What’s Hanbang skincare all about? Here’s a run down of what Hanbang is, how it’s used in skincare, and an interview with Lisa Kim from Be Mused Korea for some insight into how Hanbang is used in Korea.
WHAT IS HANBANG?
Most countries have some sort of traditional medicine or ancient wisdom; for example, I’m from Finland, and we consume a lot of ‘superfoods’ such as wild berries, fibre rich grains, and in the past people treated various issues with wild herbs. Maybe you have heard about Chinese medicine as well? But Korea has its very own traditions, native herbs and fermented ingredients.
The word ‘Hanbang’ (한방) stands for Korean traditional holistic medicine, which includes an extensive use of herbal remedies to treat illnesses and maintain overall health and wellbeing – including skin health! Currently in the world of K-Beauty, this means taking the ancient wisdom of Korea’s native knowledge of herbs and fermented formulations, and incorporating those into modern skincare technology. This creates innovative products where science meets appreciation of old traditions.
You’ve probably seen ginseng or green tea used in skincare, but in Korea there is a wide variety of other herbs, roots, and fruits that are used in Hanbang formulations. Korean beauty brands such as Sulwhasoo and History of Whoo are already well known for their Hanbang formulations. And newer Hanbang brands like Atoclassic and Oneoseven have quickly gained popularity among K-Beauty enthusiasts.
BENEFITS OF HANBANG
While the oral consumption of these herbs (such as ginseng and green tea) are better known, there have been many studies on how these traditional herbs affect the skin when applied topically, and the results are promising. Hanbang ingredients and combinations vary from brand to brand, but one important factor seems to be their biologically active compounds as well as fermentation. (see previous article “Fermented Skincare? What’s the big deal?”)
Most Hanbang formulas promise antioxidants and anti-ageing benefits, while merging them with modern-day science to make the concoction as efficacious as possible. For example, the Hanbang exclusive brand Atoclassic, combines research collected over 3 generations for unique herb extracting methods to create effective but low irritant, sensitive skin-friendly products. One of my favorite products from Atoclassic is the Real Tonic Soothing Multi Cleanser that uses 11 kinds of different herbal extracts and botanical-derived cleansing agents, and I’ve also been enjoying the Real Tonic Intensive Calming Cream which I reviewed here.
HANBANG IN DAILY LIFE – INTERVIEW WITH LISA KIM FROM BE MUSED KOREA
To learn more how Hanbang is actually used in Korea in everyday life, I had a quick Q&A with Lisa Kim, the main curator and creator of Be Mused Korea.
Laura : Let’s talk about Hanbang. What are your memories about Korean medicine when growing up? Did you ever go to a Hanisa (doctor that specializes in Hanbang) or see your family members practicing herbal medicine for good health?
Lisa: My mom had me drinking Hanbang health remedies since I was 5 years old! I’ve been to Haniwon (Hanbang clinics) many times growing up and my mom sometimes brewed her own Hanbang remedies.
Laura: Have you tried other traditional medicine methods, such as acupuncture?
Lisa: I’ve had acupuncture for migraines for over a year and also for stomach pains and shoulder aches. I also heard of acupuncture treatment for healthier skin but haven’t tried that yet!
Laura: I think Korea is famous for its doctors, high hospital standards, cosmetic surgery etc. Is traditional medicine as common as “bread and butter”, or does it come and go out of style? How do people perceive it right now?
Lisa: Hanbang medicine is still very much alive and well received in Korea. More and more of the younger generation nowadays seek out Hanbang medicine as alternative treatment for diet and beauty purposes.
Laura: What are the biggest skin concerns people want to treat with Hanbang ingredients?
Lisa: Anti-aging has always been popular, but lately I see a lot of Hanbang skincare products for sensitive and acne prone skin.
Laura: Do you have favorite Hanbang brands or products, and what kind of impact have they had on you?
Lisa: I adore the brand Atoclassic which stems from the historically famous Hanbang doctor Woobo from Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. Atoclassic specializes in safe and effective Hanbang formulations and also implement many fermented ingredients that are perfect for sensitive skin. I always turn to their line of products when my skin feels aggravated or irritated.
I also love the brand Oneoseven, it’s a beautiful brand that branched out from a famous vinegar brewery with a long history in Korea. They implement naturally fermented vinegar as well as Hanbang formulations in their products. Oneoseven Core Flex Hydro Rich Cream is my moisturizer of choice for dry and dehydrated skin during colder months.
These two brands have changed my initial view of Hanbang for skincare; I used to think Hanbang skincare meant a lot strong oriental herbs typically infused with red ginseng that are usually sticky on the skin. But Atoclassic and Oneoseven have opened my eyes to how exquisite and effortless Hanbang formulations can be! Luxurious yet simple, lightweight yet intense, long-lasting yet fast-absorbing, and perfectly suited for everyday skincare while delivering noticeable efficacious benefits; these brands have forever changed my view of Hanbang skincare.
Laura: I know the Western and Asian skincare themes tend to not go in synch. I’m curious to hear if there are any skincare “secrets”, theme or advice that are in or popular right now in Korea?
Lisa: Nowadays, Western and Asian skincare themes seem to go hand in hand: Korean beauty R&D companies actively seek out Western formulations to tweak and improve using Korean standards, and Western brands are busy soaking in ideas and practices that’s popular in Korea. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing Western brands with Hanbang formulations!
Currently, DIY sheetmask or patch mask are popular in Korea. And this “DIY” doesn’t mean you have to concoct your own skincare formula, but rather, it’s all about using your favorite toner, essence, or serum, and intensifying the benefits by masking with those products. This practice is becoming popular because it lowers the risk of skin irritation or sensitivity that may occur with using different sheetmasks with ingredients that are unfamiliar to your skin.
Laura: Your skin always looks amazing – what’s your best personal secret or advice?
Lisa: Double cleanse every night and don’t over exfoliate! Once in a while, when my skin feels irritated, I like to go to bed with nothing but a light layer of Atoclassic Real Tonic Origin Essence and filtered water diffuser on – sometimes you just have to let your body work it’s magic on your skin while you sleep.
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So what do you guys think? Do you already have a favorite Hanbang skincare product or have your eyes on a particular one?
Laura is an illustrator and a beauty blogger from Helsinki, Finland. She’s a self-proclaimed makeup addict, skincare enthusiast and Japanese makeup brush collector who loves a good cup of coffee. Laura loves to learn and share in-depth posts about makeup artistry, product reviews and skincare ingredients. Read more about K-Beauty and Hanbang on Laura Loukola Beauty blog
