BEAUTY OF JOSEON Ginseng Essence Water — Toner Hanbang Racine de Ginseng

This essence presents ginseng in five distinct botanical forms — a Hanbang strategy to maximize the extraction of ginsenosides, these terpenic saponins responsible for the biological activity of Panax ginseng.

Panax Ginseng Root Water (80%) forms the aqueous base: obtained by distillation of ginseng roots, it retains water-soluble polysaccharides and flavonoids while offering a fluid texture, far from richer ethanolic extracts. Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract (300 ppm) comes from plant stem cells cultured in vitro — a technology that concentrates vitamins B12, D, and antioxidant compounds. Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate results from biofermentation by lactic bacteria: this process breaks down molecules, improves their bioavailability, and generates soothing postbiotics. Panax Ginseng Berry Extract (90 ppm) targets tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanogenesis — the berries contain more concentrated inhibitory polyphenols than the root. Finally, Niacinamide (2%) regulates the hydrolipidic film, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces pigment irregularities by inhibiting melanosome transfer to keratinocytes.

Adenosine (0.04%), a purine nucleoside recognized by Korean regulations as a functional anti-wrinkle active ingredient, stimulates the synthesis of type I and III collagen. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, the potassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid extracted from licorice, soothes inflammatory reactions by modulating the prostaglandin cascade.

☀️ Morning routine

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser (oil then foam if double cleansing)
2. Pour 2-3 pumps of essence into the palm of your hands — the watery texture does not run
3. Apply by gently patting over the entire face, including the neck
4. Wait 15-20 seconds for the epidermis to absorb it (the skin becomes matte, less sticky)
5. Layer a second coat on dry areas (cheeks, temples) according to the method 7-skin
6. Follow with your usual serum or ampoule (vitamin C compatible)
7. Seal with a light moisturizer then your SPF

🌙 Evening routine

1. After double cleansing, apply the essence on damp skin (boosts humectant penetration)
2. You can go up to 3 successive layers for a plumping effect before your active treatments
3. Let it sit for 1 minute before applying your retinol or AHA/BHA exfoliant
4. Finish with a rich cream or a sleeping mask

Layering tip: If you also use the Revive Serum: Ginseng + Retinal from the same brand, the essence prepares the skin by saturating it with ginsenosides — the serum then delivers retinal in a soothing microenvironment.

This essence is designed for several specific skin types:

• Dehydrated skin without an oily film: The concentration of glycerin (4%) and glyceryl glucoside repairs intercellular junctions without weighing down — ideal if you avoid rich textures but your skin feels tight.
• Dull or yellowish complexions (smokers, oxidative stress): Ginseng improves skin microcirculation, bringing oxygen to the dermal capillaries — your complexion regains a "healthy glow" effect after 3 weeks.
• Combination to oily skin: Niacinamide 2% regulates sebum secretion without drying out, a rare balance for those with a shiny T-zone and normal cheeks.
• First signs of aging (25-40 years): Adenosine 0.04% targets dehydration fine lines before they become permanent — prevention rather than heavy correction.
• Sensitive reactive skin: The fermented lactobacillus complex soothes diffuse redness, but be careful if you are allergic to cocoa (extract of Theobroma cacao present).

Avoid if: Known allergy to Araliaceae (ginseng, ivy family), hypersensitivity to cocoa, acute flare-up of atopic skin (wait for remission).

From the first applications: an intense sensation of freshness, rapid absorption without any residue — your skin literally drinks in the essence. The complexion appears less dull thanks to better light reflection on a rehydrated stratum corneum.

After 2 weeks of daily use: the skin texture refines (dead cells shed more easily thanks to polysaccharides), the skin barrier strengthens (less tightness upon waking). Diffuse redness diminishes — glycyrrhizin modulates inflammatory mediators.

After 4 to 6 weeks: the cumulative effect of adenosine becomes visible on dehydration fine lines (forehead, eye contour if applied carefully). Sebum production regulates — less shine by midday. Sensory tests conducted by the Korea Dermatology Research Institute on 33 subjects show skin tolerance over 24 hours without adverse reactions.

Note: Ginseng is not a "flash" active ingredient — its saponins work on the underlying cellular metabolism. Patience is required.

What is the difference between this essence and the Revive Serum with ginseng from the same brand?

The essence contains 80% ginseng water (aqueous phase, hydration) while the Revive Serum combines ginseng extract + retinal (oil phase, targeted anti-wrinkle action). The essence prepares, the serum treats. You can layer them: essence first to saturate the skin with ginsenosides, serum next to deliver retinal in a calm environment. It’s the smart layering of the line.

Can I use it with my vitamin C serum in the morning?

Yes, 2% niacinamide is compatible with ascorbic acid — the myth of incompatibility comes from old studies with unstable pH levels. Apply the essence, wait 30 seconds, then your vitamin C serum. Niacinamide even enhances the brightening effect of vitamin C by inhibiting melanin transfer through a different mechanism.

How long does the 150ml bottle last?

With daily use morning and evening, 2-3 pumps per application, expect 2 to 2.5 months. If you do the 7-skin layering method (3 successive layers), more like 6 weeks. Tip: the 40ml size is available for testing or travel.

I have sensitive skin — is the cocoa extract irritating?

The Theobroma cacao extract provides antioxidant polyphenols (epicatechins), but some skin types react with tiny bumps or tingling. Do a 48-hour patch test on the inner forearm before applying to the face. If there’s a reaction, opt for the brand’s Dynasty Cream (cocoa-free).

Is the texture really "watery" or does it stay sticky?

Ultra-fluid texture, almost like enriched spring water. It absorbs in 20-30 seconds without leaving a sticky film (butylene glycol ensures smooth glide). If you feel a slight tackiness, that’s normal for about 10 seconds — a sign that humectants are binding to your skin’s water. It disappears completely after.

Should I apply it with a cotton pad or my hands?

Both work, with different goals. Cotton: gentle exfoliating effect by mechanical friction, removes residual dead cells after cleansing — good for combination skin. Hands: zero product waste, warmth of palms improves absorption — preferable for dry/sensitive skin. The brand recommends hands + tapping (the chok chok).

Beauty of Joseon anchors its identity in Hanbang, this traditional Korean pharmacopoeia documented as early as the Donguibogam (1613), a medical encyclopedia compiled by royal decree. In this treatise, ginseng (Panax ginseng) is called "Shincho" — literally "herb of the gods" — and prescribed to tonify Qi, strengthen the five vital organs, and already improve complexion radiance.

The brand is directly inspired by Hwang Jin-yi (1506-1560), a kisaeng (educated courtesan) of the Joseon dynasty renowned for her legendary beauty. Chronicles recount that she bathed in a ginseng decoction — a practice reserved for the aristocratic elite, as ginseng was then worth its weight in gold. This essence reinterprets this ancient ritual in a modern version: 80% distilled root water replaces the bath, niacinamide substitutes for crushed pearls.

Founded in 2017, Beauty of Joseon combines Hanbang ingredients sourced in Korea (Geumsan ginseng, AOC region) and clinically validated cosmetic actives. The brand targets women aged 20 to 40 seeking a preventive rather than corrective approach — the philosophy of "yangsheng", cultivating long-term skin health.

Discover the full BEAUTY OF JOSEON range

Full INCI: Panax Ginseng Root Water (80%), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide (2%), 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Adenosine (0,04%), Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract (300 ppm), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Dextrin, Glucose, Panax Ginseng Root Extract (90 ppm), Panax Ginseng Berry Extract (90 ppm), Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA.

Key active ingredients explained:

• Butylene Glycol : multi-purpose solvent that enhances the penetration of hydrophilic actives while retaining water in the stratum corneum — characteristic slippery texture.
• Glycerin (≈4%): a natural humectant present in the skin, can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water — a 2016 study found it more effective than pure hyaluronic acid for hydration.
• Panthenol (provitamin B5): precursor to pantothenic acid, accelerates re-epithelialization — soothes micro-inflammations after shaving or peeling.
• Sodium Hyaluronate : sodium form of hyaluronic acid (molecular weight not specified here, likely a mix of high/medium to target multiple layers).
• Xanthan Gum : bio-sourced thickener (bacterial fermentation) that stabilizes the emulsion and gives a velvety feel despite the dominant aqueous phase.

Clean formulation: no denatured alcohol, no essential oils, no synthetic fragrance, no PEG. Certified EWG (Environmental Working Group) for low-risk ingredients. Vegan-friendly (no animal derivatives), cruelty-free.