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Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum

Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum

Product Description

A luxurious anti-aging serum powered by 60+ years of ginseng research. Features patented Ginsenomics™ technology with retinol-infused capsules that melt into skin to visibly reduce fine lines, boost firmness, and restore youthful radiance in as little as 7 days.

🇰🇷 K-Beauty · Made in South Korea
✔ Luxury Heritage Brand ✔ Patented Ginsenomics™ ✔ Retinol + Peptides ✔ Niacinamide Infused ✔ Paraben-Free ✔ Sulfate-Free ✔ Gluten-Free ✔ Clinically Tested
Pregnancy Safe
No ✗
Fungal Acne Safe
No ✗
Comedogenic Rating
2/5
💧
Size
50ml / 1.69 fl oz
🎯
Skin Concern
Anti-Aging
Key Active
Retinol + Ginseng
🧴
Product Type
Serum
Use Time
AM & PM

✨ Texture & Feel

💧
Consistency
Silky Serum with Capsules
👃
Scent
Herbal Ginseng
⏱️
Absorption
30-60 seconds
🎯
Finish
Dewy & Plump
🌿

190,000 Ginsenomics™ Capsules

Advanced capsule technology delivers ginseng actives 6,000x more concentrated than regular ginseng deep into skin for visible anti-aging results.

⚗️

Retinol-Infused Technology

Encapsulated retinol melts on contact, reducing fine lines and wrinkles while minimizing irritation common with traditional retinol products.

🧬

6-Peptide Ginseng Complex

Proprietary Ginseng Peptide™ blend combines ginseng-extracted peptide with 5 other peptides to enhance firmness and elasticity.

💎

60+ Years of Research

Backed by Sulwhasoo's heritage of Korean ginseng research since 1966, delivering proven anti-aging benefits trusted by generations.

🛡️ Safety & Compatibility

⚠️
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Not recommended. Contains retinol (Vitamin A derivative) which should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing. Consult your healthcare provider.

⚠️
Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not FA-safe. Contains Panax Ginseng Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, and Hydrogenated Lecithin which may feed malassezia yeast.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rating 2/5. Most ingredients are non-pore-clogging. Oils appear low in the formula. Suitable for most skin types.

⚠️
Retinol Sensitivity

Contains encapsulated retinol. Start with every other night use. Always use sunscreen during the day. May cause initial purging.

Clean Formula

Free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, hydroquinone, sulfates (SLS/SLES), formaldehyde, coal tar, oxybenzone, and triclosan.

ℹ️
Contains Fragrance

Less than 1% synthetic fragrance with natural herbal ginseng scent. Contains Linalool and Limonene (EU allergens). Patch test if sensitive.

🔬 Ingredient Breakdown

🌿 Korean Ginseng Actives (Ginsenomics™) Patented

Sulwhasoo's proprietary ingredient derived from enzyme-treated red ginseng saponins. Amplifies the rare anti-aging compounds found in ginseng at 6,000x concentration to strengthen skin's self-rejuvenating abilities.

  • Function: Anti-aging, barrier strengthening, hydration
  • Research: 60+ years of Sulwhasoo ginseng research
  • Clinical: 100% showed improvement in wrinkles after 6 weeks
Contains extracts from ginseng root, seed oil, leaf/stem, and flower for comprehensive benefits.

⚗️ Retinol 0.2-0.4% Proven

Gold-standard anti-aging ingredient encapsulated in Sulwhasoo's advanced ginseng capsule technology for optimal absorption and reduced irritation. Promotes cell turnover and collagen production.

  • Function: Reduces fine lines, boosts collagen, improves texture
  • Studies: Extensively proven to reduce visible signs of aging
  • Delivery: Encapsulated for stability and gentle release
⚠️
Not safe for pregnancy/breastfeeding. Use sunscreen daily. Start slowly to build tolerance.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Proven

A powerhouse multitasking ingredient that brightens skin, minimizes pores, strengthens the skin barrier, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone.

  • Function: Brightening, pore minimizing, barrier support
  • Benefits: Reduces blemishes, evens skin tone, anti-inflammatory
  • Compatibility: Works well with most other actives

🧬 Ginseng Peptide™ Complex Patented

A potent 6-peptide blend that combines a ginseng-extracted peptide with 5 other peptides. Works synergistically with Korean Ginseng Actives to enhance skin firmness, elasticity, and resilience.

  • Function: Firming, elasticity, collagen support
  • Peptides: Includes Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
  • Clinical: 100% showed improvement in elasticity after 6 weeks

💧 Sodium Hyaluronate Proven

Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into skin layers to provide long-lasting hydration and plumping effects from within.

  • Function: Deep hydration, plumping, moisture retention
  • Molecular Weight: Smaller molecules for better penetration
  • Capacity: Holds up to 1000x its weight in water

60 ingredients

Water / Aqua / Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone, Niacinamide, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Jojoba Esters, Fragrance / Parfum, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenoxyethanol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Sodium Metaphosphate, Linalool, Arachidyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Mannitol, Panax Ginseng Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Chloride, Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract, Limonene, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Flower Extract, Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Retinol, Propanediol, Lilium Tigrinum Bulb Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Polyaspartate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-9, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3

FREE FROM: Parabens, Formaldehydes, Formaldehyde-releasing agents, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Oxybenzone, Coal Tar, Hydroquinone, Sulfates (SLS & SLES), Triclocarban, Triclosan, Gluten

🔄 Where It Fits in Your Routine

1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Essence
4
This Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Apply after toner/essence, before heavier creams. Use AM & PM. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning due to retinol content.

📝 How to Use

1

Dispense Product

After cleansing and toning, pump 2-3 drops of serum onto your fingertips. You'll see the visible ginseng capsules suspended in the silky formula.

2

Warm Between Fingers

Gently rub the serum between your fingertips to warm it and burst the capsules, releasing the concentrated ginseng actives and retinol.

3

Apply with Upward Motions

Smooth the serum over your face and neck using upward and outward strokes. Focus on areas prone to fine lines like forehead, around eyes, and nasolabial folds.

4

Press to Absorb

Gently cup your face with your palms and press to help the serum absorb fully. Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen (AM). Use morning and night for best results.

👤 Who Is It For?

✅ Perfect for you if:

  • You're concerned about fine lines and wrinkles
  • You want to improve skin firmness and elasticity
  • You're looking for a luxurious anti-aging experience
  • You appreciate traditional Korean herbal ingredients
  • Your skin tolerates retinol products
  • You're in your 30s, 40s, 50s+ seeking visible anti-aging
  • You want to address dullness and uneven texture

❌ Consider alternatives if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
  • You have very sensitive or reactive skin
  • You're new to retinol (start with lower strength)
  • You're on a tight budget (this is luxury-priced)
  • You prefer fragrance-free products only
  • You have allergies to ginseng or botanical extracts

🎯 Skin Type Compatibility

Normal Skin ★★★★★ Excellent

Perfect match. Balanced formula provides anti-aging benefits without disrupting skin's natural equilibrium. Absorbs beautifully.

Dry Skin ★★★★★ Excellent

Highly recommended. Rich in hydrating ingredients like glycerin, betaine, and hyaluronic acid. Layer with a heavier cream for extra moisture.

Oily Skin ★★★★☆ Good

Works well despite rich texture. Niacinamide helps control sebum. Use sparingly and follow with a lightweight moisturizer.

Combination Skin ★★★★★ Excellent

Adapts well to different zones. The balancing properties of niacinamide make it suitable for varying skin needs across the face.

Sensitive Skin ★★★☆☆ Moderate

Patch test first. Contains retinol and fragrance which may irritate very reactive skin. Start with every other night use.

Mature Skin (40+) ★★★★★ Excellent

Ideal target audience. Addresses multiple aging concerns including wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dullness with powerful yet nourishing formula.

📈 Results Timeline

Week 1

Immediate Hydration & Glow

Skin feels instantly more hydrated and plump. The dewy ginseng glow becomes visible. Fine lines appear softer due to improved hydration. Some may experience mild retinol adjustment.

87% noticed improved hydration
Week 2-4

Texture Refinement

Skin texture starts to smooth out. Pores appear more refined. Early signs of improved firmness. Retinol purging (if any) typically subsides by end of week 3.

91% reported smoother skin
Week 4-6

Visible Anti-Aging Benefits

Fine lines and wrinkles visibly reduced. Skin feels noticeably firmer and more elastic. Overall complexion appears brighter and more even-toned.

100% showed wrinkle improvement (clinical study)
Week 8+

Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Full anti-aging benefits realized. Skin appears visibly younger with improved density. Continued use maintains and enhances results over time.

100% showed elasticity improvement (clinical study)

⭐ Ratings by Platform

💄 Sephora
★★★★ 4.5
Rating
500+
Reviews
⚠️ Main concern: High price point, but users agree results justify the investment
🛒 Amazon
★★★★ 4.4
Rating
800+
Reviews
⚠️ Main concern: Authenticity worries from third-party sellers; buy from authorized retailers
🌸 YesStyle
★★★★★ 4.7
Rating
300+
Reviews
⚠️ Main concern: Strong herbal ginseng scent may not appeal to everyone
🏠 Sulwhasoo.com
★★★★★ 4.8
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
⚠️ Main concern: Wish the bottle size was larger for the price

⚖️ Pros & Cons

✅ Praised

  • Luxurious, spa-like experience with elegant packaging
  • Visible results within 1-2 weeks of consistent use
  • Unique capsule technology is visually appealing and effective
  • Hydrating formula despite containing retinol
  • Backed by 60+ years of ginseng research
  • Comprehensive anti-aging (wrinkles, firmness, tone)
  • Works well under makeup
  • Clean formula free from major irritants

❌ Criticized

  • Premium price point ($215 for 50ml)
  • Strong herbal ginseng scent not for everyone
  • Contains fragrance and potential allergens
  • Not suitable for pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Not fungal acne safe
  • May cause irritation for retinol-sensitive skin
  • Small bottle size relative to cost
  • Requires sunscreen use (retinol sensitivity)

💰 Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)

85% Match
Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
$17.00 Budget Pick

Contains ginseng water as first ingredient plus snail mucin for similar anti-aging and hydrating benefits. No retinol, making it pregnancy-safe. Much more affordable entry point to ginseng skincare.

72% Match
innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum
$27.00 Budget Pick

Different hero ingredient (green tea vs ginseng) but similar hydrating and antioxidant benefits. Lighter texture, no retinol. Great for those who want K-beauty anti-aging without the high price.

78% Match
I'm From Ginseng Serum
$38.00 Similar

Features 7.98% ginseng root extract for anti-aging and antioxidant benefits. No retinol or peptides but more accessible price point. Good middle-ground option for ginseng enthusiasts.

82% Match
The History of Whoo Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Essence
$165.00 Premium

Another luxury Korean herbal brand with similar traditional medicine approach. Features self-generating anti-aging technology. Slightly lower price but comparable luxury experience.

🔄 Comparison with Competitors

The History of Whoo Bichup Essence

$165.00
Key Ingredients Wild Ginseng + Deer Antler + Herbal Complex
Size 85ml / 2.87 fl oz
Price per ml $1.94/ml
Pregnancy Safe Yes (No Retinol)
Research Backing Royal Court Formulas

SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence

$240.00
Key Ingredients Pitera™ + Niacinamide + Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine
Size 50ml / 1.69 fl oz
Price per ml $4.80/ml
Pregnancy Safe Yes (No Retinol)
Research Backing 40+ Years

Donginbi Red Ginseng Daily Defense Essence

$89.00
Key Ingredients 6-Year Red Ginseng + Niacinamide
Size 50ml / 1.69 fl oz
Price per ml $1.78/ml
Pregnancy Safe Yes (No Retinol)
Research Backing Korea Ginseng Corp.

📦 Storage & Shelf Life

📅
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. The encapsulated retinol helps maintain stability longer than traditional retinol serums.

🏠
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures. Refrigeration is optional but may enhance the soothing effect.

📦
Packaging

Airless pump bottle in luxurious amber glass. Protects light-sensitive retinol and prevents contamination. Elegant gold accents.

✈️
Travel Friendly

Yes, 50ml is under the 100ml TSA liquid limit. Mini size (15ml) also available. Secure pump prevents leakage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

No, this serum is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains retinol, a vitamin A derivative that should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development. While topical retinol absorption is minimal, healthcare providers generally advise against its use during pregnancy and nursing as a precaution. Consider retinol-free alternatives like the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng + Snail Mucin Serum until you're done breastfeeding.

No, this serum is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast, including Panax Ginseng Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, and Hydrogenated Lecithin. If you struggle with fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, consider looking for FA-safe alternatives that don't contain these potentially problematic oils and fatty acid-based ingredients.

This serum already contains retinol, so avoid layering additional retinol products on top. For Vitamin C: You can use Vitamin C in the morning and this serum at night to avoid potential irritation from combining actives. For AHA/BHA: It's best to alternate nights rather than use together. Start slow—perhaps AHAs/BHAs 2-3 nights per week and this serum on alternate nights. The niacinamide in this formula actually pairs well with most other actives, so the main concern is the retinol component.

This serum works best for normal, dry, combination, and mature skin types. It's particularly excellent for those in their 30s-50s+ with anti-aging concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dullness. Oily skin types can still use it but may prefer to use it at night only. Those with very sensitive or reactive skin should patch test first and introduce gradually due to the retinol content and fragrance.

Most users notice improved hydration and glow within the first week. Visible improvement in skin texture and fine lines typically appears by weeks 2-4. According to Sulwhasoo's clinical studies, 100% of participants showed improvement in wrinkles, plumpness, and skin barrier after 6 weeks of consistent use. Maximum anti-aging benefits are typically seen after 8+ weeks of regular morning and night application.

Apply this serum as step 4 in your routine: after Cleanser → Toner → Essence → THIS SERUM → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). The serum should be applied to clean, slightly damp skin after your toner or essence. Follow with a moisturizer to seal in the benefits, and always apply sunscreen in the morning as retinol increases sun sensitivity.

This serum has a low comedogenic rating of 2/5. While it does contain some oils (ginseng seed oil, soybean oil), they appear lower in the ingredient list and are balanced by non-comedogenic ingredients like niacinamide that actually help minimize pores. Most users, including those with oily and combination skin, don't experience breakouts from this product. However, everyone's skin is different—patch test if you're acne-prone.

The serum has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). Thanks to the encapsulated retinol technology and airless pump packaging, the active ingredients remain stable and effective for up to a year after first use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maximize shelf life. The 50ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use of 2-3 pumps.

★★★★☆
4.5 out of 5

Verdict: The Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum is a truly luxurious anti-aging powerhouse that delivers on its promises. Backed by 60+ years of ginseng research, this serum combines patented Ginsenomics™ technology with encapsulated retinol and a 6-peptide complex for comprehensive anti-aging benefits. Clinical studies show impressive results, and the elegant capsule texture makes application feel like a spa experience. The premium price point is justified by quality ingredients and proven efficacy. However, the presence of retinol makes it unsuitable for pregnancy/breastfeeding, and it's not fungal acne safe. Best suited for mature skin types willing to invest in luxury K-beauty with real results.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Tocopherol
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
50% 5% 45%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 40 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
0
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
1 A
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant, Moisturising
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS