Sulwhasoo is widely considered Korea’s number one skincare brand, and after spending an intimate week with the brand last October in Seoul, I thoroughly understand why. As a beauty director who’s been completely immersed in the editorial world for roughly eight years, I was, of course, highly aware of Sulwhasoo’s sparkling reputation and rich legacy. However, between visiting the brand’s Bukchon flagship store, the House of Sulwhasoo, touring the Sulwhasoo Heritage & Science Center, and experiencing the freshly reimagined Ginseng Concentrated Rejuvenating Collection via the dreamiest facial at Dosan Spa, I have an even deeper appreciation for the meticulous nature in which each and every Sulwhasoo product is formulated.
Now, I’d like to preface this entire piece by saying I rarely mess with my current skincare routine, which, since dealing with relatively severe acne for years, I’ve remained militantly faithful to for roughly four years. It takes a seriously great product to elbow its way into my daily ritual, but with Sulwhasoo’s beautiful new Ginseng Concentrated Rejuvenating Collection, I’ve found seven that I’m not only using and loving myself but recommending to everyone I know. This, in and of itself, demonstrates the line’s It factor.
Korean ginseng is Sulwhasoo’s through line, as the antioxidant powerhouse has been an absolute focal point since it was first researched by the brand in 1955, ultimately becoming the star ingredient of the ABC Ginseng Cream, which debuted in 1966. (You can see that original formula spotlighted in my photo below.) Since then, there have been multiple iterations of the cream, all of which have inspired Sulwhasoo’s modern-day formulas.
There may be different types of ginseng native to a variety of areas around the world (there are both Chinese and American counterparts, for instance), but Korean ginseng is significantly more concentrated in active compounds, making it a superior option as a skincare all-star, something Sulwhasoo recognized almost immediately. As mentioned, Sulwhasoo has pioneered ginseng research for roughly 60 years, inspired by the herb’s potential rejuvenation benefits. Eventually, this led to the discovery of Korean Ginseng Actives—aka potent compounds that support skin longevity—which are now considered synonymous with the brand’s legacy and the new Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Collection, in particular. I’ve immersed myself in the collection for nearly five months, and I can attest that it is every bit as fantastic and effective as Sulwhasoo HQ promised me back in October. And now that it’s launched, I can’t wait to let you in on the secret as well.
Meet Sulwhasoo’s Freshly Reimagined Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Collection
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Water
Even though it’s not part of the newly released Concentrated Ginseng Collection, don’t be like me and spend years sleeping on Sulwhasoo’s fan-favorite Gentle Cleansing Foam ($38). It’s quite honestly one of the best cleansers I’ve ever tested, and this gorgeous Rejuvenating Water (aka, your newest toning obsession) is the ultimate second act. Powered by a trifecta of Korean Ginseng Actives, Ginseng Peptide, and Steamed Ginseng Water Concentrate, it helps activate the smooth, luminous, and youthfully firm skin of your dreams. Pair it with the rest of the line, and the results only get better.
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Ampoule
It’s hard to choose a favorite, but if I were pressed, I’d declare this juicy ampoule my favorite staple of the entire collection. As someone who appreciates long-term results but loves a dose of instant gratification as well, I’ve become downright obsessed with the immediate plumping and moisturizing effect this formula has on my very dehydrated Minnesota skin. I press it into my face right after cleansing and toning, and it’s as if I’ve given my complexion a potent IV drip. It locks in 24-hour-long hydration and also boasts improvement in fine lines and wrinkles after just six weeks of regular use.
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum
Not to sound like a broken record, but if you’re going to dabble in Sulwhasoo’s new collection, I highly recommend you snap up a few, if not all, of the seven products to truly maximize your results. That said, if I had to recommend just one Concentrated Ginseng product to add to your cart, it’d be this do-it-all serum. Yes, it’s an investment, but the beautiful bottle houses at least three different products in one, so you’ll be able to shorten your routine by using one truly effective formula. This potent serum features advanced capsule technology for enhanced, highly effective absorption. It marries the line’s hero Ginseng Actives, Ginseng Peptide, and Ginseng Capsules with retinol and niacinamide, delivering a dynamite formula that has the capability to tackle everything from fine lines and wrinkles to dullness and uneven skin texture. The popular saying “work smarter, not harder” should be this serum’s tagline.
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Emulsion
I prefer a short and snappy skincare routine, but taking the extra time to layer on this luxurious lotion post-serum and pre-moisturizer has made a significant difference in how my skin looks and feels. It’s like adding a defensive shield on top of the skin, protecting the barrier while simultaneously providing a silky-smooth finish. It’s a great middle layer of your skincare sandwich, but it’s also fantastic in lieu of a primer if you’re using it in the morning prior to applying makeup.
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Eye Cream
Some people feel as though eye products are an unnecessary step, but I’m team eye cream all the way and have been religious in my day and night application since college. I’m 31, but people often assume I’m 24 or 25, and I’m convinced the heavy attention I’ve given my eye area (one of the first places fine lines and wrinkles pop up) is a huge contributing factor. Of course, not all eye formulas are created equal, and I’ve always been incredibly discerning when it comes to the ones I’ve chosen to incorporate into my routine. I’m painfully picky about texture, and if I don’t notice a visible difference in how the skin around my eyes looks immediately and long-term, I’ll dismiss an eye formula with no reservations. All that to say, this eye cream from Sulwhasoo has quickly become a holy-grail, top-five formula for me. It has the deliciously thick and balmy texture I crave, and as someone who deals with circles, puffiness, and the looming threat of fine lines and wrinkles, I adore that it can effortlessly handle all three thanks to strategic additions of retinol and squalane, in addition to, of course, ginseng.
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream
I battled with my highly acne-prone skin for years, and with so many sneakily comedogenic face creams on the market, I developed a deep-seated fear of the category in its entirety. It’s only been in the last few years I’ve truly embraced thicker creams, but I’ve still found there to be slim offerings where non-pore-clogging formulas are concerned. I’m often forced to avoid richer formulas, regardless of their ingredients or composition, so I appreciate that Sulwhasoo’s Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Collection has both a rich option (see below) in addition to this lighter formula I’ve been using on repeat since October. It still provides my finicky complexion with the essential moisture acneic skin requires, but it’s unique in that it doesn’t cause my skin to erupt into a stubborn bout of breakouts.
Sulwhasoo
Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream Rich
Although this rich iteration isn’t a regular in my current regimen, it has the addition of nourishing avocado oil and is a great option for skin that’s a bit more mature or incredibly dry. (My mom, who has improbably ethereal skin at 77, is a big-time fan.) It boasts a dense, emollient-rich texture that seals in moisture in addition to all of the skin nutrition you’ve applied prior. What’s more, it plumps and infuses the complexion with an orb-like glow sure to result in high number of “your skin looks incredible” compliments. You’ve been warned!
