Sulwhasoo Mini Ginseng Renewing Cream Classic
Works for
MoisturizingPhytosphingosine, Acetyl hexapeptide-8 + 22 moreWorks well
“Mini Ginseng Renewing Cream Classic”
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
Anti-agingAcetyl hexapeptide-8, Acetyl octapeptide-3 + 2 moreMay help
“Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Fines Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity Formulation Lightweight Cream Highlighted Ingredients , Ginsenomics TM Sulwhasoo’s signature ginseng saponin improves the look of wrinkles and firmness while ginseng peptides help protect skin from environmental stressors.”
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Parfum, Linalool + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Butylene glycol~6.3–7.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolDimethicone~4.9–6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconeGlycerin~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinTriethylhexanoin~2.1–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriethylhexanoinSqualane~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SqualaneHydrogenated polyisobutene~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene1,2-hexanediol~0.65–0.95%
Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~1.1–1.3%
- 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 crosspolymerHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.7–1.05%
- 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 copolymerCetearyl olivate~0.6–0.85%
Cetearyl alcohol~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholMethoxy peg-114/polyepsilon caprolactone~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sorbitan olivate~0.35–0.65%
Glyceryl stearate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateStearic acid~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPalmitic acid~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidArachidyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Arachidyl alcoholBehenyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholParfum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumHydrolyzed ginseng saponins~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 saponinsCi 14700~0.2–0.35%
Saponins~0.25–0.5%
Glyceryl caprylate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateArachidyl glucoside~0.2–0.35%
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSorbitan isostearate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearatePolysorbate 60~0.25–0.4%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateLinalool~0.2–0.4%
Panax ginseng root extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
More about Panax ginseng root extractDextrin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about DextrinTheobroma cacao extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Sodium chloride~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideHoney~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen
More about HoneyMel~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and attract water to it
More about MelHoney~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the skin and might have some anti-bacterial properties. Can be an allergen
More about HoneyLimonene~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneHydrogenated lecithin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinRehmannia glutinosa root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Panax ginseng flower extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Paeonia lactiflora root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 extractLilium candidum bulb extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Myristic acid~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidArachidic acid~0.4–0.6%
Glucose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucoseNelumbo nucifera flower extract~0.2–0.4%
Phytosphingosine~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 PhytosphingosineSodium polyaspartate~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help stabilize the product formulation
More about Sodium polyaspartateCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolTocopherol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolSodium methyl stearoyl taurate~0.5–0.75%
Acetyl heptapeptide-4~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acetyl hexapeptide-8~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl hexapeptide-8Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%
Acetyl octapeptide-3~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl octapeptide-3Ingredient 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, Ci 14700, Unknown, 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, Mel, 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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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.
| SulwhasooMini Ginseng Renewing Cream ClassicYOUR PRODUCT | NEEDLYAzelaic Acid 12 Ceramide Cream | TIRTIRCica Care Cream | OleHenriksenStrength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 61% | 58% | 56% |
| Price | — | $20.41 | $24.90 | $29.99 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 8 | 6 of 8 | 6 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Peter Thomas Roth PEPTIDE 21 WRINKLE RESIST MOISTURISER - Day careMEDI-PEEL Peptide 9 Volume Tox Cream Pro
Product summary
Based on the ingredient list, "Sulwhasoo - Mini Ginseng Renewing Cream Classic" can work well for skin moisturization. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Sulwhasoo - Mini Ginseng Renewing Cream Classic ticks this box. Acetyl hexapeptide-8, acetyl octapeptide-3, glycerin, glucose and honey in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Phytosphingosine, dimethicone, squalane, cetearyl alcohol and mel in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.30% - 0.50%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (acetyl octapeptide-3 0.10% - 0.20% and acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.15% - 0.30%). 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. Peptides 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.
Irritation risk
This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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