Ginseng for Skin Benefits and Top Products in 2023

Korean Skincare Photo from Getty Images/Sonja Pacho

I’ve always been obsessed with Korean skincare products and trends. So, when K-Beauty brand Sulwhasoo invited me to Seoul back in June, I nearly jumped out of my seat with excitement. Four days with Sulwhasoo in their home city? Yes, please! I was about to embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of their newly reformulated First Care Activating Serum VI, and at the heart of it all was the star ingredient, ginseng.

Now, I know ginseng may not be the most popular ingredient in the US, but in South Korea, it’s practically a superstar. You can find it in a myriad of skincare products, from face serums to overnight sleeping masks. Stick with me as I spill the tea on everything you need to know about ginseng and the groundbreaking Sulwhasoo serum that harnesses its power.

The Sulwhasoo Anti-Aging First Care Activating Serum VI

Let’s talk about the star of the show – the Sulwhasoo Anti-Aging First Care Activating Serum VI. This little gem is priced at $89 and can be found at Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Play icon – that’s how amazing it is!

But what exactly is ginseng, you ask? Well, picture a white carrot, and that’s what ginseng looks like. It’s a traditional Korean herb that has been cherished for thousands of years. And let me tell you, it’s not just for soups and teas anymore. When used in skincare products, ginseng’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties really shine. Think of it as a “superfood” for your skin, like green tea, kale, or mushroom extract. It’s basically a skincare party power pack!

So, what does ginseng actually do for your skin?

During my trip to Seoul, I visited the Amorepacific labs, and boy, did I learn a lot! Ginseng is bursting with antioxidants, making it a superhero in the fight against free radical damage. Dark spots and wrinkles, be gone! Ginseng also works hand in hand with sunscreen, boosting its effectiveness. It’s like a match made in skincare heaven.

But wait, there’s more! Ginseng is a hydration hero, improving your skin’s barrier function and increasing circulation. Say goodbye to dullness and uneven skin tone! And it doesn’t stop there. This all-natural dynamo even helps smooth fine lines and crepey skin texture. Talk about the whole package!

Now, let’s address the burning question: is ginseng good for anti-aging? You betcha! With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and collagen-boosting properties, ginseng is a bonafide anti-aging rockstar. It may not steal the spotlight from retinol or peptides, but as a supporting cast ingredient, it works wonders at smoothing and plumping your skin.

But which ginseng products should you use?

I might be a little biased, but you absolutely have to give Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum VI a try. This essence-like serum is the holy grail of ginseng goodness. It hydrates, preps, and pampers your skin to perfection. And let me tell you, the texture is lighter than a feather – no greasy residue here! I’ve been applying it in the morning under Alastin’s Brightening Serum and at night with my prescription cream from Curology, and my skin is loving the results. It’s like a dewy glow party on my face!

But don’t just stop at the serum. Sulwhasoo has a whole ginseng collection that deserves your attention. From the Silky Face Cream to the Plumping Eye Cream and even Creamy Sheet Masks, they’ve got your ginseng needs covered. Your skin will thank you later!

Are there any downsides to using ginseng?

In general, ginseng is as gentle as a bumblebee buzzing around a flower garden. Unlike other skincare ingredients, ginseng plays well with all skin types, including sensitive ones. No nasty side effects here! It’s a win-win situation.

The takeaway:

To sum it all up, ginseng is a skincare ingredient that so deserves a spot in your routine. It’s a game-changer, addressing dryness, discoloration, and fine lines with ease. The best part? It’s suitable for everyone, no matter their skin type or tone. So, go ahead, try out Sulwhasoo’s reformulated First Care Activating Serum VI or any of the top-rated ginseng-infused K-Beauty products mentioned above. Your skin will be forever grateful.

And just a little reminder, if you’re wondering why you should trust a beauty expert like me, well, let’s just say I’ve got the experience and the connections. With a decade in the industry, I’ve researched, written, and edited countless skincare stories. I’ve even had the privilege of working closely with top dermatologists and aestheticians. So, you can count on me to bring you the best of the best.

Now, go forth and let ginseng work its magic on your skin!

Ginseng for Skin Benefits and Top Products in 2023