The History of Whoo
Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Concentrate
Please note that this product was reformulated in 2024. Click here for further information on the 2024 edition.
Product overview
Brand: The History of Whoo
Product Name: Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Concentrate
Korean Product Name: 비첩 자생 에센스
UV Protection: n/a
Capacity: 50ml
Formulated by: LG Household & Health Care
Manufactured by: LG Household & Health Care
Distributed by: LG Household & Health Care
Country of Manufacture: South Korea
Functional Cosmetic Certifications: Anti-Wrinkle
Original Retail Price: 165,000 KRW
Date of Release: August 2021
Shelf life: 3 years before opening. 12 months after opening.
Ingredients
Notable allergens: Alcohol, Essential Oils, Fragrance.
Product description
The History of Whoo’s “Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Concentrate” is the representative anti-aging serum of The History of Whoo. The product has been a steady best-seller for a long time, ranking first in the anti-aging essence category for over 10 years in Korea (source: Kantar Worldpanel 2011-2021).
It’s a complete anti-aging treatment that enhances the skin’s self-regenerating power to tackle both visible and underlying signs of aging.
Through clinical trials, it was shown that the application of the product:
⬥ Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Concentrate’s 5-step system
In particular, the “Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Concentrate” contains 5 precious ingredients that provide a complete 5-step system to target even the most complex aspects of skin aging:
⬥ Jahabichup Complex™ (자하 비첩 Complex™, 蕴含紫河秘贴 Complex™)
“Jahabichup Complex™” (자하 비첩 Complex™, 蕴含紫河秘贴 Complex™) is a proprietary ingredient that revives complexion and enhances skin’s self-regenerating power.
The ingredient is the result of 15 years of research using the latest data mining technology. Through data mining, LG Household & Health Care analysed 20 million studies to discover the best traditional ingredients that could deliver the desired effects.
“Jahabichup Complex™” is a potent combination of vitamins, yeast polypeptides, amino acids, oligopeptides, growth factors and many more. One of its core components is Chojahabidan, a plant placenta derivative that enhances the skin’s self-healing power.
The ingredient was inspired by Jahageo (자하거, 紫河車), also known as Hominis Placenta, a traditional royal remedy used to treat Qi (vital energy) deficiency and, in turn, reinvigorate the body. The Donguibogam, the most representative text of Traditional Korean Medicine, describes the Jahageo as follows:
It’s used to cure emaciated individuals that are lacking vital energy and nutrition, weak individuals with a body exhausted by overwork, and those who suffer from skin pigmentary changes and melasma.
DONGUIBOGAM (1613)1
“Jahabichup Complex™” also includes 3 potent royal remedies.
After studying numerous royal records and traditional Oriental Medicine texts, researchers at LG Household & Health Care identified the 3 main herbal prescriptions used to look after the health of Eastern royals: Gongjindan (공진단, 拱辰丹), Kyungokgo (경옥고, 瓊玉膏) and Cheongsimwon (청심원, 淸心元).
Researchers combined these traditional formulas with modern dermatological science to obtain 3 innovative cosmetic ingredients:
For details on Gongjinbidan, please refer to the main page of the Bichup line.
Gyeongokbidan (경옥비단, 琼玉精萃) is a modern reinterpretation of Gyeongokgo (경옥고, 瓊玉膏), one of the 3 main restorative remedies recorded in the Donguibogam5. Gyeongokgo is also known as “Noblemen’s medicine”6 because in the past it used to be a prescription reserved for nobles and members of the royal court.
Gyeongokgo, also known as “Precious Jade Paste” is originally used to treat chronic fatigue and emaciation related to Lung Qi and Yin Deficiency5 .
In Oriental Medicine, Lung Qi regulates the preservation or excretion of fluids through the skin, and consequently the opening and closing of the skin pores. As a result, when Lung Qi is deficient, pores appear excessively open. On the other hand, Yin deficiency manifests through a generalised dryness across all vital organs, skin included.
Through the application of a proprietary technology, LG Household & Health Care developed a cosmetic ingredient based on the original prescription for Gyeongokgo: Gyeongokbidan.
Gyeongokbidan rebalances Lung Qi and Yin and helps smooth skin texture by replenishing moisture and reducing the appearance of pores.
Cheongsimbidan (청심비단, 淸心秘丹) is based on classic Korean herbal remedy Cheongsimwon (청심원, 淸心元), a prescription used to reduce excess heat in the Heart and the Liver and, in turn, treat cardiovascular conditions. As a cosmetic ingredient Cheongsimbidan acts as a detoxifying remedy that relieves redness, soothes irritation, eliminates impurities and rebalances skin.
Overall, “Jahabichup Complex™” was developed to mimic the effects of human placenta (Jahageo) and enhance skin’s natural ability to identify and repair its own weaknesses, promoting self-healing and skin regeneration. Thanks to its multifunctional formula, the ingredient provides a complete anti-aging treatment that reinvigorates skin, boost self-regeneration, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, enhances elasticity, and boosts skin radiance.
⬥ Royal Bowondan (궁중보원단)
“Royal Bowondan” is a combination of 3 traditional royal remedies (Samjibowonboeb, 삼지보원법) used to tonify the body and treat underlying health conditions. Please note that in Oriental Medicine, “Tonification” is a therapy used to rebalance the body and replenish its vital energy. [T/N there is no correspondence between Oriental Medicine organs and Western anatomy, so in this context capitalised names are not to be intended in the anatomical sense. For more information, please refer to the introduction to Oriental Medicine on this website]
In particular, “Royal Bowondan” is a blend of:
Together, “Royal Bowondan” works to mitigate micro-aging and prevent underlying signs of aging from becoming visible.
⬥ Yoonseolran (윤설란)
Yoonseolran is a skin refining ingredient extracted from Black Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum L.). The plant is naturally rich in Quercetin, a substance with senolytic properties that induces apoptosis of aging cells.
⬥ Cordycepin (동충하초 코디세핀, 冬虫夏草)
Cordyceps Militaris is a parasitic fungus used in Oriental Medicine for its wide range of pharmacological effects, including: anti-tumoral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and reinvigorating properties. Much like Wild Ginseng, it’s a naturally scarce ingredient, which lead it to become the world’s most expensive fungus, with prices going up even to $140,000 per kg2. It is said that numerous Chinese leaders, from ancient emperor Qin Shi Huang to Yang Guifei enjoyed the miracles properties of this mushroom3.
Cordycepin is the main bioactive compound found in Cordyceps Militaris. It works to energise and rejuvenate skin by improving cell senescence4.
⬥ Lotus Flower (연꽃, 莲花萃取物)
Lotus Flower is a traditional herbal remedy that is known for its outstanding antioxidant properties. The plant promotes a healthy-looking complexion by combating free radicals, reducing inflammation, repairing oxidative damage caused by environmental aggressors like UV rays, and supporting skin barrier function to prevent moisture loss.
Trivia
Directions
Use right after prepping skin with a toner to ensure deep absorption into the skin. Carefully distribute the product along the natural texture of your skin, starting from the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin in that order. Lightly wrap your face with your palms to aid quick absorption.
Precautions
Discontinue use if irritation or rash occurs while using the product or in case symptoms appear by direct sunlight after using the product. Consult a physician if irritation persists. Do not use the product on broken or damaged skin. Keep out of reach of children. Do not store at extreme temperatures or in direct sunlight. Do not use for other than intended purpose. Only use as directed. Be careful not to get the product in your eyes. After use, do not put the remaining product back into the container. Do not mix with any other substances or products. Be careful not to get the product on your clothes. For external use only.
Other editions and formulations
⬥ Previous formulations
⬥ Special editions
(coming soon)
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Review
Source: The History of Whoo official website and official product packaging
Translation: © 2022 Odile Monod. You may not reproduce the above translation for commercial purposes without the express written consent of the translator.
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Notes
1. 김경동. (2005). “혼돈시대의 강정제 “자하거(紫河車).”” 신동아.
2. Hou, David Anderson, Chia-Yi. (2021). “The World’s Most Valuable Parasite, Caterpillar Fungus, Can Cost up to $63,000 per Pound.” Business Insider.
3. KBS World. (2019). “BIOARA Dreams of Becoming the World’s Leading Cordyceps Provider.”
4. Kim, Hyo Jin et al. (2015) “Suppression of Cellular Senescence by Cordycepin in Replicative Aged Human Dermal Fibroblasts,” Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea. 대한화장품학회, 41(2), pp. 135–141. doi: 10.15230/SCSK.2015.41.2.135.
5. 김태인. (2020). “Gyeongokgo Is Known to Rejuvenate Our Body and Strengthen Immunity – 월간파워코리아.” Power Korea
6. Haejuclinic. (n.d). “Haeju Gyeongokgo.” Retrieved 25 May 2022 from http://en.haejuclinic.com/product/gyeongokgo/