The History of Whoo

Gong Jin Hyang Firming line

The History of Whoo’s “Gong Jin Hyang Firming” (공진향), occasionally spelled as “Gongjinhyang,” is a skincare line formulated to target the early signs of aging by rebalancing the skin through the application of Traditional Oriental Medicine principles. “Gong Jin Hyang Firming” works to rejuvenate the skin from within, enhancing its resilience and promoting a smooth, healthy, and more youthful appearance.

Disclaimer: I personally translated the majority of facts and contents in this article from original Korean sources, so I kindly ask you to credit my work if you’re planning to use any of the information included in this guide.

Many concepts mentioned in this guide are based on Oriental Medicine principles, for a better understanding please refer to the introduction to Traditional Korean Medicine on this website. It’s important to stress out that there is no correspondence between Oriental Medicine organs and Western anatomy so capitalised names in this article shouldn’t be interpreted in the Western medical sense.

⬥ Recommended for:

  • Fine lines and first signs of aging
  • Decreased elasticity
  • Dry and dehydrated skin
  • Thin and weakened skin
  • Dull and fatigued skin
  • Impaired skin barrier function
  • Individuals over 30

Main Ingredients

The History of Whoo’s “Gong Jin Hyang Firming” is an anti-aging skincare line designed to firm and nourish the skin while restoring its natural balance through the principles of Yin-Yang Harmony and Suseunghwagang (수승화강, 水昇火降).

In Oriental Medicine, the aging process is viewed as a result of the gradual depletion of Essence (정 “Jeong” in Korean, 精 “Jing” in Chinese). According to this theory, individuals possess two types of essence: congenital essence, which is a fixed amount inherited at birth from one’s parents, and acquired essence, which is derived from food and beverages consumed throughout life. Both forms of essence are stored in the Kidney and serve as the energetic foundation for growth, development, and all vital activities.

As a person grows old, they gradually exhaust their available essence, a process that ultimately culminates in death. Essence and Qi (vital energy) have an interdependent Yin and Yang relationship. Essence serves as the material foundation of existence, continuously transformed to release Qi, while Qi, in turn, plays a crucial role in transforming food to nourish Essence.

In particular, it is believed that the depletion of Essence, and consequently Qi, occurs through predictable periodic cycles known as “life cycles.” Each cycle is marked by distinct physiological changes and patterns. The characteristics of these life cycles are outlined in the first chapter of the Hwangjenaegyeongsomun, or “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” which is a foundational text of Oriental Medicine.

For women, there are seven life stages, with each cycle lasting seven years. In contrast, men experience eight life cycles, each spanning eight years. The body is deemed to be in its optimal state upon reaching the Fourth Cycle (28 years for women and 32 years for men). From the Fifth Cycle onwards (35 years for women and 40 years for men), the body begins to gradually decline and show signs of aging.

The History of Whoo’s “Gong Jin Hyang Firming” line is an anti-aging skincare line inspired by this theory. Its goal is to restore the natural balance of Qi and Essence, thereby slowing the aging process. In particular, the line was designed to achieve this balance through the application of a principle from Oriental Medicine called “Suseunghwagang” (수승화강, 水昇火降). This theory describes the circulation of Energy (Qi) and translates to “water goes up, fire goes down.”

The History of Whoo – Gong Jin Hyang Firming line Suseunghwagang
The History of Whoo – Gong Jin Hyang Firming line Suseunghwagang

According to this principle, when the human body is in an optimal and balanced state, the upper part remains cool (associated with water and Yin), while the lower part is warm (associated with fire and Yang). When the lower body heats up, this warm fire energy drives the cooler water energy upwards, resulting in a cooling effect on the head. At the same time, the cold water energy descending from the head receives the warm fire energy generated by the heart, sinks and warms the lower abdomen, thereby supporting the function of internal organs.

This harmonious interaction allows Qi to flow smoothly, contributing to overall health and well-being. If this flow is disrupted, the opposite phenomenon develops: heat stagnates in the head (leading to headaches, insomnia, and skin irritations) and cold water energy stagnates in the abdomen (resulting in digestive problems, poor circulation, and compromised skin health).

As mentioned before, during the Fifth Life Cycle, the body’s natural balance of Qi and Essence begins to gradually decline, resulting in a disruption of the natural “Suseunghwagang” flow and a weakened immune system. Products in the “Gong Jin Hyang Firming” line were designed to restore this balance by regulating excess heat, replenishing moisture levels, and promoting a healthy flow of energy.

“Gong Jin Hyang Firming” provides a complete rebalancing treatment through the synergy of three actions:

  • Cheonga (청아, 清雅)  – Makes skin crystal clear.
  • Hongnyun (홍윤, 杠潤) – Makes skin luminous and radiant.
  • Juan (주안, 駐鎮) – Makes skin healthy, soft and elastic.

In particular products in the “Gong Jin Hyang” line contain “Gong Jin Solution™” (공진솔루션™), The History of Whoo’s signature ingredient based on a traditional royal court formula, along with “Sansam Dongchunghacho” (산삼동충하초, 山参冬虫夏草), a powerful blend of two highly-treasured Oriental Medicine ingredients.

Gong Jin Solution

All products from The History of Whoo incorporate “Gong Jin Solution™” (공진솔루션™), a proprietary herbal complex that constitutes the brand’s signature ingredient. This complex represents an evolution of “Gongjinbidan” (공진비단, 供辰秘丹), which was previously the representative ingredient of the brand.

Gong Jin Solution™ was developed through The History of Whoo’s integrative medicine research. This development involved isolating and blending the brand’s former signature anti-aging ingredient Gongjinbidan with three of its key skin-firming active components, collectively referred to as “Gongjinbidan Active.” The components of Gongjinbidan Active include Glycoproteins, Arginine, and Glutamic Acid.

Gongjinbidan (공진비단, 供辰秘丹):

The History of Whoo’s “Gongjinbidan” is based on “Gongjindan” (공진단, 拱辰丹), a traditional Oriental medicine prescription originally created by Chinese physician Wei Yilin. According to the classical text or Oriental Medicine “Efficacious Remedies of the Physicians” (세의득효방, 世醫得效方), “Gongjindan” was a remedy exclusively reserved  for emperors and for this reason, it earned the name of “Emperor’s Medicine”1.

The History of Whoo - Gongjindan

“Gongjindan” appears in many traditional medical texts from China and Korea and it’s described as a remedy that strengthens the body’s immune defences and brings back the natural balance between its organs.

The Donguibogam (the most representative text of Traditional Korean Medicine) describes “Gongjindan” as follows:

To this day, “Gongjindan” is a vital tonic that is still commonly used in many Asian countries to combat chronic fatigue, weak constitution and deteriorated immunity. 

Through the integration of modern science, LG Household & Health Care developed a cosmetic ingredient based on the original prescription for “Gongjindan”: “Gongjinbidan” (공진비단, 供辰秘丹).

Active Tracking Technology:

At the heart of the new “Gong Jin Solution™ is The History of Whoo’s Active Tracking Technology, an innovative Hanbang Bio-Po Jae technology that effectively delivers the skin-firming properties of Gongjinbidan to the skin.

The term Po Jae (포제, 炮制) refers to traditional methods in Korean medicine designed to prepare herbs for medicinal use. These techniques are designed to enhance or modify specific qualities of the herbs, tailoring them for targeted therapeutic effects. (For further details, please consult the guide on Traditional Korean Medicine available on this website, specifically section 3.3, which covers “Herb preparation and processing methods”).

The History of Whoo combined traditional Po Jae techniques with cutting-edge biotechnology to enhance the skin-firming properties of their classic ingredient, Gongjinbidan. This combination results in improved skin firmness and a more youthful appearance, providing a skincare experience that harmoniously integrates ancient wisdom with modern technology.

Key Ingredients of Gong Jin Solution™

The History of Whoo’s new “Gong Jin Solution™ appears in ingredient lists as:

1,2-Hexanediol, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Arginine, Asparagus Cochinchinensis Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Glutamic Acid, Glycoproteins, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Water

The History of Whoo - Gong Jin Solution herbs

In particular, the ingredient includes with five traditional herbal remedies:

  • Asparagus Cochinchinensis Root (천문동, 天門冬), or “Tian Men Dong”, is a potent anti-aging remedy that works by clearing Heat and nourishing Yin. The ingredient is highly regarded in Oriental Medicine for its effectiveness in softening rough skin and improving skin elasticity and radiance. It’s believed that these effects are primarily due to the plant’s rich content of the amino acid Asparagine6.
  • Angelica Gigas Nakai Root (참당귀뿌리, 当归), or “Dang Gui”, is known to replenish Qi and nourish Blood, meaning it restores vital energy levels and promote a healthy circulation of nutrients and energy across the body.
  • Cornus Officinalis Fruit (산수유열매, 山茱萸), or “Shan Zhu Yu”, is valued for its astringent and tonifying properties [T/N In Oriental Medicine “astringent” ingredients have the function of rebalancing the main vital substances that animate the human body: Essence, Body Fluids and Qi].
  • Ganoderma Lucidum (영지버섯, 灵芝属), or “Ling Zhi”, is highly-regarded in Oriental Medicine for promoting health and longevity. The ingredient was first described in the Classic of the Materia Medica (also known as Shennong Bencaojing, 神農本草經) and it’s used to alleviate fatigue, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall well-being.
  • Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) (타임, 百里香), which boasts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Overall, the ingredient promises to increase energy flow, while also rebalancing and reinvigorating skin to enhance the skin’s intrinsic energy and elasticity5.

⬥ Sansam Dongchunghacho (산삼동충하초, 山参冬虫夏草)

“Sansam Dongchunghacho” is a powerful herbal complex that combines two highly valued ingredients from Traditional Oriental Medicine: Natural Wild Ginseng and Cordyceps Sinensis.

Panax Ginseng, often referred to as “Shincho” (신초, 神草) or “God’s Herb,” is one of the most valuable Hanbang herbs. In the context of Oriental Medicine, it is frequently used to replenish Qi (“tonify Qi”) across the Five Organs (오장, 五臟)7.

There are significant differences between Wild Ginseng (Panax Ginseng Meyer cv. Silvatica) and Cultivated Ginseng, particularly regarding market value, physical characteristics, and overall properties. Research indicates that Wild Ginseng contains at least ten times the amount of active compounds found in Cultivated Ginseng3. This greater potency, coupled with its natural scarcity and difficult availability, positions Wild Ginseng as one of the most valuable herbal remedies in Oriental Medicine.

wild ginseng vs cultivated ginseng

Cordyceps Militaris is a parasitic fungus renowned in Oriental Medicine for its wide range of pharmacological effects, which encompass anti-tumour, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and reinvigorating properties. Similar to Wild Ginseng, it is a naturally rare ingredient, which has contributed to its status as the world’s most expensive fungus, with prices soaring as high as $140,000 per kilogram4.

“Sansam Dongchunghacho” is a proprietary formula powered by these these two precious ingredients. It was developed by growing Cordyceps Sinensis through a process of solid fermentation using the microorganisms naturally found in Wild Ginseng. The result is a powerful blend that promotes energy flow and helps restore the skin’s natural balance.

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Products

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⬥ Recommended order of use

  • Gong Jin Hyang Clarifying Cleansing Foam
  • Gong Jin Hyang Firming Balancing Toner
  • Gongjinhyang Intensive Nutritive Essence
  • Gong Jin Hyang Firming Emulsion
  • Gong Jin Hyang Firming Cream
  • Gong Jin Hyang Firming Eye Cream
  • Gong Jin Hyang Firming Neck and Face Protein Repair Mask (in the evening)
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⬥ International retailers

Make sure to check out the Discount & Coupons page to access exclusive offers for major Korean skincare retailers.

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Notes

1. 김은진. (2003). “나도 한번쯤 써보고 싶다! 피부 보약, 한방 화장품.” 레이디경향.
2. LG Household & Health Care. (2017). “1조 브랜드 행차요!
3. Jeong H. (2009) 인삼ㆍ산양삼ㆍ자연산 산삼의 ginsenoside 함량 분석 및 홍삼화 후 성분변화 비교. 상지대학교 학술정보원.
4. Hou, David Anderson, Chia-Yi. (2021). “The World’s Most Valuable Parasite, Caterpillar Fungus, Can Cost up to $63,000 per Pound.” Business Insider.
5. 더후(The Whoo). (n.d.). 더후: The whoo. 더후(THE WHOO). https://www.thewhoo.com.
6. 나누리. (2023, February). 천문동[天門冬]의 효능과 섭취방법 알아보기. 나누리 블로그.
7. Dharmananda, Subhuti. (2002). “The Nature of Ginseng.” Herbalgram (Number 54), the Journal of the American Botanical Council.

Source: LG Household & Health Care unless otherwise stated.
Words, Visuals: © 2024 Odile Monod unless otherwise stated.
You may not reproduce the above translation for commercial purposes without the express written consent of the author.

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