Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

Efficacy87/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Moisturizing
Phytosphingosine, Acetyl hexapeptide-8 + 21 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Used morning and night, this silky formula instantly hydrates and visibly smooths while providing a visible lifting effect.”
Source: Sulwhasoo US

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, glucose.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, squalane.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl octapeptide-3, phytosphingosine

PhytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.3–0.5%
Acetyl hexapeptide-8Hero· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
Acetyl octapeptide-3Hero· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~4.9–6%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.2–3.9%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~2.1–2.5%
TriethylhexanoinKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.1–2.6%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.6–0.9%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%
Sodium polyaspartateKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help stabilize the product formulation~0.2–0.4%
HoneyKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen~0.2–0.4%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~6.3–7.7%
Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.1%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.4–0.6%
Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.35–0.65%
Arachidyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~0.3–0.55%
Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.3–0.55%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.45%
Dextrin· HumectantEffect: LowA sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.25–0.5%
Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.5–0.75%
Nelumbo nucifera flower extractEffect: Low, below effective dose~0.2–0.4%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2–0.35%
Anti-aging
Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Acetyl octapeptide-3 + 2 more
May help
What the product description says
“Used morning and night, this silky formula instantly hydrates and visibly smooths while providing a visible lifting effect.”
Source: Sulwhasoo US

This product contains acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl octapeptide-3. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Acetyl hexapeptide-8Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
Acetyl octapeptide-3Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.2%
Hydrolyzed ginseng saponinsEffect: LowPlant extract that might help calm down inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals, but effectiveness of topical application is not confirmed. Can be an allergen~0.2–0.35%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Parfum, Linalool + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Hydrolyzed ginseng saponinsPlant extract that might help calm down inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals, but effectiveness of topical application is not confirmed. Can be an allergenHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Nelumbo nucifera flower extract—High~0.2–0.4%est.
TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~2.1–2.6%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.65–1%est.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.75–1.1%est.
Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.4%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.4%est.
Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Paeonia lactiflora root extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Sodium polyaspartateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Theobroma cacao extract—3/5~0.2–0.4%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.3–0.5%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.6–0.9%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Butylene glycol~6.3–7.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Dimethicone~4.9–6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Glycerin~3.2–3.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Triethylhexanoin~2.1–2.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin
Squalane~2.1–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Hydrogenated polyisobutene~1.7–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene
1,2-hexanediol~0.65–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~1.1–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency

More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer
Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.75–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Cetearyl olivate~0.6–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate
Cetearyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Sorbitan olivate~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate
Glyceryl stearate~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Stearic acid~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Palmitic acid~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Arachidyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Arachidyl alcohol
Behenyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol
Parfum~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Hydrolyzed ginseng saponins~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Plant extract that might help calm down inflammation in skin and neutralize free radicals, but effectiveness of topical application is not confirmed. Can be an allergen

More about Hydrolyzed ginseng saponins
Glyceryl caprylate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Arachidyl glucoside~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Arachidyl glucoside
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sorbitan isostearate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate
Polysorbate 60~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Disodium edta~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate
Linalool~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Panax ginseng root extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng root extract
Dextrin~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin
Theobroma cacao extract~0.2–0.4%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Theobroma cacao extract
Sodium chloride~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Honey~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterial

Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen

More about Honey
Limonene~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Rehmannia glutinosa root extract~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Panax ginseng flower extract~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Paeonia lactiflora root extract~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Paeonia lactiflora root extract
Lilium candidum bulb extract~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Myristic acid~0.3–0.5%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid
Arachidic acid~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Arachidic acid
Glucose~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Nelumbo nucifera flower extract~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation
More about Nelumbo nucifera flower extract
Phytosphingosine~0.3–0.5%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine
Sodium polyaspartate~0.2–0.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium polyaspartate
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate
Acetyl heptapeptide-4~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Acetyl hexapeptide-8~0.15–0.3%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Acetyl hexapeptide-8
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Acetyl octapeptide-3~0.1–0.2%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Acetyl octapeptide-3
Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Squalane, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, 1,2-hexanediol, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Cetearyl olivate, Cetearyl alcohol, Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone, Sorbitan olivate, Glyceryl stearate, Stearic acid, Palmitic acid, Arachidyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Parfum, Hydrolyzed ginseng saponins, Glyceryl caprylate, Arachidyl glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Linalool, Panax ginseng root extract, Dextrin, Theobroma cacao extract, Sodium chloride, Honey, Limonene, Hydrogenated lecithin, Rehmannia glutinosa root extract, Panax ginseng flower extract, Paeonia lactiflora root extract, Lilium candidum bulb extract, Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract, Myristic acid, Arachidic acid, Glucose, Nelumbo nucifera flower extract, Phytosphingosine, Sodium polyaspartate, Caprylyl glycol, Tocopherol, Sodium methyl stearoyl taurate, Acetyl heptapeptide-4, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Sodium hydroxide, Acetyl octapeptide-3

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 12:23 GMT
$218.00
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
SulwhasooConcentrated Ginseng Renewing CreamYOUR PRODUCTNEEDLYAzelaic Acid 12 Ceramide CreamTIRTIRCica Care CreamOleHenriksenStrength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser
Match—61%58%57%
Price$218.00$20.41−$197.59$24.90−$193.10$37.00−$181.00
Shared key ingredients—6 of 86 of 86 of 8
Key difference—Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2Copper Tripeptide-1Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Irritancy High Medium Medium High
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

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Product summary

"Sulwhasoo - Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Exfoliation, Anti-blemish, Moisturizing, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone

Ingredient callouts

  • this product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.25% - 0.45%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily.
  • Ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.30% - 0.55%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
  • Peptides (acetyl octapeptide-3 0.10% - 0.15% and acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.15% - 0.25%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. They might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
  • Humectants (acetyl octapeptide-3 0.10% - 0.15%, acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.15% - 0.25%, sodium hyaluronate 0.25% - 0.45%, acetyl glucosamine 0.20% - 0.40%, trehalose 1.80% - 2.20% and glycerin 4.70% - 5.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails from 52.00$ up to 260.00$ in the United States, for 199.00£ in the United Kingdom and from 323.40CA$ up to 350.40CA$ in Canada.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

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Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
SulwhasooConcentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.