one for the K-Beauty lovers
Foreword
My yearly goal is to try and review as many Korean skincare gems as possible. Today's post is no exception as we will discuss a trendy product by Beauty Of Joseon. You might recall me reviewing the brand's serums in the past (click here and here to read), which turned out to be one of the most popular articles on my website. This is why I am excited to revisit the brand and find out what else is worth our money and attention.
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
My Skin: dry, sensitive
About the Product
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water (18 USD; Made in Korea) - is described as an intensely moisturizing, skin-calming, and nourishing essence. It should also help exfoliate and maintain oil balance in the skin.
Packaging: when it comes to most Korean brands, simplicity is key. The Ginseng Essence Water comes in a matte, see-through plastic bottle containing 150 ml/ 5 fl oz worth of product.
Formula: this essence has a high concentration of Ginseng Root Water and various types of Ginseng Extracts known for their medicinal and skin-loving properties. It helps to nourish and hydrate the skin with a long-lasting effect. The brand also highlights Niacinamide (Vitamin B3, oil and moisture regulation) and Adenosine (anti-aging, skin-restoring) as its key ingredients. Other honorable mentions go to Propanediol (humectant) and Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration).
Cruelty-free🐇
Texture: runny, watery texture. The Ginseng Essence Water has a brown, tea-like tint to it, which goes on clear.
Scent: there is a light, herbal scent to this formula. However, it disappears upon application and does not linger.
Application: as you already know, toners and essences are considered your initial hydrating steps. This is why it is recommended to use the Ginseng Essence Water right after cleansing and before your heavy-duty serums or creams (for both your AM and PM routines). Simply pour a reasonable amount of essence directly into your hands and pat it all over your face and neck. Let it absorb and proceed with your next step. For reference, one drop is enough to hydrate the back of my hand. It is safe to say that a bottle will last you a long time.
first impression
The Ginseng Essence Water sinks into the skin quickly, giving it that refreshing sensation. It acts as a good base for thicker essences or serums, facilitating better product absorption and hydration. It does not feel sticky, greasy, or oily. No tingling or burning.
long-term use
After a couple of weeks, you can already see the first signs of an improved skin barrier and tone. While these changes do not happen overnight, the effect is long-lasting since you are replenishing your skin with nutrients that are potent yet not overwhelming. As a result, skin is more balanced with fewer breakouts or clogged pores in sight.
who is going to like it
In my opinion, a lightweight formula of this kind would benefit almost all skin types, including sensitive (unless there is an ingredient here that your skin does not tolerate). The Ginseng Essence Water is a good option for people with both oilier and drier skin types.
If you have severely dry/dehydrated skin (or live in a dry, windy climate), I would suggest opting for a richer option. Something like Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence (read more about it here).
Verdict
While this might not be the most hydrating essence to ever grace my face, I still think there is a time and place for it. The Ginseng Essence Water is a simple yet enjoyable formula that with prolonged use gives you lovely results. It improves the overall look and feel of your skin making it healthier, more supple, and resilient. A wonderful budget-friendly option for both skincare beginners and enthusiasts. I find that it helps keep my skin balanced and I give it a B+ rating.
More online:
amazon.com (World)
Purchased product; full disclaimer here
