I’ve tested hundreds of skincare products every year, with a deep specialty in Korean skincare, and if there’s one serum that truly stands out when it shows up in a value-packed Nordstrom Anniversary Sale set, it’s the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI Duo.
I mean, I live and breathe cosmetics formulations, texture profiles, efficacy markers — you name it — and this beauty duo has grabbed my attention with its storytelling and its results. What Sulwhasoo offers is beyond prestige; it’s the kind of ritual skincare that blends centuries‑old Korean herbal wisdom with modern delivery technologies.
And, to get two bottles in a sale bundle at nearly double the usual value? Chef’s kiss.
I find the experience of this serum absolutely delightful. The texture is silky and slightly viscous —luxurious, but absorbs cleanly without a sticky film. On clean skin, a few drops spread easily, initially slipping across dry texture, then locking in moisture. I’ve noticed subtle tightening around fine lines and improved smoothness over time, too.
Hurry, though — this exclusive is only available until August 4.
Let me break this down: the First Care Activating Serum is beloved as the opening step in the famed Sulwhasoo regimen. It famously contains ginseng extract and a proprietary ingredient they call “JAUM Activator,” which claims to reinforce skin’s natural strength. In my testing laboratory (aka my bathroom mirror), I’ve seen this serum make hydration deeper, redness calmed, radiance lifted and my complexion feeling more balanced overall. I’ve compared it to dozens of similar Korean essences and prep‑serums: none quite glide in with that cherry‑bomb bounce.
When it comes to ginseng — a superstar in Korean beauty — the scientific consensus supports its reputation. Ginseng root extract contains compounds like ginsenosides that have antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory and collagen‑boosting effects. Studies show that ginseng can help reduce oxidative stress in the skin, promote firmness and support barrier repair.
In Korean herbal medicine, ginseng is prized for its ability to tone and balance, to deliver vitality and energy — and when this is translated into skincare, it helps skin look more luminous, smoother and more resilient. Combine that with modern delivery vehicles and this serum feels both indulgent and effective.
It’s important, too, that I test ingredients under stress. I have combo skin that tends toward dullness after travel or late nights. I’ve used this serum during such periods, with extra environmental assault, and still seen skin bounce back smoother, redness fade faster and hydration last through long flights. That’s the kind of resilience ginseng can help foster when formulated well.
Let’s talk rituals. I start with a gentle foam cleanser, tone lightly if needed, then introduce the First Care Activating Serum. Its fragrance is herbal and calming, not loud; there’s a faint cedar‑like warmth but never cloying. You massage it in, tapping until the skin softens, then proceed. Post‑serum, moisture seals in beautifully. This ritual layering feels like a reset button after cleansing, especially in the evening.
In my experience testing Korean skincare, layering serums and essences in the right order is critical. This serum primes skin beautifully: subsequent actives like vitamin C, retinol or oil can penetrate more effectively, and overall efficacy amplifies. I’ve personally seen better absorption of treatments when I prime my skin with this serum for a week before starting something potent like AHAs or retinoid.
To recap in a flow‑state: as someone who physically trials (and sometimes ignores) hundreds of skincare items yearly, this serum duo stands out not just for its prestige or packaging, but for functional benefits backed by ginseng science and modern delivery systems. And when you can fold two bottles into one curated limited‑edition Nordstrom Anniversary Sale offering — it’s a value worth snagging.
Some final notes: remember to patch test if you’re sensitive to herbs or fragrances—even though I’ve found Sulwhasoo’s formula to be calming, not irritating. Store both bottles in a cool, shaded space to preserve ginseng efficacy. And after finishing one bottle, don’t let the second go unused. Rotate seasonally, or gift to a friend who appreciates ritual skincare (they’ll thank you!)
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This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.