KR EN
AMOREPACIFIC STORIES AMORE MALL Search

Have you ever experienced your skin becoming dull and looking less elastic during seasonal changes, or your skin condition breaking down due to becoming easily disrupted by environmental stress? When skin vitality declines, the overall radiance disappears, and it tends to look fatigued. If your concerns are "skin vitality," "anti-aging care," or "firmness management," the ingredients that come to mind are Ginseng and ginseng extract. As a traditional raw material with a long history in the East, Ginseng contains various active ingredients that can help with skin health, so it is widely used as a cosmetic ingredient.

While Ginseng and ginseng extract are ingredients with a long research history in the medical field, how they work in cosmetics may differ from their applications in medical research. For those concerned about loss of skin elasticity or a dull skin tone, or who wish to choose cosmetics based on ingredients, we explore Ginseng and its extract from the perspective of a cosmetic ingredient, and introduce how they can be incorporated into your skincare routine.

Ginseng Extract at a Glance

CategoryKey SummaryCheck Point
Ingredient Name
Ginseng (Panax Ginseng Root Extract)
May appear on product labels such as Panax Ginseng Root, Panax Ginseng Root Powder, Panax Ginseng Root Water, etc.
Ingredient Classification
Plant-derived extract / skin-conditioning agent
Classified as a fragrance ingredient and skin-conditioning agent [11]
Source
Extracted from the whole ginseng plant, root, leaf, fruit, etc.
Extracted using solvents such as ethanol or water and manufactured into a final extract through concentration and processing [11]
Expected Skin Benefits
Imparting skin vitality, support for firmness, improved radiance, smoother skin texture, hydration support
Felt gradually through consistent use rather than as a dramatic change
Functions in Research
Protection against photodamage, antioxidant action [1]
Based on medical research; cosmetic results vary by individual
Suitable Skin Types
Skin concerned with loss of firmness, dull-looking skin, skin needing vitality, dry skin
Consultation with a specialist is recommended for existing skin concerns
Precautions
Ginseng is generally evaluated as an ingredient with low toxicity, but some literature has reported adverse reactions such as skin rash with high-dose, long-term use [24][25]
A patch test is recommended before using a new product

What is Ginseng?

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a perennial plant belonging to the family Araliaceae, native to Asia, cultivated for the active ingredients found in its roots. Ginseng contains various bioactive compounds such as saponins, polyphenols, and polysaccharides, which are known to have antioxidant and anti-aging activities. [5][6] The ginseng extract used in cosmetics is mainly obtained from the root, and the extract appears as a brown-yellow liquid or powder depending on the formulation, containing bioactive compounds such as ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and antioxidant components. [11]

The use of ginseng first appeared in Chinese medical literature in 196 AD, where it was used for chronic health management and regarded as a superior tonic. It subsequently established itself as a key ingredient in Eastern medicine. Ginseng has been used worldwide as a functional food and has also been used as a cosmetic ingredient for various purposes, ranging from skin toning to anti-aging. [2] Amorepacific began its dedicated ginseng research in the 1960s, introducing a ginseng-based cosmetic to the world in 1966, and in the 1970s, it focused on saponins, ginseng's key active ingredient, opening the era of full-fledged ginseng anti-aging cosmetics in 1973. [10]

Differences Between Ginseng and Similar Ingredients

There are similar ingredients often mentioned alongside Ginseng. Understanding the characteristics of each ingredient is helpful when checking a product's ingredient list.

Ingredient NameFull NameCharacteristicsMain Active Ingredients
Korean Ginseng (Red Ginseng)
Panax Ginseng (Red Ginseng)
Korean red ginseng is manufactured by steaming fresh ginseng under conditions close to about 100°C and then drying it, after which it can be processed into powder, extract, and the like to be used as a skin-conditioning raw material in cosmetics [26][27]
Contains a high concentration of ginsenoside Rg3(S), which can help prevent skin photoaging caused by UV and infrared rays [1]
American Ginseng
Panax Quinquefolius
Native to the eastern and central regions of North America and southern Canada, and unlike Asian ginseng, it has cooling properties [28][29]
American ginseng refers to Panax quinquefolius and differs botanically from Panax ginseng [29]
Siberian Ginseng
Eleutherococcus Senticosus
Eleuthero is called "Siberian ginseng" but is not a Panax-genus ginseng; unlike Korean and American ginseng whose representative component is ginsenoside, it is a separate plant raw material whose main marker components are eleutherosides B and E [30][31][34]
Eleutheroside

The most widely researched in cosmetics is Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), and Korean ginseng (red ginseng) in particular is widely used as a skincare ingredient.

Benefits of Ginseng

When discussing Ginseng in cosmetics, the key point is "imparting skin vitality and supporting firmness." Based on the research accumulated in the medical field, the benefits you can expect from cosmetics are summarized as follows.

1. Supporting Skin Vitality and Improving Radiance

When fatigue accumulates or skin is exposed to environmental stress, it tends to become dull and lose its vitality. Ginseng has been described as a powerful herb in ancient Chinese literature and is used as a skincare ingredient that helps create a vital appearance by boosting the skin's natural energy. [2]

The antioxidant effects induced by ginseng extract and ginsenosides contribute to skin health and care. [2] However, in cosmetics, it works primarily at the skin's surface, so the perceived effect may vary by individual.

2. Support for Firmness

As we age, the collagen content of the skin naturally decreases, and elasticity declines. Purified ginseng leaf extract (PGLE) contains high levels of Rb3 and Rb2, and its main chemical component, Rb3, has been studied for collagen-related pathways associated with skin firmness in research settings. [4]

In a clinical study, applying a PGLE-containing lotion to the eye area for 8 weeks reduced the depth of deep wrinkles in the crow's-feet area. [4] Unlike medical procedures, topical application through cosmetics works primarily at the skin's surface, so any improvement in firmness is gradual and cumulative.

3. Skin Barrier Support

When the skin barrier weakens due to environmental stress or seasonal changes, moisture loss accelerates, and skin can become more sensitive to external irritants. Ginsenoside Rf has been studied for its potential to support skin barrier-related markers in cell-based models. [5]

In addition, ginsenoside Re has been studied for its potential role in supporting skin barrier function. [1] This can indirectly contribute to maintaining skin barrier function.

4. Skin Condition Management

When exposed to UV rays or environmental pollution, skin is prone to damage and aging can accelerate. Normal skin cells remove reactive oxygen species through endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GPx (glutathione peroxidase), but when this function declines due to stress or environmental factors, skin aging can accelerate. [2]

Using cosmetics containing sunscreen is a way to protect the skin from external factors such as air pollution and UV rays, and because ginseng contains various bioactive ingredients, it can be useful not only for delaying natural skin aging but also for preventing skin damage caused by extrinsic factors. [2]

5. Combination with Other Ingredients

Ginseng can offer synergistic effects when used together with various active ingredients. Combining different ginseng components or fractions as cosmetic ingredients can complement each other to produce additive or synergistic effects on skin health and care. [2]

For example, when used with the moisturizing ingredient hyaluronic acid, you can expect both hydration and the imparting of vitality, and when used with niacinamide, it can help with skin tone management.

Amorepacific's Perspective on Ginseng

Skin changes every day amid different environments and conditions. Rather than presenting a particular ingredient as the "right answer," Amorepacific has explored ways to flexibly select and use ingredients according to each individual's skin condition and goals. Ginseng is a key plant that Amorepacific researches, and an ingredient whose value Amorepacific has elevated through more than 60 years of research in traditional medicine and science. [10]

Scientific Understanding of Ginseng Mechanism of Action

Amorepacific researchers focus on the mechanism of action of Ginseng to explore its potential in cosmetics. The main pathways of action of Ginseng mentioned in the research literature can be summarized as follows.

Collagen-related biological pathways of ginsenosides

Purified ginseng leaf extract (PGLE) and selected ginsenosides have been studied for collagen-related pathways associated with skin firmness. In cell-based models, some ginseng-derived compounds have been reported to influence markers related to collagen maintenance and skin structure. [4][5]

Antioxidant and skin protection mechanism

Ginsenosides are bioactive components of ginseng with various functions such as anti-aging, antioxidant, and skin vitality support. [6] Plant extracts obtained from the root are rich in ginsenosides, and these active molecules protect the epidermis from environmental stressors such as UV rays, pollution, and tobacco smoke. In particular, ginsenoside Rb1 inhibits the expression of MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), a protease that breaks down collagen in the extracellular matrix. [7]

Amorepacific's Ginseng Research

History of Ginseng Research

Amorepacific's ginseng research has continued since the introduction of a ginseng-based cosmetic in 1966. From the 1970s, it conducted full-scale research on saponins, ginseng's key active ingredient, and in the 1990s, Amorepacific focused on elucidating the skin efficacy of ginseng components. Subsequently, in the 2000s, it advanced its research by securing bioconversion technology that efficiently produces rare saponins using enzymes. [9]

Ginsenomics™ Technology

Amorepacific has studied the components and efficacy of various parts of ginseng—not only the root but also the flower, seed, leaf, and stem—and has expanded the scope of its research to the mass production and efficacy validation of rare saponins, as well as research on cultivation environments and varieties. These integrated research achievements have been established as a proprietary technology system called "Ginsenomics™." Ginsenomics™ can be defined as a technology platform for selecting rare active saponins with high skin efficacy among the various saponins in ginseng and efficiently securing and utilizing them. [9]

Compound K Research

The core of recent research is focused on Compound K, a representative rare saponin secured through the Ginsenomics™ system. Compound K is the final metabolite produced when ginseng saponins are broken down by intestinal microorganisms, and it is known to be a form with higher bioavailability and activity than conventional ginseng. According to academic research, Compound K has been studied for its effects on skin biological responses associated with UV exposure and environmental stress. [18]

In addition, Amorepacific is expanding the functional scope of Compound K in skincare applications through patents. Related patents propose compositions for improving skin turnover cycle, improving skin sagging, and improving skin radiance and clarity, respectively. In particular, with regard to improving radiance and clarity, an epidermal-dermal composite improvement approach was proposed through increased KRT10 expression and KLF4 recovery in the epidermal layer and inhibition of MMP-1 expression in the dermal layer. [19][20][21]


Recently published research has also suggested that Ginsenomics™ technology can regulate skin aging-related biological responses and contribute to maintaining the structural stability of the skin. This suggests that research based on ginseng-derived ingredients is expanding in terms of the functional maintenance of the skin's support structure. [22]

Lymphanax™ Research

In addition, Amorepacific is expanding its ginseng material research to the entire skin ecosystem through research on "Lymphanax™," a naturally aged ginseng material. Lymphanax™ is a material made by naturally aging ginseng for about 500 hours, and it was confirmed that the content of Gypenoside XVII and ginsenoside Re increases during the aging process. Amorepacific has also explored Lymphanax™, a naturally aged ginseng-derived material, in research models related to the skin environment and barrier-associated responses, and a joint study with Sungkyunkwan University reported that this ingredient can exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the AKT/NF-κB pathway. [23]

Realistic Application in Cosmetics

When applying this scientific background to cosmetics, several practical considerations are necessary.

Some cosmetics contain ginseng extract from Korea and other countries, and ginseng is thought to offer beneficial effects on human skin. However, it is not yet clear which ginseng component is the main active compound that directly contributes to skin health or addresses visible signs of skin aging. It is also important to understand the mechanisms by which ginseng components exert their effects on the skin and skin health. [3]

Cosmetics work primarily at the skin's surface, and the stratum corneum, and delivery technology, formulation, and formula stability comprehensively determine the perceived effect. It is advisable to approach an ingredient not as an "all-purpose solution" but as "one part of a skincare routine."

Amorepacific's Research Direction

Amorepacific is researching the potential of Ginseng from multiple angles. It conducts comprehensive research on skin biology, delivery technology, and formulation stability, and considers the ethical sourcing of raw materials, environmental impact, and long-term skin health from the perspective of sustainable beauty.


Based on Amorepacific's more than 60 years of accumulated technological expertise, Sulwhasoo continues its proprietary ginseng research from the root to the stem, leaf, fruit, and seed of ginseng. [9]

You can learn more about Amorepacific's research and development philosophy and technology trends at the link below.

Sulwhasoo Ginseng Extract for Skin: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Works benefits Sulwhasoo Ginseng Extract for Skin: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Works benefits
Explore Amorepacific Research & Innovation

Ginseng Fact Check

We examine information about Ginseng that is frequently misunderstood or exaggerated to gain a more balanced understanding of its characteristics as a cosmetic ingredient.

QuestionFact Check
Does Ginseng guarantee skin regeneration?
Although ginseng is believed to be able to exert beneficial effects on human skin, it is not yet clear which component is the main active compound that directly contributes to skin health. [2] "Guaranteed regeneration" is not possible with cosmetics.
Can using Ginseng cosmetics produce the effects of a procedure?
Ginseng has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for various purposes ranging from skin toning to anti-aging [3], but cosmetics and medical procedures differ in the depth and intensity of their action. It is difficult to expect the same effects as a procedure.
Is Ginseng suitable for all skin types?
Ginseng-derived cosmetic raw materials are evaluated as safe ingredients under current usage conditions, but since adverse reactions such as skin rash have been reported in literature on high-dose, long-term use, products for sensitive skin require skin irritation and sensitization assessment based on the final formulation. [24][25]
Do I see immediate effects when I apply Ginseng?
Since cosmetic ingredients work primarily at the skin's surface, gradual results through consistent use are more common than immediate changes.
Is a higher concentration of Ginseng always better?
High concentrations of ginseng can cause irritation and may not deliver the expected results. [25]
Is Ginseng extracted from only one source?
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is native to China, East Asia, and parts of Russia, and is also cultivated in temperate regions. [11] The root is mainly used, but it is also extracted from various parts such as the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds.

How to Experience Ginseng Benefits

  • Realistic Changes to Expect

With consistent use of cosmetics containing Ginseng, you may feel that your skin looks more vital and that its overall radiance comes alive. You may also experience improved makeup adhesion as the skin texture is smoothed, or reduced dryness and retained hydration. You may feel firmness gradually improving, and you may notice your skin tone appearing more even. These changes appear gradually and cumulatively rather than dramatically.

  • Changes That Are Difficult to Expect

It is difficult to expect deep wrinkles to disappear or sagging skin to lift instantly with cosmetics alone. Structural changes in the skin or medical-level improvement in firmness are beyond the scope of cosmetics, and for these purposes, consultation with a dermatologist is more suitable. For the improvement of pigmentation or deep scars as well, professional procedures may be more effective than cosmetics.

Safety of Ginseng

Ginseng is generally used safely as a cosmetic ingredient. However, as with all cosmetic ingredients, individual reactions may vary, so please refer to the following.

General Safety

The safety of ginseng root, ginseng root extract, ginseng root powder, and ginseng root water has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). The CIR Expert Panel is composed of independent experts in the fields of dermatology, toxicology, pharmacology, and veterinary medicine. [11]

According to the safety data reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel, ginseng root extract was found to have no developmental toxicity or genotoxicity. A study conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program also found no evidence of carcinogenic effects. In skin studies, ginseng root-derived components were found not to be irritants or sensitizers. Based on the reviewed data, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products. [11]

When Caution is Needed

Ginseng extract, including ginsenosides, is generally well-tolerated as a cosmetic ingredient. However, adverse reactions such as skin rash have been reported in the literature on high-dose, long-term use. [25]

When using a product containing ginseng extract for the first time, it is advisable to first apply a small amount to a small area such as the inner arm, inner elbow, or behind the ear, and check for reactions such as redness, itching, swelling, or stinging over 24 to 48 hours. However, self-testing is only a way to assess the likelihood of a skin reaction to a product, not a test that confirms or rules out an allergy to a specific ingredient. If you have sensitive skin or repeated reactions, it is advisable to identify the causative ingredient through a dermatological patch test. [32][33]

Consultation with a specialist is recommended if you have existing skin concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is Ginseng?

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a perennial plant belonging to the family Araliaceae, native to Asia, cultivated primarily for the active ingredients found in its roots. Because it contains various bioactive compounds such as ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and antioxidant components [11], it is used in cosmetics for the purposes of skin conditioning, imparting vitality, and anti-aging.

What should sensitive skin keep in mind when using Ginseng products?

In general, ginseng extract poses no risk when applied topically and is suitable even for sensitive skin. [3][27] However, co-formulated fragrances, alcohol, preservatives, and similar ingredients, rather than the ingredient itself, can be the cause of irritation. [14] A patch test is recommended before using a new product, and checking the full ingredient list is important.

What ingredients are good to use together with Ginseng?

Combining different ginseng components or fractions as cosmetic ingredients can complement each other to produce additive or synergistic effects. [2] It is good to use with hyaluronic acid (enhanced hydration), niacinamide (skin tone management), peptides (firmness support), Vitamin C (antioxidant support), ceramide (barrier strengthening), and similar ingredients.

Can I use Ginseng and retinol together?

They can be used together, but since the skin may become sensitive in the early stages of retinol use, caution is needed. [15] Use them while observing your skin condition, and if you feel irritation, it is advisable to adjust the interval of use or consult a specialist.

Can I use Ginseng together with exfoliating ingredients (AHA/BHA)?

They can be used together, but the skin barrier may become temporarily sensitive after using exfoliating ingredients. [16] Depending on your skin condition, it is advisable to use them on separate days or while checking for irritation.

Can I use Ginseng products right after a procedure?

It depends on the type and intensity of the procedure and the individual skin condition. After laser or peeling procedures, the skin becomes sensitive, so it is important to prioritize the guidance of the medical professional who performed the procedure. In general, use is recommended after the skin has stabilized.

Do pores shrink when I use Ginseng cosmetics?

Pore size is determined by a combination of factors such as genetics, the amount of sebum secretion, and skin elasticity. [17] When the skin texture is smoothed through the use of ginseng cosmetics, you may experience pores feeling "less prominent," but it is difficult to expect permanent pore reduction.

When can I expect to feel the effects of Ginseng?

In one study, involving orally administered enzyme-treated red ginseng powder complex, improvements in crow's-feet roughness, skin elasticity, and moisture content were reported. [8] Moisture-related sensations, such as a supple feel, can be experienced relatively quickly, but firmness or improvement in skin texture is felt cumulatively through consistent use. The changes felt may vary depending on individual skin condition and environment.

By what criteria should I choose Ginseng cosmetics?

If you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to check the full ingredient list and avoid ingredients with potential for irritation (fragrances, alcohol, etc.). It is recommended to choose products that are co-formulated with additional ingredients suited to your skin concerns (moisturizing, firmness, soothing, etc.) and to use products from trustworthy brands.

Sources

※ The effects and technologies of ingredients described in this content are based on Amorepacific's own research and publicly available academic and scientific sources to provide a general understanding of cosmetic ingredients. It is not intended for medical diagnosis or treatment purposes. For personal medical concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional.