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Today, we delve into the ancient Korean anti-aging secret known as Korean Ginseng, or “Herb from the Gods” (신초, 神草). Hello, everyone, and welcome back to my channel! If you’re new here, I’m Odile, a marketing professional in the Korean beauty industry, dedicated to sharing insightful content on K-beauty trends and history. Be sure to subscribe and enable notifications to enhance your K-beauty knowledge!
Korean Ginseng has been a mainstay in traditional medicine for thousands of years, initially celebrated for its health benefits, such as boosting immunity and combating fatigue. The secret behind its remarkable properties lies in active compounds known as saponins, specifically Ginsenosides, unique to ginseng. These compounds offer numerous health benefits, including improved blood circulation and potential cancer risk reduction. Korean ginseng is deemed superior to American, Chinese, or Japanese varieties due to its higher diversity and concentration of Ginsenosides.
The high demand for Korean ginseng in the 19th century led to a surge in counterfeit products. To protect its reputation, the Korean government imposed a state monopoly on ginseng cultivation, which lasted until 1996. Today, Korean ginseng remains a significant export, with Red Ginseng recognized for its health-enhancing properties.
As a skincare ingredient, Korean ginseng is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids, shielding the skin from environmental damage and preventing premature aging. Certain varieties even stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkle appearance. However, not all ginseng types are equal; differences in properties and market prices can be significant.
When choosing ginseng skincare products, consider the growing environment. Ginseng that grows without human interference often contains significantly more active ingredients. There are several categories:
- Greenhouse-Cultivated Ginseng is the least potent.
- Field-Grown Ginseng is cultivated in controlled environments.
- Wild-Simulated Mountain Ginseng strikes a balance between wild and cultivated ginseng.
- Natural Wild Ginseng, the rarest and most valuable, grows independently in untamed environments and can be seven to ten times more potent.
Processing methods also play a crucial role; different techniques can alter ginseng’s bioactive content. The Koreans recognize five main types:
- Fresh Ginseng contains minimal saponins and mainly offers antioxidant benefits.
- White Ginseng is peeled and sun-dried, possessing medicinal properties.
- Red Ginseng, steamed and dried, is the most medicinally potent.
- Taeguk Ginseng is processed between white and red.
- Black Ginseng, a newer variety, is steamed multiple times but may lose some effectiveness.
In Korea, ginseng is often listed under the same name (Panax Ginseng) in skincare products, making it vital to pay attention to product descriptions. While there is a wealth of common knowledge in Korea regarding these distinctions, many international consumers might not be aware of them.
Korean beauty brands must disclose detailed information about their ginseng products to be taken seriously. Regulatory agencies closely monitor claims related to ginseng. If a brand uses high-quality ginseng, they will indeed highlight that fact on their packaging.
Now, let’s look at some top recommendations for ginseng serums from reputable brands known for their focus on quality ingredients.
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Donginbi: Known for its historical significance tied to Korean ginseng, Donginbi produces the “1899 Single Essence EX,” which contains 97.2% Red Ginsenic Water. This essence revitalizes the skin by targeting signs of aging, leaving it hydrated, soft, and radiant.
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Sulwhasoo: This renowned brand employs advanced research and has developed the “Concentrated Ginseng” line. Their “Concentrated Ginseng Rescue Ampoule” contains Ginsenomics™, which promotes collagen production and reduces wrinkles. It combines active ginseng ingredients with benefits from ginseng berries.
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The History Of Whoo: With a commitment to traditional Korean medicine, this brand offers the “Jinyulhyang” line, which features Natural Wild Red Ginseng. The “Jinyul Intensive Revitalizing Essence” is particularly noted for its tightening and revitalizing effects, making it perfect for individuals experiencing skin elasticity loss.
In conclusion, Korean Ginseng is an incredibly complex and potent ingredient for skincare, reflecting centuries of traditional wisdom and modern research. Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insightful content on Korean beauty! See you next time!
36 Comments
I was really curious about the History of Whoo Jinyulhyang Revitalizing Essence after you mentioned it made you less puffy… I bought it and the Balancer from the same line and OMG! It works! My skin has been less sallow/dull and even less bloated the mornings after I use it. What black magic is this?! I appreciate you introducing these gems, there's really not much information about it in the West.
Odile, Thank you so much for your in depth presentations. I recently rewatched this video as I was looking for a different Ginseng supplement and knew I would find the answer I was looking for in this video. Ginseng has far reaching properties, and you have a far reach in your audience. I use all three of the pproducts you mentioned here, depending on my skin needs at the time. My every day favorite is the Donginbi. I have somewhat oily skin from my youth by it is changing now but still love the watery essence texture of this one. The other two I use at night. Thank you again for your excellence in Korean Skincare and I, as always look forward to your next video. Karen
Hello Odile, hope you are well and life is good for you. I'm interested in buying some Donginbi products. I would like to ask you a few questions, if you don't have time to answer I understand, you have a busy life. I'm 70 years old, have dry and dehydrated skin. Do you have recommendations for products I could try. I read somewhere that the 1899 X essence is drying compared to the original 're alcohol and perfume. Interested in the defence line. Have you tried the moisturizers and do you have a favourite and what would you recommend for me.
I have tried and love S:UM essence and find it very hydrating, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the line in the future.
Many thanks to all the videos you have made, they are so informative.
I’m wondering if you could do a video for the Donginbi’s Lab 1899 range. So far I haven’t seen that many in-depth reviews of it and I’m curious about this range. Thanks 🙏
Im 21 with premature aging will the sulwhasoo recommended for my skin? My eyes have sunken and i see lines trying to appear on my forehead…or is the essence a better choice? I have oily sensitive skin
Hello……Thank you so much for your informed video's. I luckily fell in to using Sulwhasoo as my starter in Korean Skin Care. I think I would have been devastated if I had picked something else. But I do admit it was pretty arbitrary. Now with your helpful videos I have learned so much about Korean skin care that I feel confident to branch out to other luxury lines. I am sorry to say that there are many on You Tube with no knowledge just recommending product. I am anxious for you to resume producing more video. Thank you again for the treasure trove of information. PS at 73 my skin has improved so much in the 4 months using Sulwhasoo.
Excuse me! Sulwhasoo and The History of Whoo, which brand's anti-aging product is better?
Excuse me! Sulwhasoo and The History of Whoo, which brand's anti-aging product is better?
Thanks
Odile, really good video om ginseng. I would like to know in your opinion, is sulwhasoo as a brand worthed to buy for antiaging and firming? I couldn’t find the donginbi 1899 essence in store in Australia. I would like to try first since my skin can be sensitive sometimes.
I only see the sulwhasoo concentrated ginseng serum at sephora here and like the smell of subtle ginseng. I couldn’t find the concentrated rescue ampoule. Is the concentrated ginseng serum as good as the concentrated ginseng ampoule?
I really like your videos information.
Also, do you mix n match skincare products or you use a single line? Which is better?
Thank you, great video! You didn't mention a very important thing… Which ones of these companies are cruelty free and vegan?
Thank you
Hey! I'm a new subscriber that to happened to stumble across your content and I have been loving all the videos! Its very informative. I'm curious about your take on notion of Western vs Eastern skincare for anti-aging. When it comes to reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, do you think investing in mainstream retinol products from brands like Paula’s Choice, COSRX and Some By Mi are more effective than going for Traditional Korean Hanbang options? Specifically, I'm wondering if splurging on premium panex ginseng brands like Sulwhasoo, Donginbi and The History of Whoo justifies the higher price for better results. What's your perspective on this 🙂?
Very good explanation of all point of the Ginsing, thank you so much for such an appreciate work you do ❤
Obrigada! Quase não encontro informações no Brasil. Amo produtos coreanos. Minha pele fica linda❤
Hi i have melazma on my face can you suggest the right product
Hello! It's the first time that I find and enjoy your videos, I was wondering all the time about why i can't find about the luxurious product of korean and hopefully I find your channel 😍🤗I am very happy and interested to listen and watch all your videos! 🎉Thank so much! ❤And it's true when we listen to you our K-beauty knowledge goes to another level 🎉💯👍
Great channel! So happy to discover it. Thanks a lot your truly deep approach.
Thanks Odile❤❤❤
Im so glad i found your channel, I love your in depth analysis on Korean brands and I could listen to you all day
What an amazing video! I really appreciate all the well-researched information you provided! All these information are very less known from the west. Looking forward to the 2nd video on ginseng!
I use all History of whoo because of the Ginseng it works ❤
I just finished the Seolhwasoo rescue ampoule, I didn't have expectations, but I don't think I am immagining, not now 2 months after I gave birth and I barely sleep, I am always stressed and grumpy with a newborn amd a toddler..My skin should look awful but why does it look so good? Plumper, more hidrated, brighter.. I incline to believe this rescue ampoule really did something for my skin. It is expensive,but lately, thanks to you, I started buying less, and focus more on quality products. And it's always worth it. I never regret spending this much, because I see results. I haven't tried the 진율향 products yet, but I can't wait. Thank you!
Are any of them cruelty free?
Thank u do much for your reasearch, time , knowledge and information. I really appreciate all of your videos .It's helping me to find and try new good quality Korean products and not just blindy buy something .
U taught me a lot about Ginseng . So u r my Ginseng teacher.
Where place your shop plz reply
The new Donginbi 1899 essence ex has added fragrance in it now and I don’t like the smell. It’s very strong. I wish they would make it without fragrance like the old one! 😢
Hi odile, i am looking forward for part 2 of ginseng. Thank you❤
Intanto grazie per tutte le info che ci dai…ho 59 anni pelle secca e rughe..questi prodotti vanno bene x me?😊
Hi, I’ve just found you now… have you anything for a 67 year old…for my tired eyes please
I have learned so much from your videos. I can hardly wait to try these products, and I'm hoping to find these products at INC duty-free shop, I have a few hours of layovers 🙂
Amazing video!
Hi Odile, how would you compare Donginbi Power Repair emulsion and Whoo Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Concentrate? I'm 40 yo with very dehydrated combo skin. I love you channel and all the effort you put into the content you upload. Thank you so much 🙂 It's so informative. I already bought sloads of products you recommend. It's hard to get them all into skincare routine so basically i'm trying to avoid having 2 or more products with similar functions
Came looking whether I should keep investing in Sulwhasoo renewing cream and left with immense knowledge on the topic ginseng. Thank you so much!
Such an impressive presentation and much needed for some of us who live and admire, as well as respect beauty and well being as a form of self-love (beauty too, of course!). Brava!