Photo By: Elin Chow
I've been looking for a new toner lately, and the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water caught my attention. It is enriched with Ginseng, a herb that is rich in antioxidants. Often known as "Herb of perpetual youth", Ginseng is proven to:
- Improve appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Promote elasticity and collagen production
- Reduce puffiness and inflammation
- Brighten skin
However, due to the scarcity of the herb, Ginseng-based skincare products usually come at a steep price tag. So, when I found that Beauty of Joseon has launched a line of affordable Ginseng-based products, I have to try it out. I bought a bottle of it from Lazada, but you can also buy it from Shopee.
The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water is a lightweight toner that nourish and hydrate the skin deeply. The product claims to regulate sebum production, shrink appearance of pores, reduce appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and brighten skin.
INGREDIENTS
Panax Ginseng Root Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl Glucoside, Xanthna Gum, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Adenosine, Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, Theobroma Cacao(Cocoa) Extract, Dextrin, Glucose, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Lactobacillus/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexyglycerin, Disodium EDTA
The product contains two key ingredients - Ginseng Root Water and Niacinamide.
It is made with 80% Ginseng root water, which is anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants. It helps to:
- Fight the effects of free radicals on skin such as premature aging,
- Promote circulation and collagen production to reduce wrinkles
- Brighten skin
Other than Ginseng root water, it is also formulated with 2% Niacinamide, a powerful antioxidant that helps to:
- Control sebum secretion
- Maintain the oil and moisture balance of the skin
- Reduce appearance of pores
Other ingredients include Adenosine, which ease redness and irritation, as well as Sodium Hyaluronate, which is known for its hydrating effects and anti-aging properties.
The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water is formulated without artificial fragrances. parabens, sulfates, artificial colors, animal products, mineral oils, alcohol, essential oils and silicone. The product uses cultivated Ginseng instead of wild Ginseng, which has lower antioxidant benefits than the latter.
There have been some controversies about the quality of the Ginseng that the brand uses. But you certainly can't expect Beauty of Joseon to use high quality Ginseng for the price you pay.
PACKAGING
The packaging is very simple and minimalist. It comes in a transparent plastic bottle with a white screw cap containing 150 ml of the product. The transparent bottle is then packed in a paper box that looks like it is made out of recycled paper.
TEXTURE & SCENT
As its name suggests, the product has a very light and watery texture that feels like water. It is deep amber brown in color, and has a very faint, almost unnoticeable herbal scent. I can't really smell the Ginseng in the product. This is probably because the product only contains a very low concentration of the herb.
The product absorb almost immediately after application. Due to its watery texture, it doesn't feel heavy, sticky or greasy on the skin. I love how light it feels, and it doesn't cause any irritation or breakouts, making it a good option for oily/combination skin.
However, I found this toner is not very hydrating, even when layered. Thus, it may not be suitable if you have dry skin. I am not very sure about its anti-aging claims. In fact, I didn't see any noticeable difference in my skin after using this product.
HOW TO USE
After cleansing, pour a few drops onto your hand and pat gently onto your face. You can use a cotton pad to apply this toner as well. For me, I prefer to apply this toner with a cotton pad. Make sure to let the toner sink in completely before applying other products.
