February 23, 2021

Beauty Mecca South Korea

Korean cosmetics culture has a tradition dating back thousands of years and still enjoys a special status today: well-groomed beauty symbolizes the harmonious balance of body, mind and soul.

With scientific expertise and traditional healing knowledge, tiny South Korea (population 51 million) has become the most exciting beauty market in the world. Trends are emerging there that are causing a sensation all over the world.

A prime example is the BB cream. K-Beauty gained international attention with it and became a pioneer in the global beauty industry within a few years.

American experts discovered back in 2013 that cosmetic dermatology in South Korea is 12 years ahead of the rest of the world. This explains why the USA launches new cosmetics on the Korean market first.

It seems to be an unwritten law: what works there promises worldwide success. Why is that the case?

Koreans are considered the most demanding beauty consumers in the world

The Korean cosmetics market is extremely fast-moving and diverse. Countless beauty brands are in constant competition for the favor of picky Korean women. They are well informed about effective ingredients and are very picky when choosing their creams and essences.

Korean women are almost obsessed with the ideal dream complexion and celebrate extensive daily skincare rituals. Visible pores? Never! Plump, glowy and flawless - that's what perfect porcelain skin should look like.

Higher. Faster. Further.

Logically, cosmetics manufacturers have to work hard.

The approval requirements for Skin Care are very strictly regulated in Korea. Nevertheless, new and increasingly innovative products are being launched on the market at a remarkable pace.

Typically Korean. Hanbang cosmetics for relaxed ageing

Hanbang is a term from Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM). It refers to ancient medicinal plants whose extraordinary anti-ageing properties have been proven in intensive studies.

Hanbang ingredients - especially ginseng root - are used in high-end cosmetics. Whether it is farm or forest ginseng can be easily recognized by the price tag.

The GINZAI philosophy: Achieving your goal with dedication, respect and patience

Forest ginseng is very rare and precious. However, the valuable roots are also little divas. They require very specific growing conditions, which can only be found in three areas of South Korea.

Cool, shady mixed or deciduous forests
500-800 vertical meters
Prefers to grow on mountain slopes facing north
Nutrient-rich soils
No waterlogging
Humid climate
Optimal climatic conditions:

Summer 18-26 degrees / Winter 0-10 degrees

GINZAI forest ginseng grows in the mountain forests of Jeonju province - around 230 km beyond the vibrant capital city of Seoul.
Time seems to have stood still here. Lush, diverse and untouched, nature shows its original side.

In their energy-rich soil, the roots can develop their full magic in peace.

It takes a full seven years for them to fully develop their nutrient diversity. Only then are they carefully dug up by hand. Out of respect for the intact ecosystem, a maximum of 150 kg are harvested per year.

The careful handling shows the great appreciation for ginseng

Ginseng has played an important role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for 5,000 years.

It is considered the oldest medicine in the world.

The roots used to be weighed out with gold and were reserved only for crowned heads.

But even in ultra-modern South Korea, reverence for the queen of medicinal plants is omnipresent.

You can visit ginseng museums all over the country.

At the annual Insam (ginseng) Festival in Geumsan, Koreans celebrate their national treasure with a harvest festival lasting several days.

An international trade fair for ginseng will be held as part of the festival.

Geumsan is located in the south of Chungcheong province. This is where 80% of Korean farm ginseng is grown.

Forest ginseng - Eastern beauty secret for Western skincare needs

GINZAI Beauty is 100% made in Korea, but has been deliberately developed for the care needs of Western skin.

Why the effort? Quite simply:

There is a difference between Asian and European skin.

Korean skin is either large-pored and prone to blemishes or it is fine-pored and very sensitive. A "normal" skin is rather rare.

Koreans also love the Snow White look - white as snow. Many skincare products therefore contain whiteners and an extremely high sun protection factor. We Europeans prefer our complexion to look like it's been kissed by the sun.