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The History of Whoo HwanYu Essence for oily skin

High

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

One of the best moisturizers for oily skin.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Highly suitable for your oily skin, this essence utilizes Panax Ginseng Root Extract and Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract for their antioxidant properties and ability to support overall skin health.
  • The inclusion of glycerin and algae extract provides excellent hydration and soothing benefits, effectively addressing concerns related to oily shine.
  • The formulation is safe for your skin, with no reported risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of beneficial components like Panax Ginseng Root Extract and Velvet Extract.

How to apply

  • Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
  • Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
  • Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
  • Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
  • Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.8Overall rating based on 100+ reviews

Based on limited data, users describe this essence as a masterpiece of Hanbang skincare, providing immediate plumping effects and a visible reduction in fine lines, best suited for dry, mature, or fatigued skin. It restores a youthful radiance and vitality that other products fail to achieve, though its prohibitive price is a significant drawback.

Highlights

  • Luxurious texture Mostly Mentioned
    • “sinks in fast”
    • “silky smooth finish”
    • “non-sticky”
    • “melts into skin”
  • Prohibitive price Mostly Mentioned
    • “wallet is crying”
    • “investment piece”
    • “too darn expensive”
  • Immediate plumping Often Mentioned
    • “plumps up skin immediately”
    • “laugh lines disappeared”
    • “face remained plumped”
    • “restores volume”
  • Potent ingredients Sometimes Noted
    • “70 natural ingredients”
    • “wild ginseng”
    • “nothing artificial”
    • “imperial formula”
  • Sophisticated scent Sometimes Noted
    • “scent of lotus”
    • “relaxing herbal smell”
    • “faint and pleasant”
    • “smells like matsutake”
  • Difficult to purchase Sometimes Noted
    • “hard to find”
    • “bought samples only”
    • “limited availability”
    • “out of stock”
  • Too rich for oily Rarely Noted
    • “too much for oily skin”
    • “use only at night”
    • “caused small bumps”
    • “heavy for humidity”

Sources: lovi.care, yesstyle.com, influenster.com, reddit.com, female-daily.com, odilemonod.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes HwanYu Essence a great fit for oily skin?

This essence is a great fit for oily skin because it uses ginseng and fleeceflower extracts to protect against daily skin stress, while glycerin and algae extracts deliver lightweight hydration that helps calm oily shine without causing irritation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017

Which ingredients make this essence a good fit for oily skin?

This essence is a great fit for oily skin because it uses Panax Ginseng Root Extract and Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract for antioxidant benefits and skin health, alongside glycerin and algae extract for hydration that calms oily shine without irritation.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017

What does Ginseng Root Extract do for oily skin?

Ginseng Root Extract helps calm oily skin and protects it from daily stress and UV damage. This ingredient also helps reduce inflammation and keeps the skin balanced, though an oily routine also needs lightweight, oil-free hydration and gentle cleansing to stay clear.

Scientific Reports, 2016Frontiers in Bioscience, 2023

What does Cordyceps Sinensis Extract do for oily skin?

Cordyceps Sinensis Extract helps oily skin by reducing unwanted redness and calming irritation. This type of skin needs ingredients that balance oil and soothe without clogging pores.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Molecules, 2020

Where does this essence go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This essence fits into an oily skin routine as an evening treatment, placed after your cleansing toner and before your moisturizer. Treatments with active ingredients are suggested for the evening for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure.

Can I use this essence with retinol, and in what order?

Yes, you can use this moisturizing treatment with retinol as part of your evening routine by applying the treatment after your retinoid. Using a barrier-supporting product like this helps reduce potential irritation while keeping your skin calm and hydrated. Studies show that incorporating supportive moisturizers aids skin recovery during active treatments.

Cutis, 2006Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012

How often should I use this essence?

This essence is a great fit for your oily skin and is designed to be used in your evening routine. Daily application helps support skin health and keeps hydration balanced without causing irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021

Can this essence clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This essence is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin. Its formula avoids harsh ingredients and features components like Panax Ginseng Root Extract and velvet extract that are safe and generally well tolerated.

Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2019Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007

Can I use this essence around the eyes or on my body?

This moisturizing treatment is well-suited for facial use, but the delicate eye area and body skin have different thicknesses that require targeted formulations. For the thin skin around the eyes, products specifically designed for that area are typically recommended to safely address concerns without irritation.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002

Is this essence fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract protects primary human foreskin melanocytes from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in vitro and increases melanin levels in ex vivo human hair follicles compared to vehicle-treated controls.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
  • Panax ginseng root extract induced Type I procollagen synthesis and COL1A2 promoter activity through Smad2 phosphorylation in human dermal fibroblast cells.

    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007
  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • Deer antler velvet extract formulated in sponge spicule micro-blend cream applied to healthy humans for 14 days enhanced macromolecule skin permeation by 1.94-fold, decreased melanin content and erythema, and increased skin elasticity and hydration without causing irritation.

    Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2019
  • Enzyme-modified ginseng extract cream significantly reduced the global photo-damage score and various roughness measures including total roughness, smoothness depth, and arithmetic roughness average compared to placebo in 23 human subjects.

    Rejuvenation Research, 2015
  • A red ginseng hydrogel formulation with 1,2-hexanediol promoted selective growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and decreased Cutibacterium acnes in 20 female subjects.

    Journal of Ginseng Research, 2022
  • A 1% fermented black ginseng cream significantly reduced eye wrinkles and brightened skin color in twenty-three human subjects compared to control cream and baseline.

    Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A, 2020
  • Cordyceps sinensis mycelium hydroethanolic extract increased sirtuin expression, NAD+ synthesis, ATP production, collagen synthesis, and reduced ROS and wrinkles in in vitro assays and human subjects compared to controls.

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
  • Topical cream containing 0.2% Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide extract was safe and achieved over 70% overall preference in 20 female volunteers.

    Fungal Biology and Biotechnology, 2023
  • A cordycepin/chitosan hydrogel dressing served as a quicker re-epithelization of skin wounds and an apparent increasing collagen deposition compared with chitosan hydrogels in vivo.

    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2019
  • Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts.

    Molecules, 2025
  • Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway.

    Antioxidants, 2025
  • A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events.

    Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
  • A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025

Ingredients

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Pca Dimethicone, Perfluorononylethyl Stearyl Dimethicone, Trehalose, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Sucrose Polystearate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Butylene Glycol, Velvet Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Caprylyl Trimethicone, Algae Extract, Beeswax, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Dimethiconol, Phytosteryl Isostearyl Cetyl Stearyl Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Asparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Root Extract Rhizome, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, C14-22 Alcohols, Squalane, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Trifolium Pratense Leaf Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Juglans Regia Seed Extract, Tuber Melanosporum Extract, Ceramide Np, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glycosphingolipids, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Triethylhexanoin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Stem Extract Leaf, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Clove Flower Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Arachidyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract Apricot Kernel Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Mica, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Prunella Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Cuscuta Japonica Seed Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Lindera Strychnifolia Root Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Atractylodes Lancea Root Extract, Atractylodes Japonica Extract Rhizome, Prunus Persica Kernel Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Powder, Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract Mushroom Stem Extract, Dimocarpus Longan Fruit Extract, Amomum Xanthioides Seed Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Extract, Bambusa Textilis Stem Extract, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Glycereth-20, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Cholesterol, Peg-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Glycine Seed Extract Soybean Seed Extract, Trisodium Edta, Iron Oxides Ci 77491, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorum Root Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Belamcanda Chinensis Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Extract, Tussilago Farfara Flower Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

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