Ginseng Skin Care: The Trendiest Herb In Korea

Prepare to be amazed by the recent hottest trend in Korea: ginseng skin care. Aside from being a classic ingredient in Asian cuisine, Ginseng has recently been touted as an all-natural elixir that can help you achieve beautiful glowing skin. 

But what makes ginseng so special and why should you care about adding it to your own skincare routine? Read on and find out how this humble root could be the key to revolutionary skin transformation.

What is ginseng for face?

Ginseng is a popular skincare ingredient that has been used in Asian cultures for centuries. Derived from a root found in mountainous regions of Asia, ginseng has long been valued as an herbal remedy and beauty aid due to its healing and hydrating properties.

Not only can ginseng reduce the signs of aging, but it can also help balance pH levels in the skin, aids in brightening and unifying complexion, and helps to energize the face with its natural ingredients. 

All of its benefits have made this root the main ingredient in many products. In fact, since ages ago, Koreans believe that ginseng is literally a godsend herb, or 'Shincho' in Korean, that has the power to fully transform dull skin into a glowy work of art. Nowadays, Korean ginseng skin care products, formulated mostly with red ginseng, are the most buzz-worthy additions to any routine and all skin types. 

Pros & Cons of using ginseng products

Pros

• Promotes circulation and promotes new cell growth, helping to diminish wrinkles and fine lines
• Reduces inflammation associated with acne, eczema, and rosacea
• Increases elasticity and collagen production which can plump the skin
• It has mild exfoliation properties that can brighten and lighten the complexion
• Inhibits melanin production, helping to treat dark spots, age spots, and hyperpigmentation
• Energizes the skin and brings dull skin back to life

Cons

• Though it’s rare, some people may be allergic to ginseng. Allergic reactions can include rashes, itchiness, inflammation, and peeling. It’s recommended to do a patch test before applying a ginseng product on your skin to discard any allergies. 

Ingredients specifications

Clean

Ginseng is a natural herb and is used with no added chemicals in Korean products, this makes it a clean and safe ingredient to use

Vegan

All types of ginseng (white, black, and red) are sourced from a root that can be found in Asia, so it’s plant-based and vegan-friendly

Pregnancy safe

Research suggests that applying ginseng topically is generally pregnancy-safe. However, we recommend consulting with your doctor before including any new products in your skincare routine. 

Breastfeeding safe

There’s not enough information about the risks of using ginseng skin care products while breastfeeding. It’s considered generally safe, but always consult your doctor before including it. 

Active ingredient

Since it has many anti-aging, brightening, and lightening benefits, ginseng is used as an active ingredient in skincare products. 

Comedogenic

Ginseng is labeled as a non-comedogenic ingredient, so it won’t clog your pores. In fact, many ginseng products can help reduce the inflammation caused by acne, treat acne scars, and reduce oil production (the main cause of acne)

EWG (Environment Working Group) Score 

Ginseng extract scored a “1” on the EWG scale, this means that the ingredient poses no harm to the skin.

CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating: A

The CIR rated the use of ginseng for face with an “A”, which means that ginseng skin care products are safe to use in skincare and cosmetic products. 

PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using this ingredient 

When to use ginseng for face?

Ginseng is gentle enough to be used daily in your morning and nighttime skincare routines. However, always read the product label to check the how-to-use instructions. 

What skin type is ginseng good for?

The root extract has benefits for all skin types. Sensitive skin can benefit from ginseng’s ability to reduce inflammation and redness. Dry and mature skin can make the best out of the ingredient capacity of promoting circulation and smoothing aging signs. Those with acne-prone and oily skin will love how ginseng reduces oil production and treats breakouts. And, finally, since ginseng can help with hyperpigmentation, those that suffer from this skin condition will enjoy ginseng’s benefits too. 

What you can’t mix with ginseng?

Ginseng is not known to react negatively to other ingredients. However, we always recommend to buy already formulated ginseng skin care products instead of mixing the ingredient with others because mixing ingredients by yourself can cause more damage to your skin than good. 

Top Picks

Bestsellers

1. Ginseng Essence Water
2. Ginseng Serum
3. Repair Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin

$5 and under Korean ginseng skin care products

1. Airy Fit Sheet Mask (Red Ginseng)
2. Pure Skin Red Ginseng Essence Mask Sheet
3. Real Nature Red Ginseng Face Mask

FAQ’s

Can ginseng lighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation?

Possibly! Some researchers have found that ginseng extract could help inhibit the production of melanin, a pigment responsible for skin color, which could theoretically lead to lighter skin and reduced hyperpigmentation

Why do Koreans like ginseng?

Koreans have a long-standing affinity for ginseng, believing that it has significant health benefits. The plant is commonly referred to as 'Shincho' in Korean, which roughly translates to "herb from the gods". Long before the Korean Beauty industry was created, Koreans believed that the strong root was effective to ward off illness and improve their health - so mentions of ginseng consumption date back centuries in writing. Nowadays, the nation still stands firm by this belief and has included ginseng in many of its most famous skincare products. 

Is ginseng good for anti-aging?

Several studies suggest that using ginseng in one form or another may help improve our overall health, wellness, and appearance as we age. It is thought to boost our energy levels and improve blood circulation which are both important to anti-aging. Additionally, its exfoliating properties can help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines when used regularly. 

Tips & Tricks to include ginseng in your skincare routine

• When it comes to Korean ginseng skin care products, the sky is the limit. You can include ginseng in the form of face masks, essences, serums, toners, cleansers, and the list goes on and on
• Make sure to do a patch test on the skin of your arms before applying ginseng products directly to your face, this will help you rule out any allergies. 
• It’s better to use formulated ginseng products instead of applying pure ginseng on your skin. This is because formulated products contain the right amount of ginseng for you to enjoy all its benefits.