Ginseng

What is ginseng?

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a medicinal plant whose root has been prized in Korea for centuries. In Korean it’s called insam. When the fresh root is steamed and dried, it becomes red ginseng (hongsam), which is considered especially valuable. Its key active compounds are the ginsenosides, a group of plant saponins.

How does ginseng work on the skin?

• Antioxidant: ginsenosides neutralise free radicals caused by UV radiation and pollution.
• Anti-ageing: lab studies show that ginsenosides can support collagen production.
• Radiance: in Korea, ginseng is traditionally used for a fresh, even complexion. In the lab, individual ginsenosides influence melanin production.
• Vitality: tired, stressed skin often looks fresher with regular use.

Which skin types is ginseng suitable for?

• mature skin with first lines – see Anti-ageing skincare
• tired, dull skin
• dry skin, as ginseng products are usually rich formulas

Ginseng is considered well tolerated. If your skin is very sensitive, patch test new products on a small area first.

How to use ginseng

1. Pat in a ginseng toner or essence after cleansing.
2. Apply a serum or eye care product with ginseng.
3. Finish with a moisturiser and use sunscreen in the morning.

You can use ginseng morning and evening.

What can you combine ginseng with?

• Retinal for fine lines – a popular combination in Korean eye serums
• Snail mucin for repair and hydration
• Peptides and adenosine for more firmness
• Niacinamide for a more even tone

Ginseng in Korean skincare

Ginseng stands for traditional Korean herbal medicine, hanbang. Beauty of Joseon’s ginseng line is especially well known. From our range: the Revive Serum with ginseng and snail mucin, the Revive Eye Serum with ginseng and retinal, the Ginseng Essence Water, the Ginseng Cleansing Oil and the Ginseng Moist Sun Serum from Beauty of Joseon, plus the SEOUL 1988 serums from KSECRET with black and red ginseng.

What does the research say?

A review summarises lab and animal studies in which ginseng extracts and individual ginsenosides influenced melanin production in the skin (Kim, Journal of Ginseng Research, 2015). There are still only a few large clinical studies on ginseng in cosmetics.