Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
Ever wondered what’s the secret ingredient in Korean skincare? Sure, we know the Koreans are obsessed with hydration. It’s the foundation of good skin, no doubt about that. They also like to experiment with weird ingredients (snail slime, anyone?) and come up with all kind of gimmicks that put a new twist on an old staple (remember solid stick cleansers?). But those are mostly for show. The real antiaging superstar lurking in Korean skincare products is ginseng, a medicinal root they’ve used for centuries to cure any kind of ailments. Now, it’s made its way onto your face as well. And I’m so here for it. Here’s everything you need to know about ginseng in skincare and why you should seriously consider adding it to your skincare routine:
What Is Ginseng?
Did you know there are more than 20 plants in the ginseng family? When you talk about ginseng, you could refer to any of them. In skincare, we’re usually talking about P. Ginseng. Ginseng is one of the most popular ingredients in Chinese and Korean medicine to regulate blood pressure and increase metabolism. It’s the Koreans that popularised its use in skincare, too. Cos if it’s good for your health, why not see if it does something for your skin, too?
P.S. You’ll find it on ingredient labels as Panax Ginseng Root Extract.
Ginseng Skin Benefits: How Does It Help Skin?
Ginseng is loaded with goodies. Its nutrients include antioxidants saponins, vitamins B1, B2, B12, soothing pantothenic acid and even minerals. Thanks them, this powerful antioxidant has plenty of benefits for your skin:
- Firming: It decreases MM-1, an enzyme that degrades collagen (the protein that keeps skin firm). More collagen = firmer skin.
- Moisturising: It reduces water loss, making skin softer and smoother.
- Soothing: It’s often used in topical ointments to soothe skin. It reduces inflammation and irritation.
- UV Protection: Animal studies show that applying ginseng on your skin reduces wrinkle formation after UVB exposure. Before you get too excited, ginseng isn’t a substitute for sunscreen. But it can help boost its effectiveness.
- Whitening: It helps brighten skin and fade away dark spots.
Fun fact: red ginseng has stronger anti-wrinkle and whitening properties when fermented. It’s also less irritating, too. If you can find a product with fermented red ginseng, grab it. This time, it’s not just Korean hype. Ginseng can really do wonders for your skin. Science backs it all up.
Related: The Truth About Fermented Skincare: Does It Work?
How To Use Ginseng In Your Skincare Routine
Ginseng is one of those ingredients that’s actually easy to use. You don’t have to rearrange your whole routine for it. Unlike retinol or glycolic acid, which you usually save for nighttime, ginseng is gentle enough to use whenever you want. Morning, night, both.
Layering is simple. Just follow the usual skincare logic: thinnest texture first, thickest last. So if you’re using a ginseng essence, press it in after cleansing and before serum. A ginseng serum would go on after toner and before moisturizer. Nothing complicated.
Can You Use Ginseng With Vitamin C, Retinol And Other Actives?
When it comes to mixing it with other ingredients, ginseng is very unproblematic. It plays nicely with vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, even AHAs and BHAs. You don’t need to worry about bad reactions just from pairing it.
Related: Mix And Match: What Skincare Ingredients Should You NOT Use Together?
Who Should Use Ginseng?
Honestly, most skin types can use it. But it really shines for certain concerns.
- If your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, ginseng can help calm redness and general inflammation.
- If your skin is mature, it helps maintain collagen, so over time skin can look a bit firmer.
- If you’re acne prone or oily, ginseng can help regulate oil production and calm the inflammation that leads to breakouts.
Dos Ginseng Has Any Side Effects?
Nope. Ginseng is safe for everyone, including sensitive skin. Unless you’re allergic to it, of course. What about pregnancy? It’s considered safe here too, although if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s always a good idea to run any new skincare ingredient by your doctor, especially if it’s a high concentration formula. Just to be safe.
What Are The Best Ginseng Skincare Products?
NOTE: Western brands have started to use ginseng, too. But in smaller amounts than the Koreans. Remember: the higher the concentration, the better.
- Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum ($17.00): This hydrating serum uses hyaluronic acid to plump up wrinkles, ginseng to fight wrinkles, and snail mucin to add a ton of moisture to your skin without clogging pores. Available at Asos, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, Stylevana, Superdrug and Yes Style
- I’m From Ginseng ($28.80): More than just ginseng, this serum uses hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and antioxidants to prevent wrinkles. Available at Yes Style
- Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Emulsion ($95.57): This anti-aging serum pairs ginseng with antioxidants and niacinamide to prevent premature aging. Available at Cult Beauty and Yes Style
The Bottom Line
Ginseng is an anti-aging superstar that helps you fight wrinkles, boost collagen, brighten the complexion, and soothe irritations. No wonder it’s so popular in Korean skincare!
I have always wanted to try I’m from Ginseng Serum but always have second thought about it. How do we incorporate this in our skin care routine? Given that we have Toner, Vitamin C Serum, Retinol, AHA or BHA products in our hands. Please advise a few routines to include Ginseng serum, looking forward for your reply Gio. Thank you so much!
Hello Gio, hope you’re safe and healthy. I just read your post about I’m from Ginseng Serum and how you use it with your retinol/exfoliation. May I know do you use it in the A.M? Can we use this Ginseng Serum before/after a Vitamin C product? Also, how effective is Ginseng in terms of preventing/improving fine lines, wrinkles as oppose to Retinol? Thank you Gio
Claire, yes you can use it both morning and evening. Unfortunately, there are no studies that compare ginseng with retinol, so I can’t answer that question. Let’s just say I haven’t thrown away my retinol serums yet.