Ginseng - a skin care formulators dream?

As Crodarom launches its new ginseng active this month, it is apparent that the traditional Chinese and herbal medicine has become a popular ingredient for skin care manufacturers due to its natural antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and most importantly its versatility in developing formulations.

As a multifunctional ingredient, Ginseng can for example, be added to a formulation to balance oil gland production, smooth out wrinkles, soothe inflammation or provide tone and luminance.

All three species, the Asian or Korean ginseng, the American ginseng and the Siberian ginseng has been featured in countless cleansers, toners and moisturizing lotions that preserve elasticity as well as acne treatment creams.

Skin balance

In Crodarom’s case, Purple Ginseng has been used to provide balance in a skin care formulation for acne sufferers, to combat sebum, and address skin and scalp imperfections.

According to the company, the ginseng's catechic, gallic tannins and chlorogenic acid content treat the hyperseborrhoea, comedones, infections and redness, and shine caused by sebum.

Tone and luminance

France based plant extract specialist Greentech, recently introduced a 'Velvet Skin' aftershave balm for men comprised of all three species of Ginseng, that the company says aids in providing tone and luminance to the skin.  

Anti-ageing

Last year, cosmetic company Perfective Ceuticals launched it skin care anti-ageing formula ‘Divine Age Guardian Crème’ also featuring Ginseng on its ingredients list in targeting the skin's lipid barrier, firming it to help in the fight against ageing.

In 2009, researchers in Brazil found ginseng amongst a mixture of herbs to improve dark circles and under eye puffiness.  

Then, the study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology had noted improvements in tone and luminance of the eye area in 90 percent of its volunteer test results.

According to the authors, the combination of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in the compound was a key factor in the improvement.