SULWHASOO The Ultimate S Serum — Élixir Ginseng Berry Redéfinissant

The formula is orchestrated around rare active ingredients derived from traditional pharmacopoeia.

Ginseng Berry SR™ (Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins) — Sulwhasoo's patented active ingredient, extracted from ginseng berries harvested just one day after 1000 days of cultivation, concentrates Syringaresinol at 200 times the content of raw ginseng. This polyphenolic antioxidant acts on visible elasticity and firmness of the skin tissue.

Bioflavonoids — Plant compounds derived from camellia seeds (RE.D Flavonoid™ mentioned in the range) that support microcirculation and protect against oxidative stress, helping to preserve complexion vitality.

Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) — A polysaccharide with high hygroscopic power capable of retaining up to 1000 times its weight in water. Instantly plumps the epidermis and smooths the microrelief.

Beta-Glucan — Polysaccharide extracted from yeast or oats that strengthens the skin barrier, soothes diffuse redness, and stimulates cell regeneration without irritation.

Trehalose — A natural sugar known as the "resurrection sugar" found in organisms that survive desiccation. Protects cell membranes and maintains hydration under extreme conditions.

☀️ Morning routine

1. After toning with a lotion or essence, take 2 to 3 pumps of serum into the palm of your hand.
2. Warm the texture between your palms for a few seconds—a ritual gesture that activates absorption.
3. Apply from the chin towards the temples, then from the center of the forehead towards the hairline.
4. Focus on marked areas (frown lines, nasolabial folds, crow’s feet) with gentle tapping.
5. Finish with a downward sweep along the jawline, down to the neck and décolleté.
6. Follow with your emulsion or moisturizing cream.

🌙 Evening routine

1. Repeat the same protocol after cleansing and toning.
2. Slightly increase the amount (3 to 4 pumps) for an intensive night treatment.
3. Gently press the serum onto areas to strengthen: oval contour, forehead, neck.
4. Allow to absorb for 1 minute before applying the next product—the silicone formula requires a setting time to prevent pilling.

This serum is primarily intended for the following profiles:

• Mature skin (40 years and older) seeking to restore visible firmness and density, with advanced signs (sagging, established wrinkles, volume loss).
• Thin or fragile skin that poorly tolerates aggressive active ingredients (strong retinol, daily exfoliating acids) and prefers a high-end botanical approach.
• Fans of Asian rituals appreciating silky textures, precise gestures, and packaging inspired by craftsmanship (here, the moon jar).
• Tired or dull complexions wishing to regain radiance and elasticity without resorting to aesthetic medicine.

To avoid if : very oily, acne-prone skin (presence of silicones and rich emollients), allergy to solanaceae or known reaction to ginseng, tight budget (premium luxury positioning).

After 8 weeks of daily use in an instrumental study on 30 women, visible texture improves by +16.7% and radiance by +29.4%. The entire panel notices a reduction in fine lines and a refined skin texture.

From the first days, the touch softens — the barrier is strengthened thanks to the beta-glucan + hyaluronic acid cocktail. In 3 to 4 weeks, nasolabial folds and forehead wrinkles appear diminished; the oval shape gradually redefines. After 2 months, elasticity and firmness in the cheeks and neck show measurable improvement.

The serum does not claim to erase 20 years in one bottle, but it supports harmonious aging by focusing on cellular vitality and deep hydration — a holistic philosophy dear to Sulwhasoo.

What is the difference between The Ultimate S Serum and Sulwhasoo's Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum?

The Concentrated Ginseng focuses on saponins from fermented red ginseng, while The Ultimate S Serum uses the ginseng berry (Ginseng Berry SR™) to specifically target elasticity and 3D lifting. The Ultimate S is positioned a level above in terms of luxury and target age (45 and up), with a bottle inspired by the Korean moon jar.

How long does a 50 ml bottle last with daily use?

Following the recommended dosage (2 to 3 pumps morning and evening), you can expect about 3 months of use. If you apply it only in the evening or reserve it for targeted areas, you can extend it to 4-5 months.

Can I combine it with retinol or AHA/BHA acids?

Yes, but not in the same routine. Use your retinol or acids in the evening (or alternate every other night), then apply The Ultimate S Serum in the morning or on active rest evenings. The formula contains Alcohol Denat, which can be drying if combined with strong exfoliants.

Is the texture sticky or does it leave a greasy finish?

No. Thanks to silicones (Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane), the finish is satin-smooth, never sticky. However, wait 1 minute before layering other products to avoid pilling.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea?

Ginseng and bioflavonoids generally soothe, but the presence of denatured alcohol and fragrance may irritate reactive skin. Test first on the neck or behind the ear for 48 hours. If tolerated, start with application every other evening.

Can it be used around the eyes?

Sulwhasoo offers a dedicated eye care product in the Ultimate S line (The Ultimate S Eye Cream). The serum is not contraindicated around the eyes, but avoid the lash line due to fragrance and alcohol—prefer to gently tap only on the outer orbital bone.

Sulwhasoo is a South Korean luxury skincare brand launched by Amorepacific Corporation in 1997, but its roots go back to the 1960s. Since 1964, Sulwhasoo has been a pioneer in the study of Korean ginseng, driven by a bold vision: to create a world-class skincare solution from locally grown ginseng, a plant revered for its power in traditional Asian medicine.

Founder Sung-whan Suh grew up in Gaeseong, a city famous for its ginseng, and introduced the ABC Ginseng Cream in 1966, the first cosmetic to incorporate saponins extracted from the root. In 1973, the SAMMI line achieved international success, paving the way for Sulwha (1987) and then Sulwhasoo as we know it.

Today, the brand embodies Korean soft power: naturally recognized as a national gift presented to First Ladies on visits, Sulwhasoo was highlighted at the Korea-ASEAN Summit 2009, the Seoul G20 in 2010, and the G20 National Assembly Presidents' Meeting in 2011. Its Heritage and Science center conducts in-house research on over 3,000 traditional medicinal herbs.

Discover the entire SULWHASOO range

Official INCI list (source: us.sulwhasoo.com):

WATER / AQUA / EAU, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, DENATURED ALCOHOL, GLYCERETH-26, TREHALOSE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, HYDROGENATED POLY(C6-14 OLEFIN), PROPANEDIOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, SILICA, HYDROGENATED PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE, BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE, PEG-5 PHYTOSTEROL, DIMETHICONOL, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, FRAGRANCE / PARFUM, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HYDROLYZED GINSENG SAPONINS (ENZYME-TREATED RED GINSENG SAPONINS), SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, SODIUM HYALURONATE, XANTHAN GUM, HYDROXYPROPYL CYCLODEXTRIN, TROMETHAMINE, BETA-GLUCAN, DISODIUM EDTA, METHOXY PEG-114/POLYEPSILON CAPROLACTONE, BENZYL SALICYLATE, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, POLYSORBATE 60, BIOFLAVONOIDS, PPG-5-LAURETH-5, DEXTRIN, THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED PROANTHOCYANIDIN, LIMONENE, CITRONELLOL, LINALOOL, GERANIOL, CITRAL, COUMARIN, PANAX GINSENG BERRY EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS (RAPESEED) STEROLS.

Glycerin-enriched aqueous base enhanced with silicones for a silky glide. Botanical actives (ginseng, bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins) are added mid-formula, protected by cyclodextrins that optimize their stability and gradual release. Contains fragrance and alcohol: note for hypersensitive skin.