Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum for Anti-Aging

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum for Anti-Aging
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.9Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum for Anti-Aging:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum for Anti-Aging:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum for Anti-Aging has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum for Anti-Aging has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.9 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Methyl Gluceth-20 (est. ≈2.0%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum for Anti-Aging has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
Among others, Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum for Anti-Aging also contains contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Acetyl Octapeptide-3, two ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum for Anti-Aging is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
Water
6
Butylene Glycol
4
Glycerin
3
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
2
Methyl Gluceth-20
1.5
Behenyl Alcohol
1.3
Betaine
1
1,2-Hexanediol
0.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
0.3
Carbomer
0.3
Tromethamine
0.3
Phenyl Trimethicone
0.3
Caprylyl Methicone
0.3
Jojoba Esters
0.3
Fragrance
0.3
Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
0.3
Glyceryl Caprylate
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Arachidyl Alcohol
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Dextrin
0.3
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
0.3
Arachidyl Glucoside
0.3
Linalool
0.3
Panax Ginseng Seed Oil
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Sodium Chloride
0.3
Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract
0.3
Limonene
0.3
Honey
0.3
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
0.3
Panax Ginseng Flower Extract
0.3
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
0.3
Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract
0.3
Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract
0.1
Retinol
0.3
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
0.3
Hydrogenated Lecithin
0.3
Alcohol
0.3
Glucose
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
BHT
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Phytosphingosine
0.3
Sodium Polyaspartate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4
0.3
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
0.3
Sodium Hydroxide
0.3
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Gluceth-20
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Honey
Function:
Origin:
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyaspartate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.6
6
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.6 10
10.0
6
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.6 10
10
All humectants
16.6
6
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.8 20
0.9
All occlusives
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.9
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
0.3
Panax Ginseng Flower Extract
0.3
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
BHT
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetyl EthylhexanoateA clear, pale yellow liquid, that functions as an emollient and a solvent, meaning that it is useful for dissolving oil-soluble ingredients.
Methyl Gluceth-20
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Methyl Gluceth-20A humectant synthetically derived from glucose. It takes on the form of a clear, syrupy liquid.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Betaine
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon CaprolactoneDescription is coming soon
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Ginseng SaponinsDescription is coming soon
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Arachidyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl AlcoholA non-drying fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controlling agent. It also produces a mattifying effect when applied in a skincare product onto the skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Dextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DextrinA partially hydrolyzed potato starch, most commonly used as a viscosity controlling and binding agent. When dispersed into water, it can create textures ranging from a thick paste to a soft gel.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract

An extract from cocoa beans or cocoa powder with lots of beneficial compounds such as stimulant caffeine, antioxidant and astringent flavanols, and tannins – which are responsible for its bitter taste.

Arachidyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl GlucosideA mild cleanser and emulsifier that helps oil and water to mix and form emulsions.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Panax Ginseng Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Seed OilDescription is coming soon
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem ExtractDescription is coming soon
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LimoneneOne of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Honey
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Honey

A supersaturated solution of sugars, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. It is used in skincare for its antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing, and soothing properties.

Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root ExtractAn extract derived from the roots of a traditional Chinese herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory iridoids, triterpenoids, phenyletanoids, and phenolic acids.
Panax Ginseng Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Flower ExtractDescription is coming soon
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Paeonia Lactiflora Root ExtractAn extract derived from the roots of the garden peony. It has been suggested that this ingredient has anti-pigment activity.
Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lilium Candidum Bulb ExtractAn extract coming from Madonna lily bulbs that is rich in humectant polysaccharides and anti-inflammatory saponins.
Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome ExtractDescription is coming soon
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower ExtractAn extract with antioxidant flavonoids that is obtained from the flowers of the water lily.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.
Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Sodium Polyaspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyaspartateAlso known as polymerized aspartic acid, this protein-like polymer is an excellent moisturizer and forms a smooth film on the skin’s surface. It can also prevent clumping and settling in a liquid product.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Acetyl Heptapeptide-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4Description is coming soon
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl TaurateDescription is coming soon
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Octapeptide-3

A synthetically made peptide with an effect similar to Botox - it relaxes the facial muscles and temporarily reduces the appearance of mimic wrinkles.