WHAT IS GINSENG AND WHY YOUR SKIN WILL LOVE IT
We’ve heard of exosomes, ectoin and even matcha, but have you heard of ginseng as a star ingredient in your favourite serum, cleanser or day cream? A staple within Korean beauty, ginseng is the latest extract to enter the skincare chat. If you’ve ever wondered what is ginseng and why it’s become such a sought-after skincare ingredient, you’re not alone — it’s a true powerhouse worth knowing about.
But what is ginseng? What are ginseng skin benefits? And can it really deliver a softer, smoother, more refined complexion? To answer that, we’re going to take a deep dive into what is ginseng and all its skin-loving perks.
In This Article
WHAT IS GINSENG
Used in herbal and medicinal remedies for centuries across Asia, ginseng is the plant root packed with powerful antioxidants. Available in two main varieties, depending on where they’re grown — Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) and the more potent Asian/Korean Panax ginseng version. Enriched with ginsenosides, this active compound is responsible for many of its benefits – from boosting energy and enhancing mental focus, to supporting the immune system and helping regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. l. So, when it comes to understanding what is ginseng, think of it as both a time-honoured herb and a modern skincare marvel.
WHAT ARE GINSENG’S BENEFITS
Now we understand what is ginseng, let’s dive into its benefits. In the Korean skincare world, ginseng's powers go well beyond general health. One standout ginseng skin benefit is its ability to strengthen and replenish skin, helping it look soft, radiant and resilient.
The ginsenoside compound is the hero here. These molecules neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, signs of ageing and fine lines. But that’s just the start. Ginseng also helps:
Enhance microcirculation — promoting better nutrient and oxygen delivery Reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier — locking in hydration Stimulate collagen and elastin production — for firmer, plumper skin
Together, these effects leave your complexion smoother, firmer and more supple.
THE BEST GINSENG SKIN CARE
Now that we know what is ginseng and appreciate ginseng skin benefits, let’s explore some stellar ginseng-infused products you can add to your routine for a luminous-looking complexion.
1
19.95€
Start your cleansing routine as you mean to go on with Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Cleansing Oil. Formulated to be gentle but effective at removing makeup, dirt and grime (without disrupting your moisture barrier), this cleansing oil calls on soybean oil to dissolve dirt, micellar technology to cling to left over residue and hero ingredient ginseng oil to shield the skin from environmental aggressors. The result? A complexion that feels clean, comforted and ultra-nourished.
1
17.45€
Revive a dull and lacklustre complexion with Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Serum Ginseng + Snail Mucin serum. Powered by a formula of 63% ginseng root water and 3% snail secretion filtrate, this lightweight serum boosts elasticity, shields against environmental damage and supercharges skin with a heavy dose of hydration. Dryness, dehydration and flakes? They don’t stand a chance.
44.95€
Visibly smooth, soften and support your skins luminosity with Erborian’s Ginseng Power Face Cream. Powered by the brand's Korean White Ginseng Complex, this skin softening must-have helps minimises the look of fine lines and wrinkles while also ensuring your complexion looks supple and plump. Infused with fermented ginseng flower, peptides and acmella extract, this supportive formula blends ginseng’s brightening and balancing effects to even out the tone and texture of your complexions... instantly and over time.
485
20.30€
Brighten, tone and condition your complexion with PIXI’s Glow Tonic. Enriched with 5% glycolic acid, aloe vera, witch hazel, white horse chestnut and oxygenating ginseng, this gentle but effective exfoliating treatment dissolves the bonds binding dull dead skin cells to reveal more radiant skin beneath. Boosting blood flow, firming skin and bestowing a naturally fresh and dewy sign off, it’s the ideal next step in your cleansing routine.
5
85.00€
Smooth fine lines, fight dark circles and rehydrate your delicate under eyes with Shiseido’s Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream. Tackling five types of fine lines around the eyes – from inner corner and crow’s feet to frown lines, under eye lines and more, this velvety soft skin care saviour hydrates, protects and brightens while helping reduce puffiness too.
8
64.40€
Quench thirsty, dehydrated skin in an instant with Then I Met You’s Renewing Rich Beauty Cream. Powered by a cocktail of occlusives, squalane, baobab and Panax ginseng, this dew-delivering moisturiser forms a protective layer over skin to prevent unwanted moisture loss. What’s more, with the addition of ceramides, fatty acids and omega-3 in its formulation means it locks in much-needed hydration while shielding against environmental aggressors too. No wonder it’s made it into our lineup of the best ginseng skincare products.
GINSENG FAQS
Is ginseng just ginger?
No, ginseng is not ginger. So, what is ginseng? Despite their names sounding similar, ginseng and ginger actually belong to two different plant families making their properties and uses worlds apart.
What is the English name for ginseng?
The English name for ginseng is... ginseng. Many herbs get different names across languages, but ginseng stays the same in English. We might specify by variety — Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius — but its base name remains constant.
Is ginseng pore clogging?
No, ginseng is not pore clogging and is generally considered to be non-comedogenic. This is because ginseng is mostly made of water-soluble compounds that sink into skin without leaving a heavy residue. It’s also anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich and helps regulates sebum— making it an ideal skin care ingredient for oily, sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on what is ginseng and ginseng skin benefits, you’re all set to start integrating it into your routine. The only question is— are you adding a cleanser, serum or moisturiser to your basket... or are you going all in with all three?
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
