Ginseng has been used in traditional medicine for over 5000 years, since its discovery in Manchuria, China. Medicinal plants to early civilizations were of incredible value and ginseng was used to cure everything from a cold to digestion. Modern medicine and remedies use a lot of the same herbs we always have – but now we have the science to unlock why these herbs work.  

When eaten, ginseng has not only anti-inflammatory effect but also has the ability to help the body metabolize harmful metabolites that arise due to different diseases (such as liver disorder or cancer). It contains powerful antioxidants and has shown promise in balancing blood sugar levels and improving weight balance in humans and improving immune function.

Ginseng contains a variety of natural molecules (ginsenosides, polysaccharides and gintonin) that all have action on human cells. Ginsenosides deeply calm cells and reduce both oxidative stress and inflammation. Polysaccharides from ginseng have been shown to boost immune function and improve natural healing process. Gintonin is a complex molecule that soothes the nervous system and is rich in cell-repairing lipids.

Natural aging is factor of life – but accelerated aging of skin occurs due to exposure to damaging particles. Think sun damage, cigarette smoke, air pollution, life stressors, sleep deprivation or poor nutrition. Your skin is an organ that is constantly repairing itself and growing and if it undergoes constant damage or is starved of important nutrients – it starts looking worse for wear. Damage leads to increased inflammation and damaging particles (known as ROS) circulating your cells – and that’s where antioxidants are important. Antioxidants (such as those found high in ginseng, natural berries and other herbs) neutralize these damaging particles, allowing your skin barrier to recover quicker in the short term. 

In the longer term, our skin loses its ability to regulate growth and repair, losing it’s thickness and growing dull. Ginseng has the ability to stimulate this growth of skin cells (dermal papilla cells), literally triggering the regrowth of new skin cells whilst protecting them from damaging particles and stimulating the immune system to repair damaged cells. This means ginseng is a powerful agent – not only in just skin protection, but also growth and repair! 

Excited to add ginseng to your routine? Us too! We've compiled a few fan favourites for ginseng that are tried, true and sure to elevate your routine!

5. Mixsoon Panax Ginseng Root Essence 
How can you go wrong with pure Korean red ginseng extract? You can’t! This essence provides the deep power of ginseng extract directly to your skin, with a soothing essence that is ideal morning or night. With no added extras, it is ideal for sensitive, dry or aged skin alike with just the simple benefits of quality ginseng in a bottle.

4. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water 
This famous ginseng water is a must-have in the routines of many. It contains 80% ginseng water as a base, with a blend of ginseng fruit extract and ginseng callus extract to maximize your ginseng experience. This blend is hydrating and soothing, with hydrating panthenol and 2% brightening niacinamide. This essence can be used day and night, but is ideal in the early morning to provide protection to your skin throughout the day. 

3. Mixsoon Soybean Milk Serum 
Looking for deep hydration, calm and brightness in a milky, dreamy formula that is also pure plant-based? This serum is the perfect blend of calming, softening and vanishing fine lines with the power of fermented soybeans to restore your skin barrier, but also deep notes of rice extract and, of course, ginseng to deeply boost your natural tone. 

2. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng and Retinal 
This deeply soothing and hydrating serum has peaked undereye care for many. With the powerful action of retinal blended with soothing ginseng, this serum provides lasting hydration to plump skin around the eye and with a touch of niacinamide, leaves a youthful glow that is currently unrivalled in the eye cream market. We have a review on it here that shows you just how cool this serum is! 

1. KSECRET Seoul 1988 Serum: Retinal liposome 2% + Black Ginseng 
This serum is a key benefit for both acne-prone skin and lifting fine lines. With the regenerative power of Retinal, formulated into liposomes for deep penetration and the soothing balance of black ginseng for deep antioxidants and repair, this dynamic duo provides a deep lifting that can be used to refresh fine lines and spots. 

Why does it make our top spot? Because the deep effects of retinal that are delivered deep into skin cells matched with opulent, black ginseng provides a rich smoothing and revival of skin. It has a soft texture, absorbs quickly and the improvement to skin is unparalleled.  

So, if your skin is feeling dull and you’re struggling with fine lines or thinning skin, ginseng can be a powerful addition to your routine! It is good for all skin types, rejuvenating and holds the power of 5000 years of history. 

Is Ginseng Good for Skin? 
Absolutely it is! It’s a natural herbal agent that works hard to boost our immune system to trigger cell repair. It also stimulates skin cell growth, to combat thinning and dulling of skin to create a stronger and better skin barrier. It also neutralizes harmful particles that destroy our natural collagen and important skin barrier structures to naturally decrease fine lines and wrinkles. 

When Should I Use Ginseng On My Skin? 
Ginseng can be prepared about a hundred ways and its preparation determines how effective its active molecules are. As ginseng helps deeply protect against UV damage, its ideal use is a light formula in the morning to help nourish skin cells and keep them healing against environmental damage throughout the day. In a denser night cream, ginseng is a perfect addition to your night-time routine, as it will gently repair cells overnight and trigger new skin cell growth. 

Is Ginseng Better Than Retinol? 
Retinol is the ultimate anti-aging ingredient on the market, due to its stimulating ability to refresh the skin barrier. Ginseng does not work to the same level as retinol, but it is far gentler.

Retinol can lead to drying of skin and burning, whereas ginseng’s natural formulation is incredibly gentle and soothing to skin. On the other hand, whilst retinol boosts fine lines; ginseng protects your immune function and is a far more holistic remedy to help aid skin. 

Better yet? You can use them both together for a perfect pairing – as since retinol is irritating, ginseng is deeply soothing, and both will help lift fine lines together.