What is ginseng? And why do we see it so often in Korean skincare?

Ginseng is a herbaceous plant in the Panax genus (which literally means "all-healing" in Greek). The root is usually dried and processed into tea, capsules, powders, or extracts.

1. Anti-aging power

Ginseng is packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals (which cause skin aging) .

2. Boost for collagen production

It stimulates collagen production , which provides fuller, younger-looking skin.

3. Brightness & glow

Ginseng improves blood circulation in the skin , making your complexion healthier and more radiant — that signature “K-beauty glow” effect.

4. Reduces inflammation

It has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect , so it helps with redness, irritation and tired skin.

5. Energy boost for the skin

Just as ginseng energizes your body, it “revives” dull or lifeless skin, making it look fresher.

Ginseng in Korean skincare: what the science says

Ginseng is one of the classic ingredients in K-beauty. Recent research supports several skin-related effects: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulation of collagen production and skin repair, inhibition of melanogenesis (pigment formation), and potential anti-aging effects, Hwang, E., et al., 2015.

Evidence for anti-aging and wrinkle reduction (clinical & mixed)

Randomized, double-blind studies and cosmetic clinical trials show that topical products containing standardized ginseng extracts or enzymatically modified red ginseng can help reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration after weeks of use. Results vary depending on the formulation, concentration, and outcome measures, but several clinical reports and a randomized study support a beneficial effect, Shin, S., et al., 2017.

Ginseng essence water- Beauty of joseon:
https://www.tufiti.com/products/beauty-of-joseon-gingseng-essence-water-concentrated-hydrating-essence-150-ml

Ginseng + retinal eye crean- Beauty of joseon: https://www.tufiti.com/products/beauty-of-joseon-revive-eye-serum-ginseng-retinal-anti-wrinkle-eye-serum-30ml

Sources:
Hwang, E., et al. (2015). Efficacy and safety of enzyme-modified Panax ginseng for anti-wrinkle therapy in healthy skin: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Dermatological Science / Clinical Cosmetic Investigations (2015).

Shin, S., et al. (2017). Anti-aging activity of a standardized extract from Panax ginseng on periocular wrinkles: randomized, double-blind study. Cosmetics (MDPI).