Science is starting to back up what many traditional Asian skincare philosophies have known for centuries: fermentation can make ginseng not only more powerful, but also gentler on sensitive, oily, and combination skin.
The Power of Ginseng in Every Day Skincare.
Esteemed brands like Sulwhasoo have built their entire philosophy around the power of ginseng, featuring it as the star ingredient in many of their best-selling anti-ageing and rebalancing lines. Similarly, Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) has garnered a dedicated following for its accessible yet effective skincare solutions that frequently highlight ginseng's benefits, often combining it with other traditional Korean herbs to address skin concerns like dullness and fine lines. This widespread adoption by luxury and affordable brands shows ginseng's recognised efficacy and its enduring popularity as a natural powerhouse in the quest for healthy, radiant skin.
What is Fermented Ginseng, and Why is it Better?
Fermentation is a natural process in which beneficial microorganisms break down larger compounds into smaller, more easily absorbed molecules. In skincare, this enhances the bioavailability of key ingredients, meaning your skin can absorb and benefit from them more effectively. As a result, fermented skincare products, like fermented ginseng, offer improved potency while remaining gentle and non-irritating, making them ideal for sensitive, oily, or combination skin.
In ginseng’s case, this process significantly elevates the plant's profile. A study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research found that fermented red ginseng (FRG) is richer in certain ginsenosides, like Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1, which have more potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than their non-fermented counterparts (Kim et al., 2012).
Source: Fermenting Red Ginseng Enhances Its Safety and Efficacy as a Novel Skin Care Anti-Aging Ingredient
Science-Backed Benefits for Your Skin
1. Enhanced Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Power
A 2024 article in the Journal of Dermatological Science confirmed that fermented ginseng can protect skin cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, two major culprits behind premature ageing and acne flare-ups (Choi et al., 2024). By reducing stress at the cellular level, FRG helps calm redness, minimise flare-ups, and support your skin's natural healing process.
2. Perfect for Sensitive and Reactive Skin
Because fermentation breaks down harsh compounds into milder forms, fermented ginseng becomes less likely to irritate. That’s good news for anyone whose skin gets inflamed at the drop of a hat. If you’ve ever avoided ginseng in the past because of its strength, fermented versions might be your gateway in.
Products like those from Ssunsu offer non-irritating skincare infused with gentle, fermented botanicals, making them a smart pick for people dealing with sensitivity or post-acne redness.
3. Balancing Act for Oily and Combination Skin
One of fermented ginseng’s unsung benefits is its ability to regulate sebum production. The same bioactive compounds that fight inflammation also help normalise oil levels, which makes fermented ginseng an excellent ingredient for oily and combination skin types.
No more over-stripping your skin and causing rebound oiliness. Instead, fermented ginseng works with your skin, not against it, to restore balance.
A Natural Anti-Ageing Powerhouse
Want to keep your skin youthful and firm? Ginsenosides, such as Rg3, have been shown to stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkle formation, mainly when used consistently. The antioxidant load also protects your skin against daily environmental damage.
Many luxury brands, like Sulwhasoo, with their Concentrated Ginseng Renewing line, have recognised the power of ginseng. And increasingly, clean skincare brands like SSUNSU are making these benefits more accessible and affordable in modern, minimal formulations that suit a wider range of skin types.
Final Thoughts: Should You Make the Switch?
Absolutely, especially if your skin is sensitive, oily, or combination, fermented ginseng offers a unique blend of calmness, clarity, and collagen support, all backed by science. And with brands like SSUNSU embracing probiotic-infused, non-irritating ingredients, adding this powerhouse to your routine is easier than ever.
If you're looking for skincare that feels good and does good, fermented ginseng might be the missing piece in your regimen.
