While K-Beauty might be known for introducing all sorts of new and trendy ingredients to skincare, there are tried and true staples that will always find a devoted fanbase.
One of these is ginseng.
While this gnarly root might not be the most visually pleasing skincare ingredient, rest assured it’s packed with benefits for a whole range of skin types.
Will ginseng work for you? Let’s find out.
What is ginseng?
Ginseng is a herb that has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its restorative properties, with records of its use going as far back as 196 AD.
Taken orally, ginseng has been used to treat everything from tiredness and nausea to lowering blood sugar and boosting the immune system.
Ginseng is so widespread and prized that it’s common in Korea and China to give and receive ginseng supplements as gifts during special holidays.
With a growing body of research demonstrating the potential for ginseng as a topical ingredient, TCM-influenced Korean skincare brand Sulwhasoo began formulating ginseng skincare products in 1960.
Since then, both Eastern and Western skincare companies have developed products that include ginseng.
Skincare benefits of ginseng
Ginseng is chock full of Vitamin B, including skincare staples niacinamide and panthenol.
This makes ginseng great for:
1 Brightening skin 2 Boosting hydration 3 Evening skin tone 4 Reducing dark eye circles 5 Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles 6 Balancing sebum production 7 Sooth and calm acne 8 Stimulating collagen and elastin production
As an added bonus, ginseng is gentle enough for all skin types. If you’ve got sensitive skin or have experienced irritation from using Vitamin C in your skincare, it’s definitely worth giving ginseng a try for its similar benefits.
Ginseng skincare we love
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water – This essence takes inspiration from the wedding rituals of Korean nobility, where brides-to-be would bathe in ginseng water for glowing and refined skin before their weddings. Utilising four types of ginseng extract, this essence includes 80% ginseng water for smoother, brighter and more revitalized skin.
Beauty of Joseon Repair Serum – This serum combines 63% Ginseng Root Water with snail secretion filtrate for a luxuriously moisturising serum that can help manage the appearance of fine lines, improve the elasticity of skin and brighten a dull complexion.
COSRX Vitamin C Serum – a lightweight Vitamin C booster that fight early signs of aging. In addition, it helps improve skin's brightness. COSRX's potent serum is formulated with a stabilized form of Vitamin C at a pH of 3.36. This assists to minimise reactions when the product comes into contact with air.
Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream – Dynasty Cream isn’t your everyday moisturiser. This luxurious moisturising cream contains Rice Bran Water, Ginseng Root Water, Squalane and Niacinamide for brightening, skin firming and reducing the appearance of fine lines for a complexion fit for a princess.
Have you tried ginseng in skincare? Let us know your favourite Kbeauty products below in the comments!
