Why do we use Panax Ginseng Root Extract?
For thousands of years, Panax Ginseng has been a cornerstone of traditional Asian medicine, known as an “adaptogen” prized for its ability to restore energy and promote vitality. That same revitalizing power is what makes it a superstar ingredient in modern skincare. As a key botanical in our ingredient glossary, it is celebrated for its ability to fight the signs of aging.
What is Panax Ginseng Root Extract?
Panax Ginseng Root Extract, often referred to as Korean Ginseng, is a concentrated preparation derived from the root of the ginseng plant. This is not to be confused with other varieties like American or Siberian ginseng, as Panax ginseng is the most studied and potent for skincare applications.
The power of the extract lies in its unique active compounds called ginsenosides. These are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules that are responsible for the vast majority of ginseng’s skin benefits, from firming to brightening.
Source:
- National Institutes of Health (PubMed Central): Effects of ginseng on skin: A systematic review… – This very recent (2023) scientific review in the journal Nutrients analyzes a wide body of evidence and confirms ginseng’s benefits for wrinkles, skin hydration, and more.
The Good: 4 Anti-Aging Benefits of Ginseng Root Extract
When formulated into a cosmetic cream, Ginseng Extract acts as a powerful revitalizing and protective agent.
1. It Fights the Visible Signs of Aging
This is Ginseng’s most celebrated benefit. Scientific studies have shown that its active ginsenosides can help to:
- Stimulate Collagen Production: It has been shown to boost the production of Type I collagen, the main structural protein in the skin which is built from amino acids. This helps to improve skin firmness and elasticity.
- Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles: By supporting collagen and providing potent antioxidant effects, ginseng can help to visibly soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. It Brightens and Evens Skin Tone
Ginseng has been found to have an inhibitory effect on melanin production. This is the pigment that causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation. By helping to regulate this process, ginseng can:
- Fade the appearance of dark spots and sun spots.
- Promote a brighter, more luminous, and even-toned complexion.
3. It Provides Powerful Antioxidant Protection
The ginsenosides in the extract are powerful antioxidants that excel at neutralizing free radicals. These damaging molecules are generated by UV radiation and pollution and are a primary cause of premature skin aging (a process called photoaging). Ginseng helps to protect the skin from this daily environmental assault, similar to other powerhouse antioxidants like Green Tea Extract.
4. It Can Boost Skin Hydration
In addition to its other benefits, ginseng has been shown to help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. A stronger barrier is better at preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which helps the skin stay properly hydrated, plump, and healthy.
Source:
- National Institutes of Health (PubMed Central): Ginseng for Skin: A Comprehensive Review of its Cosmeceutical Applications – This 2022 review in the Journal of Ginseng Research focuses specifically on ginseng’s cosmetic benefits, detailing its anti-aging, anti-pigmentation, and moisturizing effects.
The Bad: Are There Any Considerations?
Panax Ginseng is overwhelmingly safe and well-tolerated in topical formulations. The considerations are less about risk and more about the ingredient’s active nature.
- It’s a “Stimulating” Ingredient: Ginseng is known to boost microcirculation. For most people, this results in a healthy, revitalized glow. However, for those with extremely sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, highly stimulating ingredients can sometimes cause temporary flushing or redness.
- Quality and Type Are Crucial: The effectiveness of a ginseng product depends heavily on the quality of the extract—including the age of the root and the extraction method used—which determines the concentration of active ginsenosides. As mentioned, Panax ginseng (Korean) is the preferred type for anti-aging benefits.
The Verdict
Panax Ginseng Root Extract is a time-honored, scientifically-backed powerhouse for skin revitalization. Its proven ability to support collagen production, brighten the complexion, and provide robust antioxidant protection makes it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to combat the signs of aging and achieve a healthy, vibrant glow. When you see it in our products, you can be confident it’s there to energize and protect your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng is a powerful anti-aging ingredient. It helps to stimulate collagen production for firmer skin, brightens and evens skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation, provides strong antioxidant protection, and boosts hydration.
Yes, this is its most famous benefit. Scientific studies show that the active compounds in Panax Ginseng, called ginsenosides, can boost the production of Type I collagen, which helps to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Generally, yes. However, ginseng is a “stimulating” ingredient that can increase microcirculation. While this gives most people a healthy glow, those with very reactive skin or rosacea should perform a patch test first, as it could cause temporary flushing.
Find Panax Ginseng in Our Products
(will be updated soon)
Other sources used for this article:
- National Institutes of Health – nih.gov and
National Institutes of Health – nih.gov and
National Institutes of Health – nih.gov and
National Institutes of Health – nih.gov and
National Institutes of Health – nih.gov and
National Institutes of Health – nih.gov and
National Institutes of Health – nih.gov and
National Institutes of Health – nih.gov and
National Institutes of Health – nih.gov and
National Institutes of Health – nih.gov - Shiseido
- Healthline