The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Soo Soo Yeon Vital Hydating Balancer

The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Soo Soo Yeon Vital Hydating Balancer

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh
Edit

Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
13 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“Gongjinhyang Soo Soo Yeon Vital Hydating Balancer”
From product name

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

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).

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.15–0.3%
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~0.2–0.35%
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~0.15–0.3%
Poria cocos sclerotium extractKey activeEffect: MediumA mushroom extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to help reduce irritation and support restoration of skin barrier~0.25–0.5%
Bupleurum falcatum root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but it is not well studied. It can be irritating~0.15–0.25%
Ophiopogon japonicus root extractEffect: LowPlant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.25–0.5%
Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.15–0.3%
AlginEffect: LowUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%
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~0.15–0.3%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.2–0.4%
PanthenolUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.15–0.3%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~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%
Evens skin tone
No ingredient credited for this claim
No support
What the product description says
“Skin tone changes to reflect renewed energy and elasticity, making it look fresher and more radiant.”
Source: Yesstyle

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim
Moderate support

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~2.1–2.6%
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~0.15–0.3%
Ophiopogon japonicus root extractEffect: LowPlant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.25–0.5%
TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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%
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~0.4–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
9 strong irritants: Alcohol, Thymus vulgaris extract + 7 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
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~7.5–9.2%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~2.1–2.6%est.
Thymus vulgaris extract—High~1.1–1.4%est.
Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.6%est.
Bupleurum falcatum root extractA plant extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but it is not well studied. It can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.25%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~2.1–2.6%est.
Ophiopogon japonicus root extractPlant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.35%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
AlginUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.15–0.3%est.
Edit

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Sd
Not recognized
Alcohol~7.5–9.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Dipropylene glycol~4.1–5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Dipropylene glycol
1,2-hexanediol~2.1–2.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Cornus officinalis fruit extract~2.1–2.6%
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
Velvet extract~1.7–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Velvet extract
Angelica acutiloba root extract~1.5–1.8%
Formula
Thymus vulgaris extract~1.1–1.4%
Irritant · high
Polygonum multiflorum root extract~0.95–1.2%
Formula
Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract~0.6–0.95%
Formula
Asparagus cochinchinensis root extract~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Panax ginseng root extract~0.4–0.6%
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
Ophiopogon japonicus root extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function, but research on its effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Ophiopogon japonicus root extract
Rehmannia chinensis root extract~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Poria cocos sclerotium extract~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizing

A mushroom extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might be able to help reduce irritation and support restoration of skin barrier

More about Poria cocos sclerotium extract
Achyranthes bidentata root extract~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Allium tuberosum seed extract~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Angelica gigas root extract~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Epimedium koreanum extract~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Eucommia ulmoides bark extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Lycium chinense fruit extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Polygala tenuifolia root extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Tribulus terrestris fruit extract~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Nelumbium speciosum flower extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Nelumbo nucifera root extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Nelumbo nucifera germ extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Angelica tenuissima root extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Bupleurum falcatum root extract~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but it is not well studied. It can be irritating

More about Bupleurum falcatum root extract
Cnidium officinale root extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Platycodon grandiflorus root extract~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Betaine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Panthenol~0.15–0.3%
Under-dosed
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
Beta-glucan~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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
Tocopherol~0.2–0.35%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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
Sorbitol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Lecithin~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Glycerin~0.2–0.35%
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~0.15–0.3%
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
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.4%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Algin~0.15–0.3%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Algin
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Peg/ppg-17/6 copolymer~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.2–0.35%
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
Peg-10 rapeseed sterol~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-10 rapeseed sterol
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Octyldodeceth-16~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Octyldodeceth-16
Polysorbate 80~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Trisodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps preserve product formulations

More about Trisodium edta
Tromethamine~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Parfum~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone
Benzyl benzoate~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Citral~0.1–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Citronellol~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Hydroxycitronellal~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal
Linalool~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Water, Unknown, Alcohol, Dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Cornus officinalis fruit extract, Velvet extract, Angelica acutiloba root extract, Thymus vulgaris extract, Polygonum multiflorum root extract, Polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract, Asparagus cochinchinensis root extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Ophiopogon japonicus root extract, Rehmannia chinensis root extract, Poria cocos sclerotium extract, Achyranthes bidentata root extract, Allium tuberosum seed extract, Angelica gigas root extract, Epimedium koreanum extract, Eucommia ulmoides bark extract, Lycium chinense fruit extract, Polygala tenuifolia root extract, Tribulus terrestris fruit extract, Nelumbium speciosum flower extract, Nelumbo nucifera root extract, Nelumbo nucifera germ extract, Angelica tenuissima root extract, Bupleurum falcatum root extract, Cnidium officinale root extract, Platycodon grandiflorus root extract, Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract, Betaine, Panthenol, Beta-glucan, Tocopherol, Sorbitol, Lecithin, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Algin, Xanthan gum, Peg/ppg-17/6 copolymer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Peg-10 rapeseed sterol, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Octyldodeceth-16, Polysorbate 80, Trisodium edta, Tromethamine, Parfum, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Benzyl benzoate, Citral, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Yesstyle
$47.80
Buy

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly

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 Soo Soo Yeon Vital Hydating BalancerYOUR PRODUCTBIOHEAL BOHProbioderm 3D Lifting CreamMolvanyArtichoke Calming Care Soothing CreamTHE FACE SHOPYehwadam Heaven Grade Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream
Match—57%57%56%
Price$47.80$27.99−$19.81$17.55−$30.25$37.84−$9.96
Shared key ingredients—6 of 87 of 86 of 8
Key difference—Acetyl Hexapeptide-1NiacinamideAdenosine
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
View product Shop Shop Shop
Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Soo Soo Yeon Vital Hydating Balancer
The History of WhooGongjinhyang Soo Soo Yeon Vital Hydating Balancer

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.