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Updated on July 18, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe essences. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Jin Jung Sung Soothing Moisture Skin Essence
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
Essence
South Korean Brand South Korea

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients
ph level
5.84

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Soothing Moisture Skin Essence
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide  •  6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Pentylene Glycol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Hydrogenated Lecithin Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Soluble Collagen Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging

Soluble Collagen can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone Antioxidant
Antioxidant

Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone is an antioxidant.

Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Cyclodextrin Absorbent

We don't have a description for Cyclodextrin.

Unknown Full details ->
Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Broussonetia Kazinoki Root Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Ceramide NP Skin Conditioning
Ceramide  •  4 Benefits

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract Humectant, Skin Conditioning

You might know this ingredient as Kale. Besides being a superfood, kale has many benefits in skincare.

Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract Emollient, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract comes from the avocado.

Unknown Full details ->
Apium Graveolens Extract Skin Conditioning

Apium Graveolens Extract is derived from celery. It contains antioxidants such as Ferulic Acid and Caffeic Acid.

Unknown Full details ->
Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract Astringent

You might know Brassica Oleracea Italica as Broccoli. Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract can be extracted from any part of the broccoli plant.

Leontopodium Alpinum Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Leontopodium Alpinum Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract is the extract from dried sweet almond seeds.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Madecassoside Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant  •  Helps reduce irritation

Madecassoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.

Allium Sativum Bulb Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Allium Sativum Bulb Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract Skin Protecting, Soothing

We don't have a description for Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract.

Cistus Incanus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Cistus Incanus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf/Stem Extract Antioxidant, Astringent, Emollient
Antioxidant

Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf/Stem Extract is an antioxidant.

Unknown Full details ->
Avena Sativa Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Avena Sativa Seed Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Ecklonia Cava Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ecklonia Cava Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract.

Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Extract comes from the field pumpkin, including winter squash and the traditional orange pumpkin we see in Autumn.

Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract is extract from the spinach leaf, Spinacia oleracea.

Beta-Glucan Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi.

Undaria Pinnatifida Extract Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Undaria Pinnatifida Extract comes from a kelp native to the northern Pacific Ocean. It is more commonly known as "wakame".

Eruca Sativa Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Eruca Sativa Leaf Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid  •  4 Benefits  •  May cause irritation

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

This form of hyaluronic acid is produced through fermentation.

Potassium Hyaluronate Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Potassium Hyaluronate.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Peptide

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a type of hyaluronic acid. In fact, it is modified version of hyaluronic acid.

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.

Hexapeptide-9 Skin Conditioning
Peptide

Hexapeptide-9 is a peptide.

Hexapeptide-11 Skin Conditioning
Peptide

Hexapeptide-11 is a peptide.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Skin Conditioning
Peptide  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

You might know this ingredients as Matrixyl. It is a peptide.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Skin Conditioning
Peptide  •  Not safe for Fungal Acne

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Tripeptide-1 Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Peptide

Tripeptide-1 is a peptide.

Copper Tripeptide-1 Skin Conditioning
Peptide  •  Helps with Anti-Aging

Copper Tripeptide-1 is a peptide naturally found in body fluids. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Adenosine Skin Conditioning
2 Benefits

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Tromethamine Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

Pulsatilla Koreana Extract Skin Conditioning

Pulsatilla Koreana Extract comes from the Korean pasque flower. This flower is used in traditional Korean medicine.

Unknown Full details ->
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract comes from the Japanese Pepper, also known as the Prickly Ash. This plant is native to the Korean peninsula and Japan.

Usnea Barbata Extract

We don't have a description for Usnea Barbata Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Ginseng Essence Water
Panax Ginseng Root Water Masking, Skin Protecting, Tonic

Panax Ginseng Root Water is created by distilling ginseng, popular herb from Asia. This root contains antioxidants, favonoids, and vitamins B12 and D.

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide  •  6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Hydroxyacetophenone Antioxidant
Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.

Glyceryl Glucoside Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Glyceryl Glucoside is made from glycerol and glucose.

Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Helps reduce irritation

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
3 Benefits

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.

Allantoin Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
0 / 0
3 Benefits

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Adenosine Skin Conditioning
2 Benefits

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract Skin Conditioning

This ingredient comes from the callus cells of ginseng.

Theobroma Cacao Extract Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is extracted from the seeds of the cocoa tree.

Dextrin Absorbent

Dextrin is used to thicken a product and helps bind ingredients together. It is created from starch and glycogen.

Glucose Humectant

Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms. In skincare, glucose is used to hydrate the skin. It also acts as a prebiotic for our natural biome.

Panax Ginseng Root Extract Emollient, Skin Protecting, Tonic
2 Benefits

Panax Ginseng Root is a popular herb from Asia. This root contains antioxidants, favonoids, and vitamins B12 and D.

Panax Ginseng Berry Extract Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

We don't have a description for Panax Ginseng Berry Extract.

Lactobacillus Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria. It makes up most of the food fermenting lactic acid bacteria. It is used to create wine, yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, beer, cider, kimchi, cocoa, kefir.

Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Smoothing
Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Solvent
Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Loved

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Skin Conditioning
Loved

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Soothing Moisture Skin Essence
34
5
2
14
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Ginseng Essence Water
19
3
2
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

31 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
81% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
2,759 Routines
51% use in am
49% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Jin Jung Sung Soothing Moisture Skin Essence 55 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Great Value (2) Hydrating (2) Light (2) No Scent (2) Works Well (1)
channelorange's avatar

channelorange

4 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

I absolutely love this essence so much, even though I use it as my regular toner because how is my skin gonna differentiate a toner-like essence...

I absolutely love this essence so much, even though I use it as my regular toner because how is my skin gonna differentiate a toner-like essence with an essence-like toner? Anyhow, I adore her viscous texture and how she hydrates my skin but I decided to stop repurchasing this essence, because it's hard for me to get this essence for an affordable price nowadays and I have found a better alternative. I'm not saying that this product is bad - it's actually amazing at hydrating, plumping and firming my skin without leaving my skin sticky, itchy or whatever, but the accessibility for me is very hard so I gotta pass on her in the future.

AnaG's avatar

AnaG

3 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

My skin loves it even when sensitive. I love the experience of using it and it's 150ml so very affordable and lasts a long time.

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water 24 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 37 ratings
Hydrating (12) Works Well (9) Absorbs Well (9) Light (9) Great Value (8) Light Scent (6)
laila.21's avatar

laila.21

4 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

It gives a nice hydrating boost but I didn't see much difference, so I'm still stuck with the first bottle after 4 months.
It stings sometimes so...

It gives a nice hydrating boost but I didn't see much difference, so I'm still stuck with the first bottle after 4 months.
It stings sometimes so I wouldn't repurchase it again.
🎀Update: I gave this product another chance to see if it works since the ingredients were too good, so I used it as a toner for 15 days and I loved it.
Not only did it hydrate my skin, but it brightened my old acne marks and face in general.
But it was my mistake using it with the Anua toner as it burnt with it.
sorry for judging too early 😭 and I think I would repurchase it.

rachaelolivia's avatar

rachael 🦋

4 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

love this!!! <3 i got this about a year ago and it helped my skin a lot, it’s so hydrating for me and gives me a nice glow without being oily. it...

love this!!! <3 i got this about a year ago and it helped my skin a lot, it’s so hydrating for me and gives me a nice glow without being oily. it also has great ingredients! i have very oily + blemished skin but also sensitive and can get dry patches and this never breaks me out. i stopped using this after a while and tried other things but have gone back to this as it’s the best for my skin. it reduces sensitivity and helps brighten my dark spots from old spots and helps heal new ones :)