Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

A revitalizing facial essence concentrated with Panax Ginseng Root Water and Niacinamide designed to hydrate, brighten, and restore elasticity to tired skin.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This essence is formulated with a high-efficacy base of Panax Ginseng Root Water rather than plain water, providing immediate antioxidant and revitalizing benefits. The inclusion of Niacinamide adds brightening and oil-control capabilities, while Adenosine targets fine lines. The complex of multiple Ginseng derivatives (Callus Culture, Root Extract, Berry Extract, and Ferment Filtrate) maximizes the delivery of saponins for anti-aging. Additionally, hydrating agents like Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, and Glyceryl Glucoside ensure the skin remains plump and moisturized.

Safety Rating: 4.8

The formula is exceptionally clean, being free from fragrance, essential oils, and denatured alcohol, which are common irritants for sensitive skin. It utilizes a modern, gentle preservation system involving 1,2-Hexanediol and Hydroxyacetophenone. The inclusion of soothing ingredients like Allantoin and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice) further mitigates the risk of irritation, making it suitable for almost all skin types.

Final Rating: 4.7

This product represents an excellent blend of traditional herbal medicine (Hanbang) and modern skincare science. The synergy between the energizing Ginseng complex and the barrier-repairing Niacinamide creates a versatile treatment that addresses dullness, dehydration, and early signs of aging without compromising the skin barrier. It is a well-balanced, high-performance essence.

Verdict

This essence represents a harmonious blend of traditional Hanbang herbal medicine and modern active ingredients, anchored by a significant concentration of Panax Ginseng Root Water. Rather than utilizing deionized water as a passive solvent, the formulation employs ginseng water to immediately deliver antioxidants and stimulate blood circulation in the skin. This historical ingredient is revered for its ability to energize tired complexions and combat the oxidative stress that leads to premature aging. The formula further amplifies this effect by including a specific Ginseng Complex, featuring extracts from the root, berry, and even a ferment filtrate, ensuring a diverse profile of ginsenosides to firm and revitalize the dermal structure. Working in tandem with the herbal base is Niacinamide, a powerhouse vitamin known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier and regulate oil production. Its inclusion makes this product particularly effective for brightening dull skin tones and refining pore appearance. When combined with Adenosine, a certified anti-wrinkle ingredient, the essence provides a dual-action approach that addresses both pigmentation and fine lines, promoting a smoother and more resilient skin texture. On the hydration front, the product excels by incorporating varying molecular weights of moisture-binding agents. Glycerin, Propanediol, and Sodium Hyaluronate ensure deep and lasting hydration, while Glyceryl Glucoside helps activate the skin’s moisture channels. To prevent irritation, Panthenol and Allantoin are included to soothe and protect the barrier, making the essence suitable even for those with compromised skin. The texture is designed to be nourishing yet lightweight, avoiding the heavy, sticky finish often associated with rich anti-aging products. Notably, the formula avoids artificial fragrances and essential oils, relying instead on Theobroma Cacao Extract for potential antioxidant benefits. This makes it a safer choice for sensitive skin types that typically react to synthetic scents. Ultimately, this product is a robust, multi-functional treatment that effectively hydrates, repairs, and energizes the skin.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Key Active Ingredients & Ginseng Complex / 主要活性成分与人参复合成分

🧪 Panax Ginseng Root Water / 人参根水

Purpose: Base ingredient, Antioxidant, Revitalizing

Concerns: None

Notes: Replaces plain water to boost efficacy.

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Brightening, Anti-aging, Barrier repair

Concerns: High concentrations can cause irritation or flushing in sensitive skin

Notes: Vitamin B3, excellent for pore control and skin tone.

🧪 Adenosine / 腺苷

Purpose: Anti-wrinkle, Skin restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Proven anti-aging ingredient that functions as a cell-communicating agent.

🧪 Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract / 人参愈伤组织培养提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Anti-aging

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant stem cell extract.

🧪 Panax Ginseng Root Extract / 人参根提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Traditional herbal ingredient for revitalizing skin.

🧪 Panax Ginseng Berry Extract / 人参浆果提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Anti-aging

Concerns: None

Notes: Contains high levels of ginsenosides.

🧪 Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate / 乳酸杆菌/人参根发酵产物滤液

Purpose: Humectant, Skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Fermented ginseng for better absorption and efficacy.

📁 Moisturizers & Humectants / 保湿剂与吸湿剂

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps increase penetration of other ingredients.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Gold standard for hydration.

🧪 Propanediol / 1,3-丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Often a corn-derived alternative to propylene glycol, improves texture.

🧪 Glyceryl Glucoside / 甘油葡糖苷

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Stimulates aquaporin channels for deep hydration.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇

Purpose: Soothing, Moisturizing

Concerns: None

Notes: Pro-Vitamin B5, excellent for barrier support.

🧪 Glucose / 葡萄糖

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Sugar-derived water-binding agent.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, holds massive amounts of water.

📁 Soothing & Calming Agents / 舒缓与镇静成分

🧪 Allantoin / 尿囊素

Purpose: Soothing, Skin protectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Extracted from comfrey, helps heal skin.

🧪 Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate / 甘草酸二钾

Purpose: Soothing, Anti-inflammatory

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from licorice root, reduces redness.

📁 Solvents, Texture & Preservatives / 溶剂、质地调节与防腐剂

🧪 1,2-Hexanediol / 1,2-己二醇

Purpose: Preservative, Solvent

Concerns: Low risk of sensitization

Notes: Provides a soft finish.

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Carrier for hydrophilic ingredients.

🧪 Hydroxyacetophenone / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant, Preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Skin-identical antioxidant that stabilizes the formula.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, Texture enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural polysaccharide used to adjust viscosity.

🧪 Dextrin / 糊精

Purpose: Viscosity controlling, Absorbent

Concerns: None

Notes: Carbohydrate that can also stabilize emulsions.

🧪 Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract / 可可提取物

Purpose: Antioxidant, Coloring agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used in ginseng products to provide a natural amber color.

🧪 Disodium Edta / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents minerals in water from bonding with ingredients.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, Skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Weak preservative that boosts the efficacy of others.