Synonymous with Korea, Panax ginseng is prized as a panacea documented in Donguibogam medical encyclopaedia dating back to 1613, and listed on Unesco's documentary heritage.
Its cure-all properties encompass enhancing skin vitality, now delivered by cosmetics based on Ginsenomics.
Sulwhasoo, a luxury brand under South Korean cosmetics giant Amorepacific, has been studying the herb since the 1960s and released its first ginseng cream in 1966.
An exhibition titled "Sulwhasoo Ginseng Journey" was recently held at the International Finance Centre (IFC), Hong Kong, to trace back its R&D on the beauty benefits of the medicinal plant.
The event gathered friends of the brand, such as American actress Dakota Fanning and Thai actress Khemanit Jamikorn, while the spotlight fell on actress Song Hye-kyo, the face of Sulwhasoo.
Not only the roots resembling a human body, the whole plant including leaves, berries and flowers as well as cultivation/processing methods and delivery of active ingredients have been explored, and the resulting know-how summed up as Ginsenomics.
The science, backed up by knowledge in herbal medicine-rendered skin-revitalising ingredients such as Steamed Ginseng Water Concentrate, features in Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water and Emulsion.
The proprietary concentrate is obtained from drying steamed ginseng in a vacuum and then recovering the vapour through a cooling process.
Other technologies include Ginsenisphere, a microcapsule delivering ginseng seed oil, which has been combined with ingredients derived from ginseng leaves, stems and roots in the upgraded Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum.
The new age-defying formulas are further scented with ginseng leaves and flowers, to provide a calming aromatherapy upon application.
