Sulwhasoo: the Korean luxury ginseng brand
Its story since 1966, ginseng, its lines and which product to choose for your skin: the complete guide to Sulwhasoo.
- Sulwhasoo is the luxury skincare brand of the Korean group Amorepacific, launched under this name in 1997.
- Its roots go back to 1966 and a first ginseng cream, the plant it has been studying ever since.
- Its signature products: the First Care Activating Serum, applied first of all, and the Concentrated Ginseng cream.
- For whom: mainly mature or dry skin looking for firmness, comfort and radiance.
Contents
When it comes to luxury in K-beauty, one name comes up before all others: Sulwhasoo. Its white and amber bottles are instantly recognizable, and its signature serum has been part of the brand for nearly 30 years. Its secret comes down to one word: ginseng, a plant it has been working with for more than half a century.
In this guide, we explain where Sulwhasoo comes from, what's really in its formulas, how to find your way through its lines and, above all, which product to start with for your skin. No need to buy everything: one or two well-chosen products are enough to discover the brand.
The story of Sulwhasoo, from 1966 to today
It all began in 1966. Suh Sung-whan, the founder of Amorepacific, launched the ABC Ginseng Cream, a ginseng cream. Today the brand presents it as the starting point of its story. The following years were devoted to research: in 1973 came Ginseng Sammi, a line built around ginseng saponins, the plant's active compounds.
In 1987 came Sulwha, a line that for the first time combined the plants of traditional Korean medicine (hanbang) with skin science. Ten years later, in 1997, it became Sulwhasoo, with a first product that would never leave the brand: the serum known today as the First Care Activating Serum.
Then came the Concentrated Ginseng cream, followed by exports: Hong Kong, the United States, China, Europe. In Seoul, the brand opened its Dosan flagship store in 2016, an entire five-story building in the Sinsa district. As for faces, Sulwhasoo chose Rosé of BLACKPINK as global ambassador in 2022, then the actress Yoona (Girls’ Generation) in February 2025.
The Sulwhasoo philosophy: Korean tradition and science
The name Sulwhasoo comes from “seolhwa” (雪花), which the brand translates as a plum blossom that blooms under the snow. The image sums up its idea well: a beauty that stands the test of time. In practice, that means three things:
- Korean plants at the heart of the formulas: ginseng first and foremost, but also peony, lotus, lily or rehmannia, ingredients known from the hanbang tradition.
- Lots of research: the brand regularly reworks its classics. Its signature serum is now in its 6th generation.
- The ritual: rich textures, massage gestures, heavy gold jars. At Sulwhasoo, caring for your skin should remain a pleasant moment.
The brand's gentle cleansing oil, one of our top-selling Sulwhasoo products over the last three months. It melts makeup, even waterproof, then emulsifies on contact with water and rinses off without leaving skin feeling tight. The easiest way to discover Sulwhasoo skincare every day.
37,90 €VIEW PRODUCTAnd if you want to try the brand's heritage product, the First Care Activating Serum, born in 1997, is applied right after cleansing, before toner, to help skin look suppler and more radiant.
Key ingredients of Sulwhasoo
Each Sulwhasoo line is built around an ingredient or an in-house complex. Here are the ones to know.
Korean ginseng
It has been the brand's signature ingredient since 1966. Sulwhasoo uses it in several forms: root extract, ginseng water, oil, berry. It's valued for giving skin a firmer, suppler and more radiant look. You'll find it mainly in the Concentrated Ginseng line, like the Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream or the ginseng ampoule.
JAUM Activator, the five-plant complex
It's the heart of the First Care Activating Serum. This patented complex brings together five plants from Korean tradition: Solomon's seal, peony, lotus, white lily and rehmannia. Its role: to help strengthen the skin barrier and keep it hydrated. You'll find it in the First Care Activating Serum and its version for the eye area.
White ginseng and niacinamide
For radiance, Sulwhasoo relies on the duo of ginseng and niacinamide, an active that helps even out the complexion. The Lumiwise line adds tranexamic acid, licorice and a vitamin C derivative, as in the Lumiwise Brightening Ampoule Serum or the Discoloration Corrector, to apply on dark spots. The white ginseng exfoliating mask also works on radiance.
Nourishing textures: squalane, hyaluronic acid and adenosine
Behind the plants are classic, effective actives: squalane for comfort, hyaluronic acid for hydration, adenosine to smooth the look of fine lines. That's what gives Sulwhasoo creams their rich but non-greasy texture, like the Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream Rich.
Sulwhasoo lines to know
| Line | What it's for |
|---|---|
| First Care | The first step after cleansing: prep and hydrate |
| Concentrated Ginseng | Firmness and first signs of aging |
| The Ultimate S | The most high-end line, for mature skin |
| Essential Comfort | Everyday hydration and comfort |
| Lumiwise | Radiance and a more even complexion |
| Gentle Cleansing | Gentle makeup removal and cleansing |
| UV Daily | Everyday SPF50+ sun protection |
| Perfecting | Makeup: cushion, foundation, lips |
| Men | Simple facial skincare for men |
Which Sulwhasoo for your skin?
Pick your need: we give you our favorite product, plus two others to round it out.
First signs of aging, loss of firmness
Go for ginseng: a targeted cream morning and evening, an ampoule for a boost, and a dedicated eye contour product.
Dry, tight-feeling skin
A richer cream, a toner that hydrates from the very first step, and an overnight mask on evenings when your skin needs it.
Dull complexion and dark spots
A niacinamide radiance serum morning and evening, a white ginseng exfoliating mask once a week, and SPF every morning to protect your complexion.
Mature skin, looking for the most advanced care
The Ultimate S is the brand's pinnacle: a velvety cream, its serum, and the eye contour serum from the First Care line.
A complete Sulwhasoo routine, morning and evening
Morning
- CleanseThe Gentle Cleansing Foam, on damp skin, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- PrepThe First Care Activating Serum, first, on clean skin.
- ToneThe Concentrated Ginseng toner, patted in with your hands.
- MoisturizeThe Concentrated Ginseng emulsion, or go straight to your cream if your skin is oily.
- ProtectThe UV Daily Fluid SPF50+ sunscreen, even when it's cloudy.
Evening
- Remove makeupThe Gentle Cleansing Oil on dry skin, then emulsify with a little water.
- CleanseThe foam, or the ginseng soap if you prefer a bar.
- PrepThe First Care Activating Serum, as in the morning.
- BoostA few drops of Concentrated Ginseng ampoule, and the eye contour product.
- NourishThe Concentrated Ginseng cream, or the Rich version if your skin is dry.
Our tips for using Sulwhasoo
- Start with a single product: the First Care Activating Serum is the easiest to slip into any routine, even with products from other brands.
- A little product goes a long way: Sulwhasoo creams are concentrated. A pea-sized amount for the whole face is enough.
- Warm the cream between your fingers, then apply it with upward strokes, from the center of the face outward.
- Pat the eye contour product with your ring finger, without rubbing.
- Exfoliate once a week, no more: the white ginseng mask is made for that.
- Always finish with SPF in the morning, especially if you use radiance products.
Sulwhasoo products are cosmetics, not treatments. Some contain fragrance: if your skin is very reactive, test on a small area first. If you have redness, spots that change or a skin problem that lasts, ask a dermatologist for advice.
Passing through Seoul? The Sulwhasoo Dosan flagship store, in the Sinsa district, is worth the detour for its architecture alone. Otherwise, treat yourself to a Concentrated Ginseng mask on Sunday evening, just before your cream: it's the little ritual that keeps skin comfortable all week.
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FAQ about Sulwhasoo
Is Sulwhasoo a Korean brand?
Yes. Sulwhasoo is a South Korean skincare brand, launched in 1997 by the Amorepacific group, in Seoul.
What does Sulwhasoo mean?
The name comes from “seolhwa” (雪花), which the brand translates as a plum blossom that blooms under the snow: an image of strength and beauty that stands the test of time.
What is Sulwhasoo’s signature product?
The First Care Activating Serum, born with the brand in 1997 and now in its 6th generation. Right behind it, the Concentrated Ginseng cream.
When should I apply the First Care Activating Serum?
As its name suggests, first of all: right after cleansing, before your toner. It preps the skin for the rest of the routine.
Concentrated Ginseng Cream or the Rich version: which one should I choose?
The classic version suits most mature skin looking for firmness. The more nourishing Rich version is aimed at dry skin, or for winter.
From what age can you use Sulwhasoo?
There's no minimum age. The First Care and Lumiwise lines and the cleansers are suitable from your twenties; Concentrated Ginseng and The Ultimate S are more for skin showing the first signs of aging.
Where can I buy Sulwhasoo online?
At Ma Petite Corée, you'll find more than 40 Sulwhasoo products, from cleansers to creams. We deliver across Europe, directly from our office in Seoul.
Are the Sulwhasoo products at Ma Petite Corée authentic?
Yes, everything we sell is official and ships directly from our office in Seoul.
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Jihyun, team Ma Petite Corée