[Cosmetic Review] Yoonjo Essence Selling 1 Unit Every 10 Seconds: What Is the Optimal Absorption Timing?

The First Step Booster Applied After Cleansing
Skin Regeneration and Barrier Formation Effects
Reduces Dryness and Helps Improve Wrinkles

‘Plum Blossoms Blooming in the Snow’

Sulwhasoo is one of the leading cosmetic brands that has driven the current K-beauty phenomenon. The brand name is distinctive, combining the legend of blooming beautiful snowflakes on the skin with the meaning of excellence, represented by the character Su (秀).

Originating from the ‘ABC Ginseng Cream’ launched in 1966, Sulwhasoo evolved through ‘Sulhwa’ in 1987 and was officially launched as a premium cosmetic brand using herbal ingredients from Amorepacific in 1997. After honing its skills in the domestic market for about seven years, Amorepacific opened the door to overseas markets by launching Sulwhasoo in Hong Kong in 2004.

From its first year of overseas expansion, Sulwhasoo achieved a remarkable sales record of 300 billion KRW. Sales continued to rise, reaching 500 billion KRW in 2008 and 800 billion KRW in 2014. In 2015, it became the first single cosmetic brand to hit 1 trillion KRW in sales, securing its position as the leader of K-beauty.

In the early days of the brand, the main customer base was women aged 40 and above. However, according to Amorepacific, the customer age group has recently expanded to younger women in their 20s and 30s, in line with the latest trend of early anti-aging.

The best-selling Sulwhasoo product of all time is the ‘First Care Activating Serum’. It is known worldwide as a bestseller, reportedly selling one unit every 10 seconds.

The First Care Activating Serum is a booster essence applied as the very first step after cleansing. It is especially notable for its anti-aging effect that addresses dryness deep within the skin. It absorbs immediately upon application, leaving the skin soft and smooth. Due to its viscous texture, it does not simply absorb like water and evaporate but instead provides a moisturizing effect by filling in dry areas of the skin tightly.

The product’s scent is a subtle herbal fragrance close to traditional Korean medicinal herbs. While some consumers find this somewhat overwhelming, others praise it for feeling like applying a beneficial herbal remedy to the body.

The most recently renewed 6th generation of the First Care Activating Serum provides a sensation of all-day hydration even after just one day of use. After three days, users can experience improvements such as skin regeneration and barrier formation. Using it for four weeks has shown effects in improving 10 signs of aging. The product’s container, reminiscent of a moon jar white porcelain, also draws attention.

No matter how moisturizing a product is, if it does not absorb well, it tends to sit on the surface, leaving the skin feeling dry underneath. The 6th generation First Care Activating Serum features a ‘moment absorption technology formula’ that is skin-friendly, resulting in excellent spreadability. Upon application, it absorbs quickly, moisture rises, and the skin begins to glow noticeably.