Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water EX

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water EX

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Anti-aging
Niacinamide, Adenosine + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Benefits: This toner boosts the vitality of skin and reduces the signs of aging effectively.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.2–1.8%
AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.1–0.4%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.2%
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~0.05–0.25%
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~0.01–0.05%
Moisturizing
Niacinamide, Glycerin + 9 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Infused with Ginsenomics and Ginseng Berry Extract which help promote skin regeneration, deeply moisturize and nourish the fatigued skin.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.2–1.8%
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~3.8–5.7%
Methyl gluceth-20Key active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it~0.95–1.45%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.1–0.4%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.2%
HoneyKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen~0.05–0.2%
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~3.3–4.9%
Glyceryl polymethacrylate· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture~1.4–2.1%
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.4–0.95%
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~0.01–0.05%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Niacinamide, Paeonia lactiflora root extract + 1 more
Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: paeonia lactiflora root extract.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.2–1.8%
Paeonia lactiflora root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.05–0.2%
Narcissus tazetta bulb extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight contain compounds called dormins that in theory could help lighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, but solid research is lacking~0.05–0.25%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit · Niacinamide, Beta-glucan
Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.2–1.8%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Parfum + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~2–3%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%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~0.05–0.25%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.55–1.3%est.
Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.55–1.25%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Narcissus tazetta bulb extractMight contain compounds called dormins that in theory could help lighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, but solid research is lackingMedium~0.05–0.25%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~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~3.8–5.7%
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
Butylene glycol~3.3–4.9%
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
Panax ginseng root water~2.5–3.8%
Formula
Alcohol denat.~2–3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
1,2-hexanediol~0.55–1.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Glyceryl polymethacrylate~1.4–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture

More about Glyceryl polymethacrylate
Niacinamide~1.2–1.8%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Methyl gluceth-20~0.95–1.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

More about Methyl gluceth-20
Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
Carbomer~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Propanediol~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Tromethamine~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Disodium edta~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Adenosine~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine
Parfum~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Narcissus tazetta bulb extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Might contain compounds called dormins that in theory could help lighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, but solid research is lacking

More about Narcissus tazetta bulb extract
Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Beta-glucan~0.05–0.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Honey~0.05–0.2%
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
Linalool~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Rehmannia chinensis root extract~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Hydrolyzed ginseng saponins~0.05–0.25%
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
Paeonia lactiflora root extract~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

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~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Nelumbium speciosum flower extract~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Tocopherol~0.01–0.05%
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
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Panax ginseng root water, Alcohol denat., 1,2-hexanediol, Glyceryl polymethacrylate, Niacinamide, Methyl gluceth-20, Ppg-13-decyltetradeceth-24, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Carbomer, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Adenosine, Parfum, Sodium hyaluronate, Xanthan gum, Narcissus tazetta bulb extract, Methoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone, Beta-glucan, Honey, Linalool, Rehmannia chinensis root extract, Hydrolyzed ginseng saponins, Paeonia lactiflora root extract, Lilium candidum bulb extract, Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract, Phenoxyethanol, Nelumbium speciosum flower extract, Tocopherol

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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 Water EXYOUR PRODUCTPYUNKANG YULBlack Tea Deep Infusion TonerGenabellePDRN Rejuvenating TonerHolika HolikaPrime Youth Black Snail Repair Toner
Match—100%100%100%
Price—$21.99$19.65$38.32
Shared key ingredients—5 of 55 of 55 of 5
Key difference—MadecassosideTripeptide-1Snail Secretion Filtrate
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol —— Contains drying alcohol
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Product summary

"Sulwhasoo - Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water EX" is effective for: Anti-aging, Moisturizing, Anti-blemish and Evens skin tone

Ingredient callouts

  • Adenosine 0.10% - 0.40%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
  • Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.10% - 0.40% and glycerin 3.80% - 5.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 82.53$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

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Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water EX
SulwhasooConcentrated Ginseng Renewing Water EX

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