Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum – Targets Visible Fine Lines, Dryness & Dullness | Preventative Anti-Aging Serum with 500-Hour Aged Ginseng, Korean Herb Extract & Vitamin C | Korean Skincare

This is expensive. I am not the type of person to ever spend this kind of cash on skincare - but believe me when I say this is the most lovely, therapeutic, and effective product I’ve used in my skin in a long time. It’s incredibly hydrating but also sinks in so quickly. With continued use I really noticed a “vitality” to my face. My skin looked brighter, more hydrated, and generally youthful. I’ll be repurchasing this. When you apply the serum/essence, it sinks in right away. I feel as if the alcohol in this formulation is helping the ingredients penetrate more deeply, and doing the same for other products you layer on top. If you aren't a fan of alcohol, you can stay away from this. Alcohol does dehydrate skin, but Sulwhasoo seems to have included some deeply hydrating ingredients to counteract this effect. I did some research, and the effect of alcohol on skin has actually be studied quite a bit and they've found no real negative side effects, long or short term. But I don't need research to know this serum makes my skin feel so healthy. The result is a velvety, beautiful texture that sinks in to skin leaving you feeling refreshed and hydrated.

I splurged on this for myself because it was so well reviewed. I’ve been using it about two weeks. I’ve noticed a difference in my skin texture and my complexion is more even. I am 47 and have some fine lines and discoloration from acne scars and sun exposure and have notice both are less visible. This also goes on great under my makeup and doesn’t cause any issues there. It is expensive but if you are looking to treat yourself, I think it is a good value since it has addressed multiple skin issues for me.

Love this product! No skin irritation and not greasy

Best serum ! Tried it once and it’s been 2 years ! This is all I use ! Told about 10 of my friends to get it

So far its ok. I bought the trial kit as a early Christmas gift to myself as I've always wanted to try this. The oil cleanser didn't really take off all of my eye makeup especially the black mascara ( not waterproof, just regular). I really liked the foam cleanser and they way it felt on my skin. Smells nice. I have no complaints about the serum either. I just applied the Concentrated Ginseng cream last all over my face and neck. I most likely will look for a different kind of korean skincare cleanser duo set to help gently cleanse and remove my makeup better. But at least I tried it to see for myself. My two complaints are how small the trial bottles were. I attached a picture so you can see 👀 what I am referring to. The first two tunes I had to shake it hard into the palm of my hands and rub it together. Although I knew this was a trial set for $53, I was quite disappointed at how very tiny the trial bottles were. I've attached a photo to share and this is just my opinion however I thought jar of cream could have been a little bigger with more product inside. This being said it can help me assess whether or not this skincare set was effective for me.

This serum works! I usually don't review items, but this DESERVES it's props! My skin is usually dry and dull. After using this for about a month, it is so hydrated, plump and glowy! I wish I had a before and after to show the difference! Just try it! My only wish is that it came in a bigger bottle, lol.

Love this product have seen a huge difference in my skin since using… my smile lines are less apparent and I have seen a glow in my skin…

I’m 52 and post-menopausal with mature, dry skin, and Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum is one of the most important products in my entire skincare routine. I already own the full-size bottle and use it daily, but I purchased this mini specifically for travel because the full bottle is quite large and I’m taking a three-week trip. This is not a product I’m willing to skip, even for a short time. This is a true first-step activating serum that preps the skin and dramatically improves how the rest of your skincare performs. It delivers immediate hydration, softness, and a subtle plumping effect, and over time it helps improve skin tone, texture, and overall radiance. On my mature, post-menopausal skin—which tends to be drier, more fragile, and less resilient—this serum feels strengthening and balancing, and my skin consistently looks calmer, smoother, and more luminous when I use it. The texture is lightweight, silky, and absorbs instantly with no stickiness, making it ideal for layering. It creates a beautiful hydrated base so that serums and creams applied afterward seem to penetrate better and work more effectively. It also helps support the skin barrier, which is especially important for mature skin and for anyone using actives like retinoids or exfoliating acids. This is an excellent product for anyone serious about skincare, particularly those with mature, dry, dehydrated, or stressed skin who want a refined, healthy glow rather than a heavy or greasy finish. It’s luxurious, elegant, and genuinely functional—not just a prestige brand name. The mini size is perfect for travel or for anyone who wants to try this iconic serum before committing to the full size. A little goes a long way so even the mini bottle is a great value. For me, this is a holy grail foundational step that I will continue to repurchase. It elevates every routine and truly lives up to its reputation.