The BEST Ginseng Skincare

[@maryarmstrong2231]

I’m so happy you love this brand like I do! I can’t wait to explore more ginseng when I am in Korea! I swear that cleanser set is worth it!!!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Please update me with your findings!! I don’t understand why the west is behind in discovering ginseng. It’s so underrated here 😩

[@dcdawn]

Donginbi...omg...Red Ginseng...LOVE more than life it's self...and the scent.....awh..

[@Solarbeard]

Cries in Amazon Canada :( Super informative video. I feel like the skincare world as a whole is just starting to notice red ginseng. It used to be known as the 'older person' ingredient in skincare (mostly due to the brands being older; Donginbi, Sulwhasoo,, History of Whoo, etc), but now they are aiming for younger audiences. Stem cells, ferments, and biotech are also ones to look out for this year.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I totally agree. We are really seeing some new tech, which I think is so exciting: as if we have zeroed in on ingredients of focus, and now are figuring out how to maximize their impact. Exciting times!

[@db-gb5xi]

Odile Monod just did a video talking about stem cells and other things for top k-beauty trends this year. I've seen derm Dr. Heather D. Rogers talk about them as well. Dr. Ben Behnam, Dr. Gary Linkov and Dr. Amiya Prasad have talked about them for hair regrowth.

[@megancastle5573]

@@db-gb5xi I LOVE Odile! She's my go-to for information about what's *actually* popular in k-beauty domestically

[@instantkarmalr]

Oooh, I love the 1899 Single Essence! Fragrance- and short chain alcohol-free. Sadly, the special set EX essence/face wash kit is not kind to sensitive skin 😭. I thought the EX was the regular version, and I put it on, and the stinging was intense. Despite me washing it off immediately, it wrecked my skin barrier and left an irritated rash on my face that was a couple inches long across my cheek. It was a month ago and I’m still recovering. The face wash also is not friendly to sensitive skin (has always been generally sensitive/easy to disrupt, but I also am eczema prone and have mild rosacea) - or for anyone remotely sensitive to fragrance. I tried it on my body, because while I have some mild-moderate fragrance allergies, I can use some on my body. The scent is STRONG. It made my throat burn and hurt for the next day. I definitely suggest just getting the normal 1899 Single Essence and skipping everything else for anyone with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Oh no! But thank you for sharing this, I wasn’t aware there are two versions 😱 do you happen to know what the EX stands for?

[@instantkarmalr]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole I’m not sure what the EX means - maybe extra strength? I looked up the ingredients after what happened and saw that the EX version has both fragrance and short chain alcohol. The original has neither. One way you can tell the difference (lol now that I know) is that the original (fragrance/alcohol free) bottle is just red, and the EX is red fading to orange.

[@kaym3916]

Have you looked into the essence that Gothamistha did in partnership with Saro de Rúe? They use black ginseng which can have more of the beneficial ingredients than red ginseng if properly extracted. Odile Monod has an extensive video about the different types of ginseng including the black one and why someone might want to stick with the red ginseng. I only ask because I noticed Gothamista’s essence has no fragrance or alcohol and has ceramides included along with hanbang ingredients. It seem like the type of well rounded formula I look for. The feedback has been positive as well. I want to try the one by Gothamista and the 1899 single essence Odile recommended.

[@instantkarmalr]

@@kaym3916 I haven’t. Sadly, I already have borderline too much niacinamide in my routine and I’d need to remove at least one of my absolute favorite products to be able to put it in. I’ve just given up on trying anything new that contains more than 1% niacinamide (that essence is 4%)

[@Kendralovesskincare]

Knowing how much you love this brand congratulations on this partnership🥰

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I feel so honored haha. Thank you! 🥰

[@aprilneilson1163]

You read my mind girl, I have been looking for ginseng creams and Japanese serums on amazon.

[@gwendolinehall1386]

Love your sweater with the headband and simple eye look. Tres chic, à la Audrey Hepburn. Love the neckline! It's a great look ☺️ I enjoy the variety. I never know what look you'll rock, always a fun surprise.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Haha thank you! 🥰

[@carmenfreeman8861]

I am so glad you are doing this video!! I have been trying to find videos on it!!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

It’s almost surprising that it’s kind of underrated, especially given how much research is ongoing with ginseng!

[@Criticalbeauty411]

Just grabbed the daily defense ex!! I have really been wanting to try that!! Last year I think maybe on Black Friday I picked up one of the trial sets with minis of their a.m. and p.m. anti-aging serum and moisturizers. of course I loved all of it, but had to leave it at the trial size due to finances😢 i’m excited to get to use it again I actually love the smell, because I find it incredibly peaceful! I also grabbed a $12 trial size of the hydra rescue, I think it’s called, just because if anything says that it helps dry skin I buy it. 😂

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I love the smell too! I’m almost surprised by it as I’m kind of picky with scents I think. But it’s so herbal and earthy and somehow my brain loves that in skincare products lol! Let me know how the daily defense goes for ya! 😃

[@matthewpower7148]

Awesome to see you partner w Donginbi! Great Work as always!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Thanks so much! 😃

[@johnsskincarereviews]

looks lovely! i tried the regular ginseng essence last year and loved. it looks like they reformulated it now and it has fragrance and alcohol so i will unfortuately be skipping, but im so glad ur seeing results!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Thank you! It would be so wonderful if Donginbi introduced a similar line that was fragrance free (in a similar way to how elf has the scented and unscented moisturizer options). Maybe someday!

[@LauraLVTGW]

Looked up this brand after you mentioned the essence. I'm used to $15.00 K-BEAUTY products, this is NOT that!! Thanks for the heads up on the sale! Many blessings💖💖💖

[@Kendralovesskincare]

I personally consider this "luxury kbeauty" which is a whole other hole to fall down🤣 FOR SURE.

[@lisasmith7]

Good ingredients make all the difference. There are some great sets. Have a great weekend ❌️ ⭕️

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

It’s so true. You can really see and feel the difference. Hope you have a great weekend too! 🥰

[@Momorick]

Donginbi is amazing. I love love them.

[@katec.4361]

Wow, congrats on the sponsorship!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Thank you so much! 😃

[@vanessascott2009]

Love the daily defense! Thank you for recommending it. I get it on subscription on Amazon! Replace my Over priced Bader serum.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

So happy to hear!! Yes it really is an incredible product, and I’m so glad they keep the price point fair 😍

[@AmandaLeins]

oh, I'm absolutely getting the serum! How would you layer this with other things, like vitamin c? With or without retinoids?

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I’ve used it with my retinoid (adapalene)! I prefer night usage of this and day for vitamin C, but I don’t see a reason you couldn’t use it after L-AA 😃

[@robinb1805]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole What about using with copper and other peptides? From what I've read, peptides should be used separately from strong antioxidants, so I usually use antioxidants in the AM and all peptides in the PM with tret. Thoughts, please?

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Yep that’s what I do! My vitamin c (strong antiox) is in the AM, and at night I do peptides/adapalene plus a few other routines depending on my skin’s needs. You can see this very ginseng serum in my hyperpigmentation routine Full skin cycling routine (missing adapalene because it’s coming Monday): kzbin.info/aero/PLJ4CZy5eUVxrSnPb4cdzyCxFczVhlMV-u Copper peptides are a whole ‘nother story. I don’t use them as much anymore just because they’re so tricky! However when I do use them, I use them alone. I like the results, but I wish they got along with other ingredients better 😕

[@robinb1805]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole 💖❤🧡

[@SandiTink]

Thank you for the information. I can’t use that brand because of the parfum and the price point. I use the ginseng products I can afford and hope for the best.

[@karatalksaboutstuff7333]

Congrats on getting sponsored by one of your faves!❤️❤️❤️

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Thank you! 🥰

[@kristinnunez2702]

Good gosh, skin care has come a long way. I am so glad. I learn so much from you. Thank you for sharing. 💜💜💜

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

It really has. Makes me so excited for what’s yet to come!

[@joanngraham3056]

I bought the 6-piece skin care set for $63 plus tax in April 2021 on Amazon. Four of the items are only sample sizes. I can't believe they're selling this now for $130 plus tax. This is really outrageous!

[@rhondabeaux]

I love Donginbi. I recently got the oil. At what step do you use it. I usually use a face oil as my last step. This is so expensive that I want to make sure I am getting the most effectiveness out if it! Thanks so much.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Before moisturizer! Sometimes if I’m in a rush, I do mix oil and moisturizer together. But I never rush Donginbi’s oil as it’s such an experience to use haha

[@carmenmason9147]

The Essence is a permanence in my skin care. Lovely as always, Alice.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Thank you! ☺️

[@davidlloyd14]

Essence bought. Can’t wait. Really looking forward to trying this.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Let me know how it goes for you! 😃

[@ainakunigelyte]

Hey ALice, I am very tempted to treat myself some Donginbi essence on Black Friday and I was thinking how to layer it when I use my Copper Buffet Peptides from The Ordinary? Shall I apply Peptides before and then Donginbi? Overall I am not sure whether toners don't interfere with actives absorbing well in the skin? Like if I apply the first essence ( I am using Missha first essence) , then let's say a Propolist toner by COSRX, wouldnt it make my Peptides (Buffet from ordinary) abosrb less? If yes, then shall I apply the toner AFTER The peptides? In case of Donginbi , I know it is a serum texture, so probably after peptides would work? But what about all other toners that are lighter, wouldn't they make the other actives absorb less and I should skip them altogether? thank youuuu!:)

[@kimberlykefalas9563]

I had a mini of the defense essence EX and I loooved it.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

It’s so nice! 🤩

[@thehangedwoman8893]

Great video will be ordering!

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Hope you enjoy it! 😃

[@thehangedwoman8893]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole oh no, it’s only amazon USA, i’m in Canada sorry wanted to support your channel… you should tell them alot of people in Canada that want these products!

[@thehangedwoman8893]

Never mind, i just put in the order and it’s being delivered, i had to pay shipping and import fees but they will deliver to Canada! I used your link thank you for your recommendations.🥰🥰🥰

[@Hiiiiiiiiieeee]

I would love to try this line, but that price point is just a little out of range for me lately. I can’t really justify spending that much on anything when I’m finding great results from products that cost half or a third or even less than what this does. I’ve been really happy with the beauty of Joseon ginseng essence. But if I’m ever doing better financially, I will definitely check this line out. And regardless, I love all your info. Thanks for spreading the knowledge.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I can definitely understand that! I sometimes think that the mere length of time I’ve been using skincare really impacts how I see price points (I remember when Clinique was the affordable brand LOL). In the case of ginseng-based skincare, Donginbi feels super affordable to me as I discovered Sulwhasoo first (😅 $300+ products?? Ayy lol)

[@Hiiiiiiiiieeee]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole oh, yeah, I know exactly what you mean! I’ve just been really trying to pare down what I use in the last year or so. Trying to stick to lines that are around the $20 price point per item. But I loooove a splurge from time to time so I’ll definitely keep this like in mind!

[@lonerebeI]

Exactly, plus they want you to buy these in sets, don't have most these products individually

[@deborah972]

Beautiful video 🎉 ❤ xx

[@Kendralovesskincare]

Great reviews as always!! Your tempting me but I have a whole set I haven't even dug into yet🤣.

[@veryluckybid]

Hi Alice, Is The single essence fragrance free? I believe it used to be but looks like it is not anymore

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I believe it still is. On the product page it says: Ingredients : Single Essence EX: Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexandiol, Glycerin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexyl-glycerin (the cleanser does contain fragrance though)

[@Randompotatoes-qs7bm]

The daily defense was okay. Didn’t notice any difference beyond what I get from Numbuzin 3 toner. I’m using the sulwhasoo right now which I think is better.

[@kurtisn5287]

Hey Alice, thanks for the lovely reccs as always. kind of unrelated but im looking for a dirt cheap hydrating toner i can use generously on the body. Literally just BG, PG and any other humectants will do lol. Any reccs? Currently looking at Naturie, Eyenlip, Narins up, Hada labo hatomugi.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

So honestly I just use any hydrating toner on my body! Do you have any around that didn’t work out for your face? I’ve been floored by how my face rejects products, and yet I can use them on my body. It’s truly fascinating how much of a difference I see in body skin vs face skin sensitivity (There’s an upcoming story on this topic coming to the channel LOL)

[@heatherab87]

I love the I'm From Ginseng Serum, I should check out this brand.

[@Ela-pp6zn]

Thank you! Can i layer it with Vitamin c or does gingseng cancel the efficacy Vitamin C?☺️

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

That’s a great pairing!

[@Luke-dn3np]

Hey Alice, I was wondering a few things. I am thinking about getting this for my mom- I looked at the price a week or so ago for the daily defense ex and it was $65 and yet now the amazon link in your bio takes me to a page where it seems to be $75! Also, when would the sale be live? Is it already supposed to be live?? Lol I’m so confused… am I missing something!?

[@Luke-dn3np]

Also straight from their website the daily defense ex is now $75 for 30 ml

[@Luke-dn3np]

Also their website says the spring sale is only 20% off now!?

[@kr59137]

I'm going to try the Daily Defense Ex! ❤ Have you tried anything from the Hydro Bounce line?

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I haven’t, but I am indeed curious about it! I see that the minis of those are also on sale; I might go for it just to see 🤔

[@Kendralovesskincare]

I've been so curious about the Hydro line!!

[@kr59137]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole I saw that! I thought about the minis, but I have so much with HA already. 😂 So I got the mini set of the Red Ginseng Cleanser & Oil for $5.59 instead.

[@infinitigirl29]

Hi Alice, I'm normal to combo and hyperpigmentation is my main concern. I want to try this brand but which serum could be a good start?

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Daily defense EX! It’s a multi-tasker, and I don’t think you’ll find it too heavy. It has a rich feel but sinks in quickly 😃

[@parisinthe30sx]

I wish I could try it but it has fragrance ☹️ Even the sulwhasoo cleanser broke me out with inflamed whiteheads. My skin doesn't tolerate fragrance at all, could you give a fragrance free recommendation? Love your videos, you're my absolute favourite youtuber.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I suspect that the problem with finding fragrance-free ginseng products is that on a technicality, ginseng does have some fragrance components in it? (Kind of like how propolis does as well, making for a real mixed bag for people who try that ingredient). It’s the catch-22 of natural ingredients really. They’re natural, but by the very act of being natural, they aren’t just one “thing” so to speak Hopefully in the future, we see some of these active portions of ginseng (ie compound k, ginsenoside __) added into very gentle formulas!

[@heathersargent289]

Is this brand super heavy scented like Suwahsoo, I couldn't do Suwahsoo it was way to much sent for me and my skin couldn't handle it I had a reaction and my nose had a really bad reaction. I mean I wish it did work for me .

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Most of their products do have a hanbang smell. The single essence doesn’t have a smell to my nose though, and I’m pretty sure that one is fragrance-free as well. I’m kicking myself because I tossed the insert that had the ingredients to double check 😭

[@heathersargent289]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole a herbal sent I can deal it's the heavy perfume sent on top of it I can't do. That's cool the essence doesn't smell u know I love my essences 😂

[@lisasmith7]

Hi Alice ❌️ ⭕️

[@giuliaavila.]

Is Korean Ginseng safe to use on your skin during pregnancy??! I know it's not to ingest, but maybe is safe on a cleansing oil, for example?

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Ah that’s a good question! My assumption is yes BUT given the importance of the topic, I think it would be best to check with your doctor ☺️

[@cadydenning-kras2907]

Can we get a review or Hero Cosmetics? Sorry if you’ve already done this! Really been enjoying your videos! ❤

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

You know what, I actually haven’t done Hero! Thanks for mentioning them though, I do like what I’ve tried so far; they’re a cute brand! Might be a brand I could do in the future 🙂

[@Cipo1211]

My Donginbi 1899 just arrived! However listed on the box the 3rd ingredient is Niacinamide and the booklet inside does not list it, does it actually contain Niacinamide? Can’t wait to try it.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Exciting!! Which product?

[@Cipo1211]

Red Ginseng Daily Defense Essence EX, looks like the formula changed about a year ago. So maybe I have the old box/packaging.

[@Orchideya]

what is the difference between 1899 Single Essence and 1899 Single Essence EX?

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

I think the EX signifies that it’s the reformulated version? But tbh, I’m not sure what it stands for - it’s something I’ve been trying to figure out for a while lol

[@Orchideya]

​@@AliceintheRabbitHole seems like EX version has alcohol in it and fragrance too, that's too bad.

[@Carolina432]

As someone with dehydrated/oily skin, would you say this to be more on the glass skin type of finish?

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Yes definitely! It’s not too heavy feeling, but it is humectant-rich ☺️

[@andrieaguilar3084]

I want to try this so bad but the FRAGRANCE! Please Donginbi, reformulate without fragrance and i will not care if it’s smells awful as long as I will not be allergic 😊

[@Randompotatoes-qs7bm]

Can they really do ginseng without fragrance though? It seems to be a huge part of the plant.

[@christinagracebeauty]

@@Randompotatoes-qs7bm I think she’s talking about the added fragrance in the new formulation. Not the natural ginseng scent.

[@Eliza_Miso]

Is the linked product where you purchased it because Amazon is still saying its at 74$ dollars? 😢

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

You’re right - that’s so strange! If you search it in the Amazon app, it shows up for the right price. I’m not sure why it’s doing that!

[@Eliza_Miso]

@@AliceintheRabbitHole awesome sauce! thank you, you’re the bees knees!! 😊

[@melmerk12]

Has anyone had any stinging and redness from using the Donginbi line?? I just started and oh, my face is red and dry!

[@RandyandCyndi]

I've been using your technique when I wash my face with the k-beauty washes. AWWWWWWW

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Oh yay! Is it working out for ya?

[@danaso2567]

Ok, sort of off topic, but cica does not come from centella, it comes from cicatrization, there are cica creams without centella and with all due respect, 70 dollars is not reasonable, I understand that a lot of care goes into it and the quality justiefies the price, but let's not BS here and say this is a decent price for a serum

[@aprilneilson1163]

I heard Red ginseng is the best.

[@AliceintheRabbitHole]

Yep it is!

[@EnvyBlu]

That stuff is soooo expensive 😳