Do I still need an essence or serum after using this?

Yes. A first-step water resets the skin and preps it to absorb the next layer more evenly; it is not built to replace a treatment-focused essence or serum. Continue with the rest of your routine in the usual order after it.

Can this be used with a cotton pad?

Yes, sweeping it on with a cotton pad gives an even, controlled first pass over the whole face, which is a common way to apply a first-step toner. Pressing it in with clean hands afterward works just as well if you prefer to skip the pad.

Is this the same as Sulwhasoo's other ginseng-based products?

It shares Sulwhasoo's signature ginseng identity, which runs across much of the brand's line, but it is formulated specifically as a lightweight first-step water rather than as a concentrate, cream or serum. Where it sits is at the start of the routine, right after cleansing.

How much should I use each time?

A few pats or one full sweep with a soaked cotton pad across the face is typically enough for a first-step toner. Applying more than that mainly sits on the surface longer without adding benefit, since its job is to prep the skin quickly rather than deliver a heavier layer.

Sulwhasoo

Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Water 150ml

Name: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Water 150ml
Brand: Sulwhasoo
SKU: 5800595865
Price: 210.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Water is Sulwhasoo's ginseng first-step toner in the Korean-market formula, 150ml, meant to soften and prep the skin right after cleansing.

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$210.00

150 ml

$140.00 per 100 ml

Korean-market formula
Ships from California or direct from Korea
Korean barcode and batch code intact

Suited to: NormalDryCombination

Helps with: A consistent first step right after cleansingPrepping skin before essence or serumDaily use in a multi-step Korean routine

One-time purchase

$210.00

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How it works

A first-step toner's job is to pick up where cleansing leaves off: it resets the skin's surface after a cleanser and leaves it in a more receptive state for the layers that follow, rather than delivering a concentrated treatment of its own. Sulwhasoo built its identity around ginseng, and this water carries that heritage ingredient as the line's signature note rather than as a single high-dose active. Applied as a thin, fast-absorbing liquid, it is designed to be patted or swept on immediately after cleansing and to sink in within moments, clearing the way for essence or serum to follow without sitting wet on the surface. Used consistently, a first-step water like this is about routine order more than about one dramatic effect: it is the step that makes everything after it apply more evenly.

Key benefits

First-step toner meant to follow cleansing and prep skin for the next layer
Carries Sulwhasoo's signature ginseng as the line's core identity note
Fast-absorbing liquid texture that sinks in within moments
Works with a cotton pad sweep or pressed in directly with hands
150ml bottle sized for regular daily AM and PM use
Same Korean-market formula sold at Korean retail, not a US-reformulated version

How to use

Pat or sweep it over the face immediately after cleansing, morning and evening, before essence or serum. A cotton pad works for an even, controlled sweep, or press it in directly with clean hands.

1 of 6

44 of 45 explained

Water solvent: Water is the base almost every serum, toner and cream is built on. It dissolves the water-loving ingredients and sets how light the finished texture feels. On an INCI list it is usually first, which only means it is the largest single ingredient by weight.
Glycerin humectant: Glycerin is the most used humectant in skincare. It draws water into the outer layer of skin and holds it there, and it is one of the very few ingredients whose hydrating effect is settled science rather than marketing. Higher amounts feel tacky, which is why it is usually blended.
Butylene Glycol humectant: Butylene Glycol is a small glycol that does two jobs at once: it holds water in the top layer of skin and it dissolves plant extracts and actives that plain water cannot. It also thins a formula, which is why watery Korean essences lean on it.
Panax Ginseng Root Water plant extract: Ginseng root distillate used as a base water. It carries far less of the ginsenosides than the root extract does.
Alcohol Denat solvent: Alcohol Denat. is ethanol with a bitter additive that makes it undrinkable, which is a tax rule rather than a formulation choice. It behaves like alcohol: a fast-evaporating solvent that gives a weightless finish and can feel drying at higher levels.
1,2-Hexanediol humectant: 1,2-Hexanediol is a glycol used for two reasons: it holds water like glycerin, and it makes a formula harder for microbes to live in, so less traditional preservative is needed. Korean formulas use it heavily for that second reason.
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate film former: Glyceryl Polymethacrylate is a polymer that forms a smooth, water-holding film and gives a formula a cushioned, non-sticky feel.
Niacinamide active: Niacinamide is vitamin B3, and it is the most studied active in Korean formulation. It is used at roughly 2 to 5 percent for the look of uneven tone and visible pores, and it is water soluble, stable and comfortable beside almost every other active, which is why it turns up in so many lists.
Methyl Gluceth-20 humectant: Methyl Gluceth-20 is a sugar-derived humectant. It holds water in the outer layer of skin and gives a smooth, cushioned slip that plain glycerin does not.
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24 emulsifier: PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24 is a solubiliser used to hold oils and fragrance in a clear water-based formula.
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane silicone: A water-soluble silicone used for a light, silky slip without an oily film. It also helps other ingredients spread evenly.
Carbomer thickener: Carbomer is a synthetic polymer that only gels once a base neutralises it, which is why arginine or tromethamine sits nearby on the list. It gives the clear, non-stringy gel texture a xanthan formula cannot reach.

32 more explained

Tromethamine pH adjuster: Tromethamine neutralises acidic thickeners such as carbomer so they gel, and holds a formula near skin-friendly pH. It is used at a fraction of a percent.
Propanediol humectant: Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in place of propylene glycol. It hydrates, carries actives into solution, and gives a lighter, less sticky slip than glycerin at the same strength.
Mannitol humectant: Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a humectant and antioxidant. It hydrates and helps stabilise the rest of the formula against oxidation.
Ethylhexylglycerin preservative booster: Ethylhexylglycerin softens skin and boosts a preservative system, which is why it is nearly always sitting beside phenoxyethanol or 1,2-hexanediol. It also cuts down the odour bacteria produce, so it turns up in deodorising products.
Sodium Metaphosphate chelator: A phosphate salt that ties up metal ions in water. It also stops the calcium and magnesium in hard water from flattening a cleanser foam.
Fragrance fragrance: Fragrance, or Parfum, is a single declaration standing for a whole scent blend, which can be dozens of materials. Regulators allow it as a trade secret, so a list showing only this word does not say what the scent is made of. It is the most common trigger named by people with reactive skin.
Adenosine active: Adenosine is a nucleoside that Korea's own cosmetic authority recognises as a wrinkle-care functional ingredient, which is why it appears on so many Korean lists at a low level. It is used for the look of fine lines and is stable and well tolerated.
Sodium Hyaluronate humectant: Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt of hyaluronic acid, and it is what most products labelled hyaluronic actually contain. The salt dissolves more readily and the molecule is smaller, so it sits in the outer layer of skin rather than only on top of it.
Xanthan Gum thickener: Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide made by fermenting sugar. It thickens a watery formula into a gel and holds the whole thing in suspension so nothing separates. Too much of it and a serum turns stringy, which is why it appears in fractions of a percent.
Cellulose Gum thickener: Cellulose Gum is plant cellulose modified to dissolve in water. It thickens, holds particles in suspension and gives a smooth, slippery body.
Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract plant extract: Goji berry fruit extract, the gugija brewed as tea in Korea. It carries carotenoids and polysaccharides and is used as an antioxidant conditioning extract.
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract plant extract: Pueraria Lobata is kudzu. Its root extract carries isoflavones, plant compounds structurally similar to oestrogen, and Korean formulas use it for the look of thinning, less resilient skin.
Linalool fragrance component: Linalool is a floral aromatic found in lavender, bergamot and coriander. It is one of the 26 fragrance components EU labelling requires to be declared by name.
Sodium Chloride thickener: Sodium Chloride is salt. In a cleanser it thickens the liquid; in a mask or essence it balances the mineral content of the water phase. It has no active role.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract plant extract: Ginseng Root Extract is the signature ingredient of Korean traditional skincare, carrying ginsenosides. It is used for the look of tired, dull skin, and brands often ferment it to break the ginsenosides into smaller forms.
Beta-Glucan polysaccharide: Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide from oats or yeast. It holds a large amount of water, forms a soothing film, and is one of the ingredients formulators reach for in products aimed at reactive skin.
Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins plant extract: The ginsenoside fraction of ginseng root broken into smaller pieces, usually with an enzyme acting on red ginseng. Smaller ginsenosides dissolve and spread more easily than the whole extract.
Morus Alba Leaf Extract plant extract: White mulberry leaf extract, the leaf silkworms are fed on. It carries flavonoids and is used as a conditioning antioxidant extract.
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract plant extract: Rehmannia root extract, one of the most used roots in East Asian herbal practice. It carries catalpol and sugars, so it also brings a little water holding character.
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract plant extract: Chinese peony root, one of the oldest ingredients in East Asian herbal practice. Its extract carries paeoniflorin and is used for the look of reddened, uneven skin.
Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract plant extract: Solomon's seal rhizome extract, the dungulle brewed as tea in Korea. It carries mucilage and sugars, so it hydrates and leaves a soft feel.
Limonene fragrance component: Limonene is the citrus-peel aromatic. It appears here because EU labelling requires 26 fragrance components to be named individually rather than hidden inside "fragrance", and it is one of them.
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract plant extract: Lotus extract with the plant part unstated. Lotus carries flavonoids and alkaloids, and its extracts are used as conditioning antioxidant botanicals.
Lilium Tigrinum Bulb Extract plant extract: Tiger lily bulb extract. The bulb is starchy and mucilaginous, so the extract hydrates and leaves a soft feel.
Tocopherol antioxidant: Tocopherol is vitamin E. It is an oil-soluble antioxidant that protects the oils in a formula from going rancid and works on skin as an emollient, and it is regularly paired with vitamin C because each keeps the other going for longer.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 peptide: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 is a four-amino-acid peptide used for the look of firmness, and it is the usual partner to acetyl tetrapeptide-9.
Caprylyl Glycol preservative booster: Caprylyl Glycol is a glycol that conditions skin and, more importantly, strengthens a preservative system so less of the traditional preservative is needed. It appears in most modern formulas built without parabens.
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4 peptide: A seven-amino-acid peptide with an acetyl group added for stability. It is used as a conditioning peptide for the look of firmness.
Hexapeptide-9 peptide: Hexapeptide-9 is a six-amino-acid peptide used for the look of firmness and elasticity. It is water soluble and appears in peptide blends rather than alone.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 peptide: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a six-amino-acid peptide used for the look of expression lines, particularly around the eyes. It is the peptide sold under the name Argireline and is water soluble and stable.
Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster: Sodium Hydroxide is a strong base used in traces to bring an acidic formula up to skin-friendly pH. None of it remains as itself once the formula is neutralised.
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 peptide: Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is an eight-amino-acid peptide used for the look of expression lines. It is usually paired with acetyl hexapeptide-8 rather than used alone.

Inside the formula

Ingredients declared

#18

Fragrance on the list

Worth knowing

This is a first-step toner, not a concentrated treatment, so it works best as part of a full routine rather than as a standalone step.
It resets and preps the skin rather than replacing the essence or serum that should follow it.
As with any liquid toner, oversaturating a cotton pad and dragging it repeatedly across the same area adds friction without adding benefit; one even pass is enough.

Complete the routine

This itemSulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Water 150ml$210.00
Cleanse first, so the next step meets bare skinSulwhasoo Signature Ginseng Facial Soap 120g X 2ea$82.50
The last step of the morning, over everything elseSulwhasoo MEN UV Defense Protector 50ml SPF50+ PA++++$52.50

Total for 3 items$345.00

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