The Art of Balance

Some people don’t have any serious skin problem, but their skin just look dull and sallow. They might have tried all sorts of ‘magical’ beauty boosters, however they don’t seem to work any magic. The root of their problem is probably poor blood circulation. I’m thankful that I have found Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum EX and Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX. Both of them deeply nourish my skin and give me fine complexion. Text SANDY LUI；edit & coordination KAREN WOO.

While blood and qi are the building blocks of human body in Eastern culture, mainstream Western science has reservations about the existence of ‘qi’. I’ve read a news recapping the research outcomes of Professor Fei Lun from Fudan University in Shanghai published in academic journal Chinese Science Bulletin (1998, Mar), saying Fei has successfully proven the existence of meridian and the qi energy with scientific anthropotomy. Convinced by the research, I have long appreciated Korean kampo beauty methods. There are many blood-replenishing Chinese medicines, but herbs that can replenish qi are relatively rare, ginseng is one of them. As a pioneer and master in ginseng research and herbal skincare, Sulwhasoo knows that a good herbal enhancer is required to fully exert the benefit of ginseng.

First Care Activating Serum EX as Herbal Enhancer

For me, this herbal enhancer is in fact more impressive than the Gingseng Cream. Inspired by the Dongui Bogam, Sulwhasoo formulates the “Jaeumdan” with extracts of the finest Paeonia Albiflora, Rehmannia Glutinosa, Nelumbo Nucifera seed, Polygonatum Officinale, and Lilium Tigrinum. The mixture gently stimulates blood circulation under the skin and its pleasant herbal scent fascinated me on the first try. My skin is instantly moisturized and balanced without oily shine. After one week, my skin is glowing with enhanced absorption and better metabolism. It even boosts the effectiveness of skincare products that follow. My skin is no longer dry, dull and flaky during period. No more acne breakout or irritation due to weather changes—all credited to the prolonged use of First Care Activating Serum EX and I’ve used 7-8 bottles of it!

50 Years of Skin Nurturing with Ginseng

After experiencing the sublime benefits of First Care Activating Serum EX, Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX is a must-try. Its scent is not overpowering at all. Instead, it’s light and subtle that makes it more compelling. The brand has leveraged the Bio-conversion TechnologyTM in its 2nd generation Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream in 2009 to deliver precious active ingredients deep into skin. It’s similar to directly serving warm ginseng soup to skin cells. The cream immediately restores your skin, reduces the look of dry lines and tightens contours. I’ve tried many so-called ginseng skincare products, most of them have none of its proclaimed qi-replenishing benefits save the scent. If you have concerns like sagging contours or under-eye bags, the Concentrated Ginseng Collection with reliable scientific support could be your last resort.

Who Said Beauty is Pain?

Besides at-home products, Sulwhasoo’s skincare philosophy can also be found in Hong Kong (China) Sulwhasoo SPA where ladies could recharge their body, soul and skin. Traditional Korean spa treatments - Red Ginseng Foot Bath and Jaeumdan Herbal Ball Massage – help stimulate blood circulation and soothe tension, beneficial especially to exhausted office ladies who lack exercise. The therapist will use precious Jade, amber and obsidian as massage tools in order to harness the powerful energy of gemstones in activating the meridian flow and cell renewal, so that nutrients can penetrate to tackle skin problems rapidly. Who would suffer painful invasive treatments after experiencing the magical efficacy of soothing gemstone massage?

1. 1. Don’t rush at Sulwhasoo SPA. Take time to rest and relax. Feel your body with unimpeded qi-blood circulation after complete rituals of body steaming and foot bath.


2. 2. Timetreaure Ultimate Renovating Story ($4,500 / 180 min) revitalizes tired complexion with the yang energy of amber. The Timetreasure ampoule helps lift and firm the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines for afterglow.


3. 3. The new Perfecting Cushion Brightening (below) ($430) and limited edition Perfecting Cushion (top) ($400) are testimony of form-function balance with Golden Birds, symbol of luck and happiness, decorations by Korean rising artist Ji Yeon Hong.


4. 4. It takes four years for ginseng flower to blossom. The fourth-generation Ginseng Cream is infused with ginseng flower extracts to reinforce the skin’s natural protective barrier and boost its regeneration.


5. 5. Upholding the stringent quality control for raw materials, the team carefully selects and harvests quality ginseng from organic farm.


6. 6. Launched 20 years ago and evolved over four generations, First Care Activating Serum EX ($600 / 60ml) invigorates qi-blood and restores skin balance.


7. 7. The 4th generation and Light version of Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX ($1,600 / 60ml each) were launched last year with the same active ingredients but cater to different skin types.

1966

Inspired by his mother who mastered the know-how of phyto-beauty, Sulwhasoo’s founder Suh Sung-whan delved into how Korea’s prominent ginseng could nourish skin besides improving the body, giving rise to the birth of ABC Ginseng Cream.

1973

Shu succeeded in extracting active ingredient saponin from ginseng root and introduced Ginseng SAMMI (predecessor of Sulwhasoo), first Korean skincare brand using ginseng saponin. Today, Ginsenoside-Re remains women’s favorite whitening and anti-aging ingredient with its mild efficacy that has withstood the test of time.

1997

The brand was officially renamed as Sulwhasoo with the launch of its bestseller, First Care Activating Serum EX.

2009

The four-story Sulwhasoo SPA at Canton Road Tsim Sha Tsui treats Hong Kong (China) ladies to the new world of traditional Korean beauty. All treatments begin with a red ginseng foot bath to nurture customers’ mind and body. In the same year, the revolutionary Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream EX was formulated with the Korean Technology Award Winning Bio-conversion technologyTM that facilitates skin revitalization.

2010

Sulwhasoo’s ‘Hundreds of Families Quilt’ charity campaign began to fund designated charities and spread the warm blessings by donating quilts to needy families with persistent support of glitterati Mrs. Cathy Lee.

2012

Endeavoring to perfect its products, Sulwhasoo also celebrates its innovative DNA with the one-and-only ‘Lucullan Ginseng Banquet’. The brand spent $100,000 on each table, serving delicacies conceived by Chan Yan-tak, the first and only Michelin three-star Chinese chef.

2014

Ginseng Berry Extract Ampoule with essence of red ginseng and ginseng berries is a ginseng feast to refresh one’s skin and spirit.

2016

The first permanent makeup collection finally came out in spring for fans to experience the extremely moisturizing yet long-lasting blushes and lipsticks.

2017

The nourishing First Care Activating Mask was introduced in celebration of the 20th anniversary of First Care Activating Serum EX. Each mask is formulated with patent Honeyed ProcessTM, containing 1/3 bottle of the Serum as a special solution for tired and imbalanced skin.

Delivering the latest beauty trends to the audience, ELLE shares the same mission with Sulwhasoo to offer the best for women. The magazine celebrates the brand’s great journey and witnesses memorable moments of emerging Asian beauty force.

Left: Beauty editors from different regions pay attention to the docent explaining the theme of Cultural Exhibition.
Right: Woman artist Minseop Yoon creates a 3D background with back lplastic rods, like a pencil sketch depicting the calm before the storm in a fishing village.

Time:November 2015
Person:Tramy Lam, Electronic Product & Analysis Manager of ELLE
Venue:Seoul, South Korea
Event:2015 Sulwha Cultural Exhibition《Once upon a time: tale of crape myrtle》
Highlights:The ninth edition of Cultural Exhibition commissioned 11 young artists to interpret the Tale of Crape Myrtle, a tragic love story in Korean literature, through multi-media, architecture, illustrations or other art forms. The innovative ways of expression helps non-Koreans further understand Korean traditional culture. The exhibition showcases intriguing views on kindness and evil; lift, death and reincarnation while conveying the brand’s commitment to culture.

Up: Beauty lovers around the world visit Sulwhasoo’s flagship store on Dosan-daero every day.
Below: The interior of the first floor recalls the cabinets of traditional medicinal herbs shop.

Time:March 2016
Person:Tiffany Ng, former Senior Beauty Editor of ELLE
Venue:Seoul, South Korea
Event:2015 Grand Opening of Sulwhasoo’s flagship store
Highlights:The editor enjoyed a preview of the brand’s biggest flagship store on Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu. Designed by globally renowned architectural design studio Neri & Hu, this four-story landmark is as modern and sleek as a contemporary museum. The artfully conceived space allows natural light to mingle with indoor lighting, recalling the brand’s ‘balance through and through’ skincare philosophy. The first floor accommodates an area dedicated to the brand’s heritage and story. We also sampled exclusive products at the flagship store, such as herbal soap made with Oldenlandia diffusa and balm using safflower seed oil to immerse in the power of Korean beauty.

Time:April 2017
Person:Erika Ng, Content Manager of ELLE
Venue:Seoul, South Korea
Event:First Care Activating Serum limited edition and First Care Activating Mask
Highlights:To mark the 20th anniversary of the bestselling First Care Activating Serum, Sulwhasoo planned a Work-Life Balance journey for beauty editors worldwide to truly experience the beauty of balance: appreciation of creations that reflect on the balance of life at Horim Art Center, tea time at the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace, experience of the latest fitness trend of ‘aerial yoga’…The thoughtful journey was a far cry from typical Seoul tourism celebrating the capital’s nightlife. It focused on the intrinsic bond between beauty and a healthy lifestyle: replenishing blood and qi is the only cure for all types of skin problems, the underlying reason for First Care Activating Serum EX’s consistent popularity and anticipation of the new Mask.

Up: Aerial yoga poses help regulate endocrine secretion for good health, just like what the First Care Activating Serum EX does to the skin.
Below: Editors take a respite from their packed schedule to learn tea tasting and slow living at the prestigious Changdeokgung Palace.