same overall skincare routine, but beginners may prefer keeping the routine simple and introducing active ingredients gradually. BioMaxx already contains a vitamin C derivative as part of its formula.
Can I use two retinal products together?
There is usually no need to layer multiple retinal products. Doing so may increase the risk of irritation without necessarily providing better results.
Is Beauty of Joseon only for women?
No. Skincare ingredients such as retinal, niacinamide and peptides are not gender-specific. The product can be used by anyone whose skincare needs and tolerance are appropriate for the formula.
Is BioMaxx only for mature skin?
No. Retinal can be incorporated into skincare routines for adults with different goals. However, the appropriate product and frequency depend on individual skin needs and tolerance.
The Bottom Line
For a retinal facial serum: BioMaxx Advanced Retinal Serum.
For a retinal-focused eye serum: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum.
The smartest choice isn't necessarily choosing one brand over another.
It's choosing the product that matches where you want to use it, what you want from your routine, and what your skin can comfortably tolerate.
And when it comes to retinal skincare, consistency will always matter more than hype.