I saw the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water on sale at Beautytap and purchased it without hesitation.  Sulwhasoo:  You had me at Ginseng.  Everyone needs a little bit of hanbang in their lives.  Besides, my evening routine could use a little more love...

SULWHASOO
Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water Review

Did someone say Hanbang?

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Sulwhasoo
Product:  Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water
PH:  5.5
Scent:  Herbal (Hanbang!)
Price:  $82.00
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Sulwhasoo

I have to say...  Sulwhasoo has packaging that really knows how to make me feel like a fancy lady.  The Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water comes in a beautiful (and heavy) frosted glass bottle with a luxurious gold cap.  The thick glass bottle also means that it may be hard to get the last bit of product out as it is used up.  But... it really is gorgeous.  Simple yet elegant at the same time.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water is advertised as an anti-aging toner rich in nutrients that help nourish, moisturize, firm, and increase skin elasticity.  This tells me that the results might be hard to capture in a photo and could be something you can feel more than see.

INGREDIENTS

Water, glycerin, butylene glycol, glycereth-26, alcohol, betaine, panax ginseng root water, glyceryl polymethacrylate, Bis-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, propanediol, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, behenyl alcohol, polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate, glyceryl caprylate, fragrance, cetearyl alcohol, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, tromethamine, methoxy PEG-114/polyepsilon caprolactone, disodium EDTA, xanthan gum, ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, adenosine, sodium stearoyl lactylate, honey, cetearyl glucoside, beta-glucan, lilium candidum bulb extract, rehmannia glutinosa root extract, paeonia albiflora root extract, nelumbo nucifera flower extract, polygonatum officinale rhizome/root extract, sorbitan isostearate, polysorbate 60, hydrolyzed ginseng saponins, hydrogenated lecithin, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, dextrin, theobroma cacao (cocoa) extract, potassium hydroxide, acetic acid, BHT, tocopherol

Notable Ingredients:

• Panax Ginseng Root Water - Water resulting from a steam distillation of the Panax Ginseng Roots.  Panax Ginseng Root is a multifaceted anti-oxidant which boosts hydration, smooths skin texture, evens out skin tone, and reduces wrinkles by increasing skin firmness.  
• Adenosine - Derived from yeast and naturally occurring through out the body, Adenosine is proven to be an effective anti-wrinkle and skin smoothing agent. 
• Honey - This peptide / anti-oxidant rich ingredient is widely known for it's antibacterial properties.  It soothes and heals abrasions by forming a protective barrier over the skin.  
• Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract - aka Chinese Foxglove.  In Chinese Medicine it is used for multiple purposes, but for skin care it is beneficial for treating eczema, psoriasis, and abrasions.
• Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract - A powerful skin conditioning agent that brightens, firms, and plumps the skin.  
• Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract - aka Sacred Lotus Flower Extract.  An antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that reduces redness, swelling, and soothes the skin.  

COSDNA ALERTS

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water has a nectar-like thickness.

Opening the bottle I am hit with that glorious hanbang scent.  The toner has a nectar-like consistency meaning that it will run freely down your hand (with slight resistance) and leaves a thin film.  It has a similar thickness to Sulwhasoo Essential Balancing Water EX, but does not seem to absorb as well.  If you apply the Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water to damp skin; it will absorb better.  Another option is to apply Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water after a First Treatment Essence or Activating Serum.  I use it after my DIY Green Tea and Licorice Root Serum as it is runny like water.

After the first night of application, I woke up with my skin noticeably softer.  Like... really soft.  My skin also felt a bit tighter too, but not out of dryness.  It just felt more perky.  I think I'm in love!

FINAL THOUGHTS

First of all, is it worth the $75.00 price tag?  I would say yes.  I already use Sulwhasoo Essential Balacing Water as part of my morning routine and the bottle lasts me about 10 months.  Sulwhasoo's Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water is the same size; so I figure as it will last around the same amount of time as part of my PM routine, and will cost about $7.50 per month.

The product worked as advertised:  My skin felt nourished, moisturized, firmer, and bouncier.  I also noticed that my skin had a general healthy "glow" and seemed to be more awake.  It just felt happier; if that makes sense... it felt good.

I do not believe this product is absolutely necessary in a routine.  It is a luxury item more suited for those who enjoy pampering themselves:  I.E. ME! :).  So if you are looking to fine tune your current routine by increasing skin nourishment / pampering then I would definitely consider Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water.