If you heard a stat stating that over 500,000 customers had purchased and repurchased the same serum more than 10 times, wouldn’t you be at least a little intrigued to find out everything about it? Meet the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, a storied formula that firms, hydrates, and imparts a luminous glow on all skin types—and gets better and better with every upgrade the brand gives it. The sixth and newest generation—First Care Activating Serum VI—is infused with barrier-strengthening ginseng to soften skin and minimize signs of premature aging.
The brand is renowned for innovation and heritage—its history dates back to 1932, with camellia oil. “Sulwhasoo is deeply rooted in Korean heritage and has modernized traditional herbal ingredients by integrating cutting-edge scientific research,” says Michelle Shieh, senior scientific communications manager of Amorepacific, the brand’s parent company. For decades, Sulwhasoo has been committed to harnessing the powerful properties of ginseng and translating its benefits into skin longevity. “Our research center in Korea with over 500 scientists focuses significantly on ginseng and its modern applications,” adds Shieh.
Originally released in 1997, First Care Activating Serum has long been one of the brand’s crown jewels. So what makes it so great? We asked four beauty experts to share exactly why they feel it’s a must-have.
Mamina Turegano, Triple Board-Certified Dermatologist
“One of my favorite aspects of First Care Activating Serum VI is how well it fortifies the skin moisture barrier while also balancing oil production. It contains ginseng, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient—and Sulwhasoo’s ginseng extract is formulated to have 6,000 times the concentration, allowing it to deliver even more anti-aging benefits to the skin. I lived in Korea in my younger years and actually stayed in a dormitory on the same premises as a ginseng factory, so I have a healthy appreciation for its benefits, both as a topical agent and an ingestible.
The serum also contains vitamin C—another potent antioxidant—as well as a Korean herb blend that further contributes to hydration, radiance, soothing, and firmness. Personally, I use it twice a day on clean skin.”
Jonet Williamson, Pro Makeup Artist
“I’m over 30 with acne-prone skin, and the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI has become a skin-care-routine hero. The fast-absorbing formula works to strengthen my skin’s moisture barrier without ever leaving it feeling greasy. It’s a beautiful honey-like shade of amber with a soft, calming scent. I like to use it day and night, right after cleansing, to give my skin an immediate boost of moisture. I’m currently on my third bottle, so I can confidently say that I’ve seen an improvement in the overall texture of my skin—it looks firmer and feels smoother. So if you’re on the hunt for a serum that addresses early signs of aging while supporting your skin barrier, trust me—this one is worth every penny.”
Michelle Shieh, Senior Scientific Communications Manager, Amorepacific
“I constantly test new formulas and products for work, and First Care Activating Serum VI is the only thing I keep consistent in my routine. It helps keep my skin balanced even when I’m trying products with strong actives like retinol. When I’m feeling puffy in the morning, I like to apply the serum using a lymphatic drainage massage technique because our proprietary ginseng ingredient—called Lymphanax—plays a key role in helping with circulation, enhancing the serum’s effects in reducing puffiness and alleviating excess fluid retention. ”
Kayla Greaves, Beauty Writer and Consultant
“I love that Sulwhasoo is a brand not only rooted in science, but in history—it has been harnessing the power of ginseng since the 1950s. With regular use, this lightweight serum has made my skin more radiant, hydrated, and firm. Even in the winter, when my skin is at its most dry and dull, I get a glowy look. I use it morning and night after cleansing—it’s essential.”
Ariel Wodarcyk is a freelance beauty and wellness writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared in Cosmo, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Popsugar, and Makeup.com. Outside of work, you can find her hunting down signature scents for loved ones and scouring PerfumeTok.