Edited: The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Line Review

~Gongjinhyang Line~

~The newly upgraded Gongjinhyang line~

****Hey guys! I recently went through my Gongjinhyang products and realized that I had the newly upgraded version of the In Yang Balancer and In Yang Lotion. I purchased the set in Seoul, Korea - which has been recently introduced in the West. The In Yang Balancer and In Yang Lotion review are the upgraded version and not the 'older' version!!! The rest of the products reviewed are the 'older' version. Sorry guys!!!***

[Gongjinhyang - A secret Royal court formula that presents heavenly skincare to empresses]

Containing "Gonjinbidan" and "Wild ginseng Cordyceps sinensis". Gongjinhyang helps create a more attractive skin tone. Through the principle of yin-yang harmony to keep skin balanced and the principle of increasing water (moisture) and diminishing fire (dryness) to enhance moisture within the skin while soothing it effectively, it gives skin a new radiance and smoothness.


Contents in Gonjinbidan: Deer Antler Velvet Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract, and Angelics Acutiloba Root Extract.

The products in The History of Whoo’s Gongjinhyang line are contain herbal ingredients that keep the supple and moisturized by hydrating dry skin and improving its purification capabilities (circulation within the skin helps with many skin problems). The rare herbal ingredients help treat the skin from within, to give your skin an outer glow. The Gongjinhyang line incorporates herbal traditional medicine that was used by the ancient royal family. The herbal nutrition stimulates the skin’s viability, moisture retention and adds radiance to the skin. The synergy between Gongjindan and Polygonatum also provides excellent wrinkle improvement, adds firmness and promotes a naturally youthful glow. This line is recommended for people in their early 30’s who have dry skin.

The philosophy behind the Gongjinhyang line is based on reducing the ‘fire’ on the skin or dry skin, and retaining water, which is the moisture of your skin. This line has been recently upgraded – not only has the lovely packaging been upgraded, but so has the formula. I used the ‘older’ version for 2 months, day and night when I had normal skin. Unfortunately, I do not have the ingredient lists at the moment – I did not keep the boxes for each item when I purchased it – hopefully I will be able to get it soon!!! I will be reviewing the In Yang Balancer, Qi & Jin Essence, In Yang Lotion, Qi & Jin Eye Cream, Qi & Jin Cream, and Hae Yoon Sun Cream SPF 50+++. For each product, with the exception of the In Yang Balancer and Qi & Jin Eye Cream, I used a pea-size amount, for the eye cream a little really goes a long way, and for the toner, I poured 4 pea size amounts on my palm and gently patted on my skin.

Potent Ingredients:

~Siberian Deer Antlers/Nok Yong~

~Snow Lotus~

~Asparagus Cohinchinesis~

~Cornus Officinalis~

~Acanthopanax~

~Wild Ginseng~

~Angelica~

I would like to begin my review with...

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang In Yang Balancer (upgraded)~

Description: In Yang Balancer is a herbal toner that keeps the skin soft and moist by hydrating dry skin and improving its purification capability.

Review: This toner is very watery, but when applied to the skin, immediately hydrates the skin. The scent is very floral, and some of you may find it heavy at times – but it was totally fine for me. Considering it is 150ml bottle, it does last a long time, which is excellent. Compared to the Jinyul Balancer, I would prefer the In Yang Balancer because of its light texture and consistency, it absorbs right away which is great for oily skin too (if you do have oily skin, I don’t recommend the rest of the products in this line for you), while the Jinyul Balancer took some time – but again, you have to consider that the Jinyul line is very rich because it is made for people over the age of 40. Nonetheless, I love this toner for keeping my normal skin hydrated!!!

The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Qi & Jin Essence

Description: Qi & Jin Essence is a highly concentrated herbal serum for a more crystalline, vital and luminous skin tone. The finest herbal essences from Gongjinbidan offer a luxurious and silky smooth feel

Review: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ESSENCE! The texture is rich and it has a yellow/orange tint to it. It absorbs so fast, it leaves nothing behind, but silky smooth skin!!! The scent is not too heavy compared to the rest of the line. I found this essence helped with the texture of my skin, and how it made my skin feel very dewy. What I love about the creams in this line is it really makes skin soft and supple!!! This is one of my top essences I would recommend for those who have dullness, and need a boost in the texture of their skin.

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang In Yang Lotion (upgraded)~

Description: In Yang Lotion is an herbal nutrition emulsion that stimulates the skin's viability. It improves the skin's ability to retain moisture and adds radiance to the skin.

Review: In my personal opinion, I did not find the In Yang Lotion to be my ultimate favourite. The reason being, it is TOO RICH – this is great for very dry dehydrated skin. Having normal skin going into this line, I found this Lotion to create a film on my skin that I did not like. Compared to Sulwhasoo's Basic Line, I would rather stick with Sulwhasoo's Balancing Emulsion, it is so light, but hydrates perfectly (you can replace it with Sulwhasoo's). But if I could, I would skip this Lotion because of its richness. The texture seems light at first, and it does hydrate the skin, but I do NOT recommend using it for oily skin and normal/combo, only if you have dry skin!!!

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Qi & Jin Eye Cream~

Description: It provides excellent wrinkle improvement effects. Its delicate but outstanding absorption tightens slackened cells around the eyes to create a pure and clarified look around the eyes without irritation.

Review: The best eye cream I have EVER tried!!!! Let me tell you how your dark circles are eliminated within two weeks, its unbelievable! When I bought this eye cream, I went into it without using an eye cream for two weeks, and I was sleep deprived due to my busy schedule. I know you guys are probably like, HOW COULD I NOT USE AN EYE CREAM for two weeks haha– but I am glad I didn’t, the reason being because I saw dramatic results!!! The technique I applied this is not in circular motions, but in patting motions, which still helps the product be absorbed. It has a yellow tint, and smells very herby, almost floral – the texture is very emollient and moisturizing the skin around the eyes amazingly. It states that it tightens skin around the eyes, and IT SURE DOES – my left eye can get a bit droopy, but this eye cream lifted and tightened it up. I highly HIGHLY recommend this eye cream, this is not a miss!!!

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Qi & Jin Cream~

Description: Qi & Jin Cream is a product of traditional beauty care techniques of the royal family. In addition to improved firmness through Gongjinbidan maximizes the skin's radiance.

Review: Another cream that is on my TOP LISTS – this cream will make your skin very dewy and soft. The scent is not as strong as the In Yang Balancer and Lotion (which would leave a scent behind on my face haha). The texture is rich, so I do not recommend it to those who have oily/combo skin. This cream is very moisturizing, and I find that it helps keep the skin hydrated even in harsh winter climates (I tested it outside to see how it battles through the cold!!!). I applied this cream by first, gently massaging, then lifting my skin UPWARDS from chin, to cheeks, and forhead – I saw improvements with the lifting techniques, and I recommend many of you to apply your creams this way, but be gentle so you do not stretch your skin. The results I saw from this cream is radiance, glow, firmness, suppleness, and plumped skin!!!

~The History of Whoo Gongjinhyang Hae Yoon Sun Cream SPF 50+++ ~

Description: Whoo's most well known herbal sunscreen cream with characteristics such as providing moisture to the skin, spreading out to the skin with soft texture, refreshing finish touches and absorption without stickiness with a light, smooth sun cream with water cream-like texture.

Review: When it comes down to sunscreens, the ONLY thing I look for is its protection. This sunscreen has a HIGH spf ‘+++’ which is very important, especially during summer times (apply sunscreen even in winter seasons!!!). The texture is thick, it has a light yellow tint, and it seems sticky, but it absorbs instantly. However, I found that because it is thick, it also created a film on my skin. Nevertheless, it did keep my skin hydrated and moist, but compared to the Charmzone Albatross Sun Powder, I would rather go with the Charmzone sunscreen.

Recommended? Yes I would recommend this line, ONLY for dry skin - some of you with normal/combo may find some of the products rich, especially the lotion. I have not tried the new upgraded line. My Korean friend told me that the new line absorbs much quicker, and if you are interested in these products, I advise you to go to the store to try them out - plus a new sleeping pack and upgraded mask-sheets have been included!!! 


Thanks to Hope In A Blog: 
http://hopeinablog.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/history-of-whoos-gongjinhyang-line-renewed-and-updated/ by mentioning this upgrade, they have stated that the newly added ingredients are: aloe vera and metasequoia glyptostroboides extracts :)!!!


For those of you with oily skin, I don't recommend this line because the richness may cause some bumps and milia seeds on your skin, so its best to stay away from this. The scent is very floral and herbal, I did not mind it personally - and the texture of the creams are very delicate and luxurious. Overall, I am happy with this lines results. It helped my skin remain soft and supple - it really refined the texture of my skin, and I always woke up to smooth silky skin. My top recommendations are the Qi & Jin Cream, Qi & Jin Essence, and Qi & Jin Eye Cream!!!

Please share any experiences you had with this line :)