Versus

Sooryehan Ginseng First Essence Versus Sooryehan Hyobidam Fermented Toner

Essence
Toner
Korean Brand
Korean Brand

Updated on January 02, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and silicones

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

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Ginseng First Essence

Water

Skin Conditioning

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Ginsenosides

Skin Conditioning

Morus Alba Bark Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Triethylhexanoin

Masking

Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract

Skin Protecting

Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Prunus Persica Kernel Extract

Moisturising

Paeonia Lactiflora Extract

Astringent

Plantago Asiatica Extract

Skin Conditioning

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Tricholoma Matsutake Extract

Skin Conditioning

Zingiber Officinale Root Extract

Masking
Helps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Atractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract

Skin Conditioning

Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract

Masking

Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract

Skin Protecting
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract

Masking
May worsen Eczema Icon

Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract

Skin Conditioning

Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract

Astringent

Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract

Masking

Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract

Skin Protecting

Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin

Masking

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Sodium Polyacrylate

Absorbent
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Potassium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Theobroma Cacao Extract

Skin Conditioning

Tromethamine

Buffering

Aroma

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

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 

We don't have a description for Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract yet.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract yet.

Masking, Solvent

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.

As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.

Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.

Learn more about Dipropylene Glycol
Emollient, Skin Protecting, Tonic

Ginseng root is a well-loved ingredient in Asian skincare for good reason. It hydrates the skin, soothes irritation, and helps even out skin tone.

In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng has been used for centuries both as food and as a healing remedy, and modern research continues to confirm its skin benefits.

One of the standout features of ginseng is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the skin, bringing a fresh supply of nutrients to support overall skin health. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to protect your skin against damage from UV exposure, pollution, and daily stress.

Additionally, studies suggest that ginseng may help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production.

There are different types of ginseng used in skincare, and while they all share core benefits, their potency can vary.

Most products use fresh or white ginseng because it’s more affordable. However, red ginseng, produced by steaming the root, contains higher levels of ginsenosides, which are compounds with proven anti-aging effects. These ginsenosides help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

Note: All forms of ginseng are listed simply as “Panax ginseng” in ingredient lists. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about which type of ginseng is used in their ingredients.

For general antioxidant benefits, any ginseng extract will do, but for wrinkle care or firmer skin, red or fermented ginseng is often more effective.

In short, ginseng is a powerhouse ingredient that supports hydration, radiance, and resilience.

Learn more about Panax Ginseng Root Extract

We don't have a description for Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract yet.

Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine
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.

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

When to use

1 Routine
100% use in am
0% use in pm
100% use every day
3 Routines
67% use in am
33% use in pm
67% use every day