Plante
Mugwort
Artemisia princeps · 쑥 (Ssuk)
The sacred herb at the foundation of Korea. According to the Dangun myth, the first Korean woman was a bear transformed by 100 days in a cave eating nothing but mugwort and garlic. Korean mugwort (a different species from its European counterpart) contains unique anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenes and a soothing vitamin cocktail.
Type de peau
Sensitive, combination to oily, acne-prone, irritated, stressed skin.
Concentration
Recommended concentration: 5 to 80% fermented extract (highly concentrated toner-essence possible).
Compatibilité
Synergy with: centella, propolis, honey, fermented rice, panthenol. Avoid with: denatured alcohol.
Bénéfices sur la peau
- Powerful soothing effect on reactive skin
- Natural antibacterial (helpful for acne-prone skin)
- Antioxidant (vitamin E, polyphenols)
- Deep hydration
- Regulation of sebum secretion
- Reduction of redness
Comment ça agit, scientifiquement
Eupatilin and jaceosidin — sesquiterpenes specific to Artemisia princeps — modulate the NF-κB pathway and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6). The plant's polysaccharides form a hydrating film that retains water in the stratum corneum.
Tradition coréenne
Histoire et usage ancestral
Mugwort has been in Korean culture since prehistoric times. People eat it in tteok (rice cake), drink it as tea, and burn it in shamanic rituals. In cosmetics, Joseon women prepared a long decoction (3 hours) which they used as a soothing toner, particularly after periods of stress or during dry seasons.
Comment l'utiliser
- 01 As a soothing toner-essence morning and evening
- 02 As a sheet mask for an intense calming effect
- 03 Ideal after cleansing if skin is reactive
- 04 Immediate visible effect on redness