Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin by Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin

Serums

Safety score

Pregnancy-focused assessment

Medium Risk58/100
Higher concernLower concern

This formula contains an ingredient that needs extra caution in MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused assessment.

Formula and assessment check

Ingredient safety review updated 23 November 2025. Product formulas can change, so compare the ingredients shown here with the packaging you have.

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MamaSkin assessment · 23 November 2025

Is Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin suitable during pregnancy?

MamaSkin currently classifies Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin as Medium risk, with a stored score of 58/100. This assessment flags concerns that need closer consideration. Review the explanation with a qualified healthcare professional before deciding whether to use this formula during pregnancy.

What does the ingredient evidence show?

The recorded formula includes 2 ingredient entries with risk flags: Alpha-Arbutin 2% (Medium risk), Coptis Japonica Root Extract (Low risk). These are ingredient-level flags; they do not replace the stored product assessment or account for every formulation detail.

32 of 32 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. That describes documentation coverage, not proof that the finished formula has been clinically tested during pregnancy.

Ingredient breakdown

See how the listed formula falls across MamaSkin's pregnancy-focused risk bands.

30

No known risks

1

Low risk

1

Medium risk

0

High risk

Ingredients

Ingredients with a higher risk flag appear first, followed by the rest of the formula.

Alpha-Arbutin 2%

Medium Risk

Alpha-arbutin is a skin-brightening ingredient that inhibits tyrosinase and can be viewed as a glycosylated hydroquinone. The central safety signal is potential hydroquinone release/contamination plus systemic exposure from dermal absorption and aggregate exposure across multiple product types. Pregnancy-specific human outcome data for topical cosmetic exposure are limited; the medium-risk signal is hydroquinone-related concern and uncertainty rather than a robust pregnancy-specific safety dataset.

Sources: SCCS/1642/22: Alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin in cosmetics https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/safety-alpha-arbutin-and-beta-arbutin-cosmetic-products_en

Coptis Japonica Root Extract

Low Risk

Coptis japonica root contains isoquinoline alkaloids including berberine. Oral berberine has limited pregnancy data and precautionary concerns involving uterine activity and bilirubin displacement, while breastfeeding exposure is also discouraged. A cosmetic extract is used topically at much lower exposure and may vary in composition, so MamaSkin applies a precautionary Low Risk classification rather than an oral-supplement-level warning.

Sources: PubMed: Coptis japonica root-derived alkaloids including berberine, palmatine and coptisine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10552394/; MotherToBaby: Berberine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK600384/; European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory.

Oryza Sativa Bran Water 68.6%

No Known Risks

A botanical extract, plant water or plant juice used for conditioning, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of this exact cosmetic material were not identified, but no reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure. Oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant plant-derived ingredient assessments; no ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Show all (32)

Water

No Known Risks

Water (Aqua) is the standard purified water used as a cosmetic solvent. It has no pregnancy-specific risk in normal topical use.

Sources: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Water, https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredient-database/cosing-glossary-ingredients_en

Glycerin

No Known Risks

Glycerin is a widely used humectant that supports hydration and the skin barrier, with a long safety record and no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Butylene Glycol

No Known Risks

Solvent and humectant commonly used in leave-on products. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns at cosmetic exposure levels.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

1,2-Hexanediol

No Known Risks

1,2-Hexanediol is commonly used as a solvent and preservative booster; topical exposure is low and it has no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns at cosmetic concentrations, though very sensitive skin may occasionally react.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Dipropylene Glycol

No Known Risks

Dipropylene glycol is used as a solvent and carrier in cosmetics; topical exposure is low and it has no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns at cosmetic concentrations.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Niacinamide

No Known Risks

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is widely used for barrier support and tone/texture benefits, and is generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used topically at cosmetic concentrations.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Methyl Gluceth-20

No Known Risks

A glucose-derived humectant and conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that methyl gluceth-20 is safe as used in cosmetics; reviewed skin testing did not indicate sensitisation. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical cosmetic exposure.

Sources: CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methyl Gluceth-10 and Methyl Gluceth-20 https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org/view-attachment?id=fb9dc889-8e74-ec11-8943-0022482f06a6

Panthenol

No Known Risks

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) is used for soothing and barrier support and is generally well tolerated, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns in topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Polyglycerin-3

No Known Risks

A small glycerin polymer used as a humectant and conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic safety reviewers assessed polyglycerin-3 with diglycerin and related polyglycerins and concluded that they are safe in current practices of use and concentration. No pregnancy-specific concern was identified for normal topical use.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Diglycerin and Polyglycerins as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/panelbook/safety-assessment-diglycerin-and-polyglycerin-3-6-and-10-used-cosmetics

Trehalose

No Known Risks

Sugar-derived humectant used to help bind water and improve skin feel. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Related Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Glyceryl Glucoside

No Known Risks

A sugar-derived humectant or starch hydrolysate used to retain moisture and support formula texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed saccharide humectants and hydrogenated starch hydrolysate are safe in current practices. Dermal absorption of larger carbohydrate materials is expected to be limited.

Sources: CIR: Saccharide Humectants safety assessment; Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate final report, September 2015; CIR December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters

No Known Risks

A hydrolysed jojoba wax ester used for conditioning and texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that hydrolyzed jojoba esters are safe in current practices of use and concentration.

Sources: CIR: Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters final assessment, September 2008; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

No Known Risks

Large polymer thickener, stabilizer and texture ingredient used in gels, creams and sunscreens. Systemic exposure from topical cosmetic use is expected to be low, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern identified in reviewed cosmetic references.

Sources: CIR cosmetic ingredient safety references for acrylates copolymers; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Ethylhexylglycerin

No Known Risks

Preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent. Considered safe for cosmetic use with low systemic exposure when used as intended.

Sources: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU); Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US)

Hydroxyethylcellulose

No Known Risks

Cellulose-derived thickener used to build viscosity and improve texture. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR Quick Reference Table / ingredient status (Hydroxyethylcellulose, Final Report 03/2009); EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Xanthan Gum

No Known Risks

Natural polysaccharide thickener used for stability and texture. Not associated with pregnancy-specific concerns.

Sources: European cosmetics regulatory framework

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

No Known Risks

Polymer thickener and stabiliser used in creams and sunscreens. Low systemic exposure expected.

Sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US); Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU)

Arginine

No Known Risks

Amino acid used as a humectant, skin-conditioning agent, and pH-adjusting support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support normal topical use, with no pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific topical signal identified in the material reviewed.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of α-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Disodium EDTA

No Known Risks

Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve formula stability and performance; it is considered low concern in topical cosmetic use, with no known pregnancy or breastfeeding risks at typical concentrations.

Sources: CIR; EU/UK Cosmetics Regulation

Sorbitan Isostearate

No Known Risks

Emulsifier used to help oil and water phases remain mixed. Reviewed cosmetic safety sources support topical use in cosmetics; the main practical issue is irritation potential in some formulas rather than a pregnancy-specific concern.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Glucose

No Known Risks

Simple sugar used as a humectant and skin-conditioning support ingredient. Reviewed cosmetic ingredient references do not identify a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific concern for normal topical cosmetic use.

Sources: CIR: Safety Assessment of Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Related Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; EU CosIng / cosmetics regulatory inventory

Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract

No Known Risks

A botanical extract or plant water used for conditioning, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of this exact cosmetic material were not identified, but no reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure. Oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.

Sources: European Commission CosIng; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant plant-family assessments; no ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Glycine Soja Seed Extract

No Known Risks

A soybean seed extract used for skin conditioning. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed Glycine soja-derived ingredients are safe in current practices. Soy sensitivity remains possible.

Sources: CIR: Glycine soja-derived ingredients conclusion, IJT 44(Suppl. 1), 2025; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Hordeum Distichon Extract

No Known Risks

hordeum distichon extract is a botanical-derived cosmetic conditioning ingredient. The reviewed identity is not a concentrated essential oil or an oral herbal preparation. Available cosmetic evidence and expected topical exposure did not identify a pregnancy-specific contraindication, although botanical irritation or allergy remains possible.

Sources: CIR ingredient-specific and botanical-family safety assessments; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025; European Commission CosIng

Oryza Sativa Extract

No Known Risks

A rice-derived extract or wax used for skin conditioning, absorbency or texture. Cosmetic safety reviewers concluded that the assessed Oryza sativa-derived ingredients are safe in current cosmetic practices. Rice allergy remains possible in a susceptible person.

Sources: CIR: Rice-derived ingredients conclusions, IJT 25(Suppl. 2), 2006; December 2025 Quick Reference Table https://cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/QRT-Update-Dec2025.pdf

Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract

No Known Risks

A botanical extract, plant water or plant juice used for conditioning, soothing or antioxidant support. Direct pregnancy studies of this exact cosmetic material were not identified, but no reproductive or developmental hazard was identified for normal topical exposure. Oral herbal or medicinal use is outside this classification.

Sources: European Commission CosIng ingredient inventory; CIR botanical safety framework and relevant plant-derived ingredient assessments; no ingredient-specific human pregnancy study of normal topical cosmetic use was identified.

Triticum Vulgare Seed Extract

No Known Risks

No pregnancy-specific harm has been identified for ordinary, correctly formulated topical cosmetic use of triticum vulgare seed extract. This is a bounded botanical/extract assessment; direct pregnancy studies of the exact material are limited and oral, medicinal, damaged-skin or aerosol exposure is not included.

Sources: https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Botanical%20Decision%20Tree%20CIR%20June%202012%202.pdf

Vigna Radiata Seed Extract

No Known Risks

vigna radiata seed extract is a botanical-derived cosmetic conditioning ingredient. The reviewed identity is not a concentrated essential oil or an oral herbal preparation. Available cosmetic evidence and expected topical exposure did not identify a pregnancy-specific contraindication, although botanical irritation or allergy remains possible.

Sources: CIR ingredient-specific and botanical-family safety assessments; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025; European Commission CosIng

Zea Mays Kernel Extract

No Known Risks

zea mays kernel extract is a botanical-derived cosmetic conditioning ingredient. The reviewed identity is not a concentrated essential oil or an oral herbal preparation. Available cosmetic evidence and expected topical exposure did not identify a pregnancy-specific contraindication, although botanical irritation or allergy remains possible.

Sources: CIR ingredient-specific and botanical-family safety assessments; CIR Quick Reference Table https://www.cir-safety.org/supplementaldoc/quick-reference-table-december-2025; European Commission CosIng

Formulations can change without notice. For the most accurate result, compare this list with your packaging and scan the exact ingredient label in MamaSkin when you repurchase.

Questions about this assessment

Has every ingredient in Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin been assessed?

32 of 32 ingredient entries on this page have a recorded score, evidence summary and source text. That describes documentation coverage, not proof that the finished formula has been clinically tested during pregnancy.

Does this assessment apply to the Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin I have?

Only if the ingredient list on your packaging matches the recorded formula shown here. Formulas can differ by market and change over time. Compare the full list, not just the product name; report a mismatch if it differs.

Does this pregnancy assessment also establish breastfeeding suitability?

No. This page presents a pregnancy-focused product assessment. Do not infer a breastfeeding conclusion from its score or label; breastfeeding requires a separate assessment of the formula and how it is used.

How to use this assessment

The risk band is the primary conclusion. The score adds detail within that band and should not be used to compare products as if a one-point difference were clinically meaningful.

MamaSkin provides pregnancy-focused information, not medical advice. Your midwife, GP, pharmacist or dermatologist should take priority when your circumstances differ from typical cosmetic use.

Read the full methodology