Before we dive in, I want to give an explanation of what “glass skin” means to me. On the internet, searches for glass skin typically produce ultra-filtered, overly lit videos of impossibly baby-shiny skin. Sure, my skin might look like that under a high-volt ring light, but how it presents IRL is what matters to me. For my purposes, the term (which was made popular by Korean skin-care brands) really means skin that is supple, smooth, and has a lit-from-within quality. In a word: bouncy. And seeing as I’m turning 35 in a few short weeks, skin elasticity is something I’m more and more preoccupied with.
My secret weapon for glass skin does come from a K-beauty brand: Sulwhasoo. Specifically, the Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Cream ($250). It’s the reason why I’m always getting asked about my skin-care routine – well, that cream, combined with a yearly laser appointment). Keep reading to learn why it’s a must-have product in your glass-skin journey.
About the Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Cream
- The main ingredient in the Ultimate S Cream is Ginseng Berry SR, a proprietary extract for the brand.
- The modified ginseng berry contains syringaresinol – an ingredient that helps with skin elasticity and texture – at 200 times the concentration than untreated ginseng berries.
- The cream can be used both morning and night, and is good for all skin types.
- The Ultimate S Cream is free of parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan, and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance.
- The packaging is inspired by a traditional Korean moon jar.
- The inner packaging is refillable, with one-off refill pods sold.
What I Like About the Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Cream
Is it weird to say I like everything about this product? The formula, the feel, the scent, the packaging, the results – it’s all 10/10 in my opinion. The formula is really what sets it apart from other luxury moisturizers on the market. The entire Sulwhasoo brand is rooted in the use of ginseng and the Ultimate S Cream (along with the other Ultimate S products) uses a souped-up version of the rarely-used berry part of the plant. The brand’s proprietary extract, called Ginseng Berry SR; has been cultivated for 1,000 days and gone through 15 stages of extraction and concentration. This essentially means it’s ultra-potent, delivering some serious plumping, firming, and elasticizing of the skin. While I love science-backed formulas, it’s sometimes hard to actually see the results at work. With the Ultimate S Cream, my skin legit looks like it has a smoothing filter on it.
The packaging is also something I want to highlight. In an ocean full of night creams in standard jars, this one stands out. The packaging pays homage to the Korean moon jar (inspired by the curvature of the moon), which symbolizes the vitality and renewal of the full moon. Beyond how pretty it is, it also takes a stab at being sustainable. Last year, Sulwhasoo published a sustainability report, which outlines the brand’s commitment to minimizing the environmental
impact of its products. It gets into the nitty gritty of how the brand researches, promotes the biodiversity of and promotes conservation of ginseng, but also how Sulwhasoo is thinking about its carbon footprint and contribution to plastics. If you’re like me, these considerations play a large part in the products and brands I’m willing to invest in.
How to Use the Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Cream
I typically use the Ultimate S Cream at night, but on days when I’m feeling super dried out, I’ll also apply a thin layer in the morning. Because this cream is on the heavier side (it has the texture of thick whipped butter), I like to keep the products I use under it more lightweight, with a focus on hydration. Currently, I’ve been using the Ultimate S line exclusively – I’ll first pat on the new Ultimate S Enriched Water ($135) followed by the Ultimate S Enriched Emulsion ($155), topped off by a slather of Ultimate S Cream. It’s like a triple-shot of ultra-plumping concentrated ginseng, and I find that this combo is what gives my skin the most distinct glass-skin effect.
Because it’s so nourishing and hydrating, the Ultimate S Cream has served my skin well on the days I incorporate a more active product like retinol or an AHA. It helps keep my moisture barrier intact while the exfoliants go to work underneath – I’ve never experienced any irritation or drying when using this cream as my last step.
What to Consider Before Trying the Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Cream
There is a very subtle fragrance (which is lovely), but if your skin can’t handle any fragrance at all, it’s important to note. Otherwise, I’d say it’s a pretty universally-usable product. For me, at least, it’s an absolute staple in my routine.
Is the Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Cream Worth the Splurge?
The biggest thing to consider about this product is the price, which is definitely on the higher end ($250 for the mini, which is what Sephora carries, and $450 for the full size via the brand’s site and Nordstrom). If that price tag makes you turn white, I get it – this may not be your thing. I will say that a little bit of cream goes a long way; it takes me about six months before I’m ordering my refill.
Where Is the Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Cream Available?
The Sulwhasoo Ultimate S Cream is available at the brand’s website, Sephora, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales.
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Aviel Kanter is the director of branded content for Vox Media and oversees lifestyle content across the portfolio of brands. She manages a team of editors who write articles in the wellness, fitness, beauty, fashion, health, entertaining, pets, and finance categories. She is also a beauty enthusiast and contributes many articles to the PS Beauty editorial site.
