Introduction
Beauty of Joseon might still be flying a little under the radar for some Western skincare fans, yet within K beauty circles it is practically royalty thanks to its knack for marrying traditional hanbang ingredients with modern formulas. The brand has given us more than a few glow-giving favourites, so when it announced the Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask I was immediately intrigued.
The name alone feels unexpectedly charming; who knew red beans could sound so spa-worthy? According to Beauty of Joseon this wash-off treatment pairs red bean extract with kaolin to whisk away dead skin cells, tighten the look of pores and leave skin feeling cooled and soothed. Big promises for a humble legume.
I spent a full two weeks putting the mask through its paces, using it exactly as instructed: a thin layer on dry skin, a 5-10 minute wait, then a gentle rinse while giving myself a mini massage. Here is how it fared and whether it deserves a spot in your routine or just a polite nod of appreciation.
What is Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask?
This formula sits firmly in the wash off mask category, meaning it is designed to be applied, left on the skin for a short window and then removed completely. Wash off masks serve as a once or twice weekly boost rather than a leave on treatment, giving skin a concentrated hit of specific actives without the prolonged contact that can sometimes cause irritation. In this case the focus is twofold: red bean extract for gentle surface refinement and kaolin clay for oil absorption and a mild detoxifying effect.
Red bean extract is a traditional Korean ingredient valued for its ability to slough away dead cells while lending a touch of hydration. Kaolin, a soft clay, draws out excess sebum and grime from pores. The formula rounds things out with a handful of humectants and emollients so skin does not feel stripped after rinsing. The end goal is a smoother look, tighter appearing pores and a temporary cooling sensation that can be especially welcome on warmer days or after exercise.
Used according to directions the mask works within five to ten minutes, making it a relatively quick step in a routine. It aims to refine texture, manage oil and deliver a refreshed feel without the downtime associated with stronger exfoliating treatments.
Did it work?
In the name of hard-nosed skincare science I parked my usual wash off mask for a few days before starting, feeling rather proud of my uncharacteristically controlled experiment. Fourteen days and five applications later I think that window was long enough to see what the red bean brigade could really do.
First contact was pleasant: a cool jelly-cream texture that spread easily and stayed politely in place. The scent is faintly earthy, a reminder that legumes are indeed involved, yet it vanished within seconds. After the recommended ten minutes the rinse-off left my face noticeably softer and a little brighter, the way skin looks after a gentle physical exfoliant but without any scratchiness. Pores around my nose appeared fractionally tighter for the rest of the day though by evening the effect had tapered off.
By the third session my combination skin had settled into a predictable pattern. On application the mask delivered an instant chill that felt glorious post-gym, oil in my T-zone stayed manageable until late afternoon and there was zero tightness once I rinsed. I did not experience any redness or stinging, a minor victory given my tendency to overreact to clay formulas.
The real test was the final week. Two more uses did inch my skin toward a smoother feel and I did notice makeup gliding on with fewer mid-day touch-ups needed. Still, enlarged pores on my cheeks were only marginally less obvious and the results never lasted beyond 24 hours. In other words: a reliable quick fix rather than a transformative treatment.
So did it live up to the brand’s promises? Largely yes. It gently removed dull surface debris, gave a temporary refined look and kept oil at bay without stripping. Would I personally slot it into my permanent rotation? Probably not, only because the improvements, though pleasant, were short lived for me. That said if you crave a refreshing mid-week reset that plays nicely with pear, apple and strawberry extracts this little legume mask makes for a very agreeable cameo.
Main ingredients explained
The star of the formula is phaseolus angularis seed extract, better known as red bean. Rich in natural saponins and mild AHAs, it offers gentle surface exfoliation while delivering a whisper of hydration that keeps the clay from feeling chalky. Used traditionally in East Asian beauty rituals, this extract is also packed with antioxidants that help fend off dullness brought on by everyday pollutants.
Next comes kaolin, a soft white clay celebrated for soaking up excess oil without yanking every last drop of moisture from the skin. Its ultra fine particles nestle into pores, lifting out debris and leaving the complexion looking slightly more refined for a few hours after rinsing. Because kaolin is less aggressive than bentonite it suits combination or even mildly dry skin that still battles midday shine.
Glycerin steps in as the workhorse humectant, drawing water to the surface so the mask never sets into a brittle crust. Sorbitan olivate and cetearyl olivate add a silky slip that helps the formula spread evenly, while caprylic/capric triglyceride lends a cushiony feel. A trio of fruit extracts from pear, apple and strawberry brings mild enzymes plus an extra dose of antioxidants though their concentrations sit low on the deck.
Colour comes from ultramarines and CI 77491 (iron oxide), both cosmetic pigments deemed safe for topical use. They do not influence performance yet give the mask its muted reddish tint. Hectorite and sodium acrylate copolymer thicken the mixture so it stays put once applied.
Those watching for potential pore cloggers should note that caprylic/capric triglyceride and cetyl alcohol carry moderate comedogenic ratings. “Comedogenic” simply means an ingredient may trap oil and keratin in the follicle leading to blackheads or breakouts on skin that is already congestion prone.
Good news for ethical shoppers: all listed components are plant derived or mineral derived making the mask suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As for expectant users, there are no obvious pregnancy red flags like retinoids or high strength salicylates. That said any new topical during pregnancy warrants a quick check with your healthcare provider just to be safe.
Finally a nod to preservation. 1,2-hexanediol and ethylhexylglycerin create a gentle antimicrobial duo that keeps the water based formula stable without relying on parabens or formaldehyde releasers. The ingredient list is short, the fragrance light to nonexistent and overall the blend feels thoughtfully balanced for a once or twice weekly reset.
What I liked/didn’t like
Below is a quick breakdown of where the mask shines and where it might fall short for some users.
What works well:
- Cooling jelly texture feels soothing especially after workouts or hot days
- Gentle exfoliation leaves skin soft and smoother without post rinse tightness
- Short five to ten minute window makes it easy to slot into a busy routine
- Vegan friendly formula with minimal irritants suits most sensitive or combo skin types
What to consider:
- Refined pore look is pleasant but tends to fade within a day
- Oil control is mild so very oily skin may want a stronger clay treatment
- Contains a couple of moderately comedogenic emollients that may not suit acne prone users
My final thoughts
After five spins around the skincare carousel with Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask I feel confident it earns a solid 7/10. It is a pleasing quick fix that smooths texture, tempers shine for a few hours and feels satisfyingly cool on contact. If you are combination to mildly oily and want a speedy Sunday reset this fits the brief. If you are chasing long term pore shrinkage or heavy duty oil control you will likely want something punchier.
Friends often ask which masks make my permanent rotation and whether I would recommend this one. My answer is a qualified yes. I would happily point a normal or combo skin friend toward it for an easy mid week perk up. I would steer my chronically oily or deeply congested pals elsewhere and I suspect dry or sensitised complexions might find the clay element unnecessary.
For anyone weighing options I have also used plenty of worthy alternatives. Pink Clay Glow Mask by Deascal is my goldilocks choice when I need a covers it all treatment that exfoliates, brightens and decongests in a single sitting while staying kind to every skin type and wallet. Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque by Kiehl’s digs a little deeper on sebum control without leaving skin parched and Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask by Innisfree offers a satisfying purifying hit that still rinses off cleanly with no residue. Each brings something slightly different to the table so matching benefits to skin temperament is key.
Before you slap on any new mask please remember the basics. Perform a patch test, keep an eye on how your skin responds over several uses and adjust frequency rather than layering on extra time. I know I sound like an over protective parent but a little caution today saves a lot of irritation tomorrow. As ever results are temporary so consistent use plus a good daily routine will determine how long that fresh from the sink glow sticks around.