The Korean beauty industry is known for its commitment to both developing innovative, science-backed formulas and honoring time-tested rituals. Sulwhasoo has long been a pioneer in the space; tracing its roots back to 1932, the brand is known for deftly fusing tradition and modernity. A prime example: First Care Activating Serum, one of its most iconic products. The bestseller has gone through multiple evolutions and advancements since its launch in 1997, with the latest version introducing potent ginseng into the formula.
The new serum remains nearly identical in feel and scent to the last iteration, but the inclusion of ginseng—one of Asia's most celebrated herbs and a longtime key player in Sulwhasoo's lineup—makes it even more of a must-have. The herb was added to further address visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and dullness (thanks to its strong antioxidant properties), and also to help strengthen the skin barrier.
Referred to by the brand as the "essence of Mother Earth," ginseng has been utilized in traditional Eastern medicine to soothe and heal the body for thousands of years. Sulwhasoo's original research into the ingredient began with the question, "If ginseng is good for the health, wouldn't it be good for the skin?" Through decades of science and innovation, the brand developed ways to harness the benefits of ginseng for skincare. Today, Sulwhasoo's unique ginseng extract features a rare ginseng saponin, which is concentrated to deliver a powerful concoction that visibly rejuvenates skin.
The First Care Activating Serum VI is designed to be used as the first step of your skincare routine after cleansing, when skin is most vulnerable. The silky, honey-hued serum has a luxurious herbal scent, glides over skin, and is absorbed in a matter of seconds, delivering a surge of hydration. After four weeks of use, it has been shown to improve skin's texture, as well as make it look brighter, according to the brand's studies.*
To get the most out of the updated serum—and to give your skin the full VIP Sulwhasoo experience—follow this simple four-step routine: Start with the brand's Gentle Cleansing Oil to dissolve makeup and debris, then apply the Gentle Cleansing Foam, which features a nutrient-dense blend of botanicals to further cleanse and soften. Next, smooth on a dime-size amount of First Care Activating Serum VI, and seal it all in with Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, a lightweight but deeply hydrating anti-aging moisturizer. The result? Balanced, hydrated, smooth, refreshed, and thoroughly pampered skin.
*Based on an 8-week clinical study on 30 women 39 to 60.
