Anti-Aging Revolution
With a form that evokes a human figure, ‘Ginseng’ encapsulates the essence of nature which helps reinforce one's vital energies and strengthen the primordial qi, thus prized as the ‘King of the Herbs’ since ancient times. Sulwhasoo is among the first to spot Ginseng’s values 50 years ago and incorporated ginseng extracts into skincare. Recently, the brand organized a global event in Seoul to share their extensive half-century experience in ginseng research and present the fourth-generation Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX with ungraded anti-aging properties.
In recent years, you’re probably spoilt for choice for Korean skincare as beauty brands, spurred on by fierce competition, keep introducing new products. But Sulwhasoo’s leading position is unmatched and impregnable. People are more confident in Sulwhasoo than in other brands as they trust the former’s decades of ginseng studies. The company’s love affairs with ginseng date back to 1966 with the founder Suh Sung-whan’s long-standing passion for ginseng. The birth of the critically acclaimed ABC Ginseng Cream became the keystone of Sulwhasoo’s development. After decades of research, Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream is released in 2002. This signature first-generation Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream came to being thanks to the Korean ginseng stabilizing and multifunctional emulsification technology. It was a favored souvenir when people visit South Korea. Today, people are still excited about the launch of its fourth generation – that’s the power of this precious skincare.
New Classic
The ingredients of 4th generation Ginseng Cream are finally unveiled at the event. The added ginseng roots and flowers strengthen the skin’s intrinsic regeneration power to achieve better restoration. Compound K, a precious patented ingredient extracted from ginseng roots, is furthered enhanced. With cutting edge Bio-conversion Technology and Skin-friendly Delivery Technology, the nourishing ginseng essence is directly delivered deep into the skin for better absorption. Moreover, Ginsenoside Re extracted from ginseng flowers is 6 times more concentrated than that of its predecessors to boost skin’s regeneration and build a protective barrier, so that healthy skin cells can promote rejuvenation from deep layers for upgraded anti-aging results. “The extraction of anti-aging ingredient Ginsenoside Re must be done after the blossom of ginseng flower but before the fruition of ginseng berries. It takes 4 years for ginseng flower to blossom, making its extracts exquisitely precious. Meanwhile, the innovative Pulse Pressure Extract technology enhances the concentration of Ginsenoside Re by 6 times,” says Jin-Soo Jeon, Sulwhasoo Brand Manager and Vice President. Another surprise is the coinciding launch of Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX Light with identical ingredients yet a lighter sensation that answers to the humidity of Hong Kong (China). The refreshing scent of ginseng leaves and flowers also brings refreshing feeling.
1966
The birth of ABC Ginseng Cream marks the beginning of Sulwhasoo.
1973
The Ginseng SAMMI made with saponin ingredients.
1987
The brand is renamed as Sulwha.
2016
The latest 4th generation Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX ($1,600/620ml)
Ginseng Feast
Another highlight of this trip is the brand’s 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner with beauty editors from 9 countries including the US, Mainland China, Singapore etc. Before the meal, we visited the display areas to have a better understanding of Sulwhasoo’s evolution from past to present. It’s amazing to actually see the first generation ‘ABC Ginseng Cream’ created in 1966, Ginseng SAMMI in 1973, and a series of products launched under the official name of Sulwhasoo since 1987.
We also visited the Sulwhasoo’s flagship store on Dosan-daero on the last day. The six-storey lantern-inspired building shines like a beacon with dedicated theme on each level, my favourites among them are Sulwhasoo Balance Spa on fourth floor and the Rooftoop since the experience of spa overlooking the Dosan Park can never be enjoyed in the tiny Hong Kong (China). Their elaborate services also show that skincare products alone aren’t enough. A youthful complexion is maintained from within, we should first fortify the foundation of the skin and the effects will show on the skin surface. True beauty is achieved only if skin problems are thoroughly tackled and the harmony of body and mind restored.
