The History of Whoo

The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Gun Ja Yang Moisture Cream For Men

Name: The History of Whoo - Gongjinhyang Gun Ja Yang Moisture Cream For Men
Brand: The History of Whoo

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Glycerin + 15 more

Works well

What the product description says

“This moisture cream infused with an abundance of Korean herbal ingredients, such as Cordyceps, Nano Colloidal Platinum and Ginseng Flower that gives a full nourishment to skin.”

Source: Yesstyle

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, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer.

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: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.6–0.9%

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~4.2–5.2%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~3.2–4%

Neopentyl glycol dicaprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.4–3%

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~2.1–2.6%

IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~1.7–2.1%

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.~1.6–1.9%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.9–1.1%

TriethylhexanoinKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

Cetyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability~0.5–0.75%

Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiablesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency~0.25–0.5%

Dimethicone crosspolymerKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface~0.25–0.5%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1–1.3%

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~0.45–0.7%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.4%

Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.25–0.5%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Cornus officinalis fruit extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract + 3 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (cornus officinalis fruit extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Cornus officinalis fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation~0.25–0.45%

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.25–0.45%

Zingiber officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking~0.2–0.4%

Panax ginseng root extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating~0.2–0.4%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

8 strong irritants: Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract, Zingiber officinale root extract + 6 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Eugenia caryophyllus flower extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Cornus officinalis fruit extractA plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulationHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extractPlant extract that has some anti-bacterial properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.4%est.

Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.75–1.15%est.

TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Sorbitan palmitateHelps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 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

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.9–1.1%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

Dipropylene glycol~6.5–7.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Glycerin~4.2–5.2%

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

Cyclopentasiloxane~3.2–4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Neopentyl glycol dicaprate~2.4–3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Neopentyl glycol dicaprate

Dimethicone~2.1–2.6%

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

Isododecane~1.7–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane

Squalane~1.6–1.9%

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

1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Glyceryl stearate~1–1.3%

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

Cetearyl alcohol~0.9–1.1%

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

Panthenol~0.6–0.9%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Triethylhexanoin~0.5–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin

Peg-100 stearate~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate

Cetyl palmitate~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability

More about Cetyl palmitate

Butylene glycol~0.45–0.7%

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

Silica~0.65–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Sorbitan olivate~0.4–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

Sorbitan palmitate~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation

More about Sorbitan palmitate

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface

More about Dimethicone crosspolymer

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.25–0.5%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Tromethamine~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Trisodium edta~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps preserve product formulations

More about Trisodium edta

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.25–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency

More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer

Angelica gigas root extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Angelica gigas root extract

Cnidium officinale root extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cnidium officinale root extract

Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract

Zingiber officinale root extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract

Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract

Cornus officinalis fruit extract~0.25–0.45%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation

More about Cornus officinalis fruit extract

Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extract~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Plant extract that has some anti-bacterial properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extract

Velvet extract~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Velvet extract

Sasa quelpaertensis extract~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sasa quelpaertensis extract

Cordyceps sinensis extract~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cordyceps sinensis extract

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.4%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Panax ginseng root extract~0.2–0.4%

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

Parfum~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Benzyl salicylate~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate

Hydroxycitronellal~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal

Limonene~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Linalool~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ingredient list view

Water, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Neopentyl glycol dicaprate, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Squalane, 1,2-hexanediol, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Panthenol, Triethylhexanoin, Peg-100 stearate, Cetyl palmitate, Butylene glycol, Silica, Sorbitan olivate, Sorbitan palmitate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Hydrogenated olive oil unsaponifiables, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Tromethamine, Trisodium edta, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Angelica gigas root extract, Cnidium officinale root extract, Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Zingiber officinale root extract, Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract, Cornus officinalis fruit extract, Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extract, Velvet extract, Sasa quelpaertensis extract, Cordyceps sinensis extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Parfum, Benzyl salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool

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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
	The History of WhooGongjinhyang Gun Ja Yang Moisture Cream For MenYOUR PRODUCT	THE FACE SHOPYehwadam Heaven Grade Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream	The SaemGold Lifting Cream	su:m37Time Energy Moist Firming Cream
Match	—	66%	63%	61%
Price	—	$37.95	$55.50	$62.10
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 10	5 of 10	5 of 10
Key difference	—	Adenosine	Niacinamide	Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	High
Drying alcohol	—	—	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

Judging from the ingredient list, "The History of Whoo - Gongjinhyang Gun Ja Yang Moisture Cream For Men" works well for improving skin hydration This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Humectants in this product (panthenol, glycerin, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer and butylene glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Dimethicone, squalane, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl palmitate and cyclopentasiloxane 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

An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 0.60% - 0.90%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: dipotassium glycyrrhizate

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive 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.