What is Hanbang cosmetics?
Hanbang refers to traditional Korean medicine with roots dating back thousands of years in South Korea.
Hanbang cosmetic products use natural and traditional ingredients, such as plant extracts, herbs and roots, which are known for their beneficial and even healing properties in skin care, resembling natural cosmetics.
So what are the natural ingredients in hanbang?
Below we present a few familiar ingredients from traditional Korean skin care products.
Ginseng
What is ginseng?
The ginseng plant has been an important part of Korean tradition for thousands of years and is one of the most used ingredients in Hanbang products. It is used in various forms, such as extract, oil and powder, in both medicine and cosmetics.
What is the benefit of ginseng in skin care?
Ginseng contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals and protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment. External free radicals are created, for example, by the effect of UV radiation and air pollution, which cause premature signs of aging on the skin.
Ginseng also helps to increase cell turnover and promote healthy skin growth. It also stimulates the production of collagen, which affects the skin's elasticity and reduces the signs of aging.
In addition to these, ginseng also:
- helps even out skin tone and gives it a glow
- contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin
- improves blood circulation.
Ginsengin INCI
The term INCI refers to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, a system used to name and classify the ingredients of cosmetic products. The system consists of ingredient names based on internationally accepted scientific nomenclature.
The INCI name of ginseng varies depending on the type of plant or in what form it is used in the product.
The most commonly used variety, panax ginseng root, can be seen in the ingredient list with names such as: Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Oil ja Panax Ginseng Root Powder.
Which products contain ginseng?
For example Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water - treatment liquid contains 80% ginseng root water and together with niacinamide and adenosine it strengthens, softens and brightens the skin.
Another product that has already become a cult product Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng based on retinolliposomin in addition to ginseng root extract. The product repairs the skin effectively and helps improve visible eye lines.
Did you know this about growing ginseng?
Growing ginseng takes several years, usually the rhizomes are harvested after about 4-6 years of growth. Ginseng grows naturally in shady forests, so its cultivation requires careful planning in terms of shading.
Wild ginseng is the most valuable of all, as it is much rarer than its cultivated relative.
Spark
Centella, also known as herbal frog tube, is one of the most famous ingredients in Hanbang cosmetics. Centella's antioxidants soothe irritated skin, and as a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, it helps to reduce redness, heal and renew the skin, and create a brighter and smoother skin.
Centella also helps the skin retain moisture and in the formation of new cells, and reduces the visibility of scars. It also supports the production of collagen, which is important in maintaining the elasticity and elasticity of the skin.
Which centella products do we recommend?
Yeppo's recommended credit products for achieving fair skin are SKIN1004 The Madagascar Centella series, from which we will be the first to raise SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule - ampoule, which is made of 100% herbal frog tube extract.
twinkle INCI
Grass frog can have many different names depending on which part of the plant has been used, or what kind of extracts and oils have been made from it.
Here are a few examples:
- Centella Asiatica Extract: INCI name that refers to general to the extract of the Centella Asiatica plant
- Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract: The extract comes from the leaves of the plant
- Centella Asiatica Root Extract: The extract comes from the roots of the plant.
So what the heck is Tiger grass?
In many cultures, including Korea, centella is also known as Tiger grass or Tiger herb.
This name stems from the belief that wounded tigers would seek out wild centella to treat their injuries. Legend has it that tigers rub themselves on the leaves of the plant to heal.
This story has added to the fascination of centella and given it its original name, Tiger grass.

Cherry extract
There is no single standardized name for cherry blossom extract and it can be called by different names depending on the brand or ingredient list. However, you may find it on the INCI list under names such as Cherry Blossom Extract, Sakura Extract (sakura refers to the flowering time of cherry blossoms in Asia), Prunus Serrulata Extract (the scientific name for the cherry tree) or Flower Extract.
What is the benefit of cherry extract in skin care?
- Brightening effect
- The natural ingredients of the cherry extract help even out the skin tone and increase its brightness.
- Antioxidant protection
- The antioxidants contained in the extract protect the skin from free radicals, adverse effects of the environment and air pollution.
- Calming effect
- Cherry extract has a soothing effect on the skin and treats irritated skin.
- Moisturizing
- The moisturizing properties of the extract make the skin soft and bright.
Frudia My Orchard Cherry Hand Cream - the hand cream contains cherry extract and smells charming.
Beot-kkot
That is, in Korean, the blooming time of the cherry blossoms, which is a very significant spring event. The short lifespan of flowers symbolizes the beauty and fragility of life.
When the flowers bloom, many Koreans participate in traditional picnics and parties in parks and streets. This tradition has given cherry blossoms a special symbolic meaning associated with joy and a sense of community.