Ginseng has long been a hero ingredient in Korean skincare, with some of the best K-Beauty brands, like Beauty of Joseon and I’m From, harnessing its skin-loving properties in their innovative formulas. Alongside heartleaf, Centella Asiatica, snail mucin, green tea, and rice water, ginseng has seen a huge rise in popularity over the past few years—and for good reason.
A staple in the Korean skincare routine, ginseng is a must-have for glowing, glass skin. But what exactly is ginseng, and why is it so good for your skin? Find out below…
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a powerful botanical that has been used in herbal remedies for centuries across Asia and North America. The two main types—Korean (Panax ginseng) and American (Panax quinquefolius)—offer different benefits, but Korean ginseng is considered the most potent.
Beyond its health benefits (like boosting immunity, regulating blood sugar, and improving focus), ginseng is a skincare powerhouse. Whether taken orally (in tea, powder, or supplements) or applied topically, it rejuvenates, soothes, and strengthens the skin.
Ginseng Benefits for Your Skin
The magic of ginseng comes from its active compounds, known as ginsenosides, which deliver incredible skincare benefits:
Anti-ageing – Ginseng boosts collagen production, improves elasticity, and firms the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Brightening – It targets hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dullness, helping to even out skin tone and restore a healthy glow.
Anti-inflammatory – With soothing and calming properties, ginseng reduces puffiness, helps with redness, and is great for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
The Best Ginseng Skincare Products
If you’re looking to incorporate ginseng into your routine, these are some of the best Korean skincare products to get you started.
Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Product Type: Oil-based cleanser
Best For: Acne-prone, sensitive, and combination skin
Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil: This lightweight yet powerful Korean cleansing oil removes makeup, SPF, dirt, and excess sebum without stripping the skin. Formulated with micellar cleansing technology, soybean oil, and ginseng seed oil, it melts away impurities while nourishing and protecting. The silky texture and soothing herbal scent make this a luxurious first step in your routine.
How to use: Massage onto dry skin, emulsify with lukewarm water, and rinse. We’d recommend following with a Korean water-based cleanser, like the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser, to get the full benefits of double cleansing.
Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
Product Type: Essence
Best For: Hyperpigmentation, dry, and acne-prone skin
Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Essence: This hydrating skincare essence is packed with ginseng root water and niacinamide to balance sebum production, refine pores, and brighten the skin. Over time, it enhances elasticity, reduces fine lines, and boosts radiance—perfect for achieving glass skin.
How to use: Pat onto skin after cleansing, before serum. We’d recommend following it with the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum to really help your complexion glow.
Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++
Product Type: Sunscreen and Serum
Best For: Oily, combination, and dry skin
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum: A game-changing Korean SPF with 30% ginseng extract and 2% niacinamide, this lightweight, serum-like sunscreen hydrates, protects, and balances oil production without a greasy finish. It absorbs quickly, leaves zero white cast, and nourishes the skin while shielding it from UVA and UVB rays.
How to use: Apply as the last step of your morning routine, after your moisturiser. We love to pair it with the beloved Beauty of Joseon Dynasty cream, for perfectly hydrated and protected skin.
I’m From Ginseng Serum
Product Type: Serum
Best For: Sensitive and dry skin
I’m From Ginseng Serum: This highly concentrated serum harnesses red ginseng extract to reinvigorate tired, dull skin, enhance elasticity, and restore a radiant glow. Ideal for dry or fatigued complexions, it leaves skin deeply nourished and plump.
How to use: Apply a few drops after toner and gently pat into skin. For the best results, pair it with the I’m From Rice Toner. This duo is a powerhouse combination of two of the best K-Beauty ingredients.
I’m From Ginseng Eye Cream
Product Type: Eye cream
Best For: Mature, dry, and sensitive skin
I’m From Ginseng Eye Cream: Packed with three types of rare ginseng, this rich yet fast-absorbing eye cream smooths, firms, and brightens the under-eye area. It hydrates deeply, reduces puffiness, and fills fine lines for a refreshed, youthful look.
How to use: Gently pat a small amount around the eyes.
Beauty Of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
Product Type: Eye serum
Best For: Mature, dry, and sensitive skin
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum : Ginseng + Retinal: This powerful Korean eye serum is formulated with 0.02% retinal (a more potent and faster acting form of retinol) and ginseng extract to smooth fine lines, boost collagen production, and deeply hydrate the delicate under-eye area. The silky texture absorbs easily, leaving eyes looking refreshed and youthful.
How to use: Apply a small amount under the eyes and gently tap to absorb.
Is Ginseng Good for the Skin?
Absolutely. Ginseng is a skincare powerhouse that works for all skin types, tackling everything from visible signs of ageing to hyperpigmentation and acne-prone irritation. Whether you’re looking to firm, brighten, or soothe your skin, ginseng is one of the best natural ingredients to incorporate into your routine.
From Korean cleansers to serums, SPFs to eye creams, there’s a ginseng skincare product for everyone—and the glow-up is real. Shop our range of Korean ginseng skincare today!
