Korean beauty products have taken the world by storm with their innovative formulas and high-quality ingredients. Whether you are looking for a gentle cleanser, a hydrating toner, or a nourishing essence, you can find a product that suits your skin type and concerns. One of the reasons why Korean beauty products are so popular is that they are inspired by Korean culture and traditions. Many of them use natural ingredients used for centuries in Korea for their healing and soothing properties.
One of these ingredients is Artemisia, also known as Mugwort.
What is Mugwort?
The Artemisia genus contains hundreds of species. Among them, Artemisia vulgaris, known as mugwort or common wormwood, Artemisia princeps, known as the Japanese mugwort, and Artemisia capillaris, known as capillary wormwood, are known for the powerful chemical constituents in their extracts. The habitats of different Artemisia differ from one another and are widely distributed. Natural habitats of these species are found in Europe, Asia, North Africa, North and South America, and Australia.
Mugwort is a herb used for centuries in traditional medicine and homeopathic remedies for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects, which can help treat various skin conditions and improve skin health.
Mugwort is also often used in Korean cuisine. It has a sage-like smell and a bitter taste.
Legendary Mugwort
Mugwort, also known as ssuk (쑥) in Korean, has a legend behind its origin. The Tiger and Bear Mugwort Legend is a Korean myth that explains the origin of Korea’s first king, Dangun.
The legend says that one day, the Heavenly God, Hwanin, was bored and decided to spy on his son, Hwanung, who was obsessed with the human world. He peeked through the clouds and saw a beautiful mountain range called Samwi-Taebaek. He thought, “Wow, that looks like a nice place to live. Maybe I should send my son there and see how he likes it.”
According to the legend, a tiger and a bear lived in a cave near the sacred Mount Taebaek. They prayed to Hwanung, the son of Hwanin, the Lord of Heaven, to turn them into humans. Hwanung heard their sincere desires. He put them in a cave with mugwort and garlic and told them to stay there for 100 days. The tiger gave up after 21 days, but the bear persevered and completed the test. The bear was turned into a beautiful woman and married Hwanung. She later gave birth to Dangun, who founded the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon.
I’m a sucker for myths like that. Maybe if we slather ourselves with Mugwort for 100 days, we can become gorgeous and marry a heavenly prince. Or maybe we could start our movement, like the Mugwortians, and inspire millions of people to follow our beauty tips. How awesome would that be?
In another place and time, Elagabalus, a Roman emperor, bathed in water flavored with rose petals and mugwort.
One of the earliest sources of mugworts’ cosmetic uses is Dioscorides, a Greek doctor and herbalist who lived in the first century AD. He wrote that this plant could help with skin problems such as spots and marks. He also described how to prepare and apply it for this purpose.
The cosmetic applications of mugwort were also mentioned in the Polish herbaria from the Renaissance period, which drew on the writings of ancient and medieval plant experts.
In the early 19th century, J.B. Trommsdorf, a German pharmacist and professor, mentioned Mugwort in a cosmetic context. He published a book called “Kallopistria, oder die Kunst der Toilette für die elegante Welt”, which contained the first monographs on Artemisia absinthium (a species of mugwort) with regard to their cosmetic use. He recommended mugwort leaves for perfume production and tarragon vinegar as raw materials for cosmetic products.
Health Benefits
Artemisia gained huge research attention in 2015 when the Nobel Prize in medicine was awarded for discovering artemisinin, a component of Artemisia annua that proved its effectiveness in treating malaria. Subsequently, other Artemisia species have gained attention. Mugwort is a versatile herb that can help with various health issues, such as:
Stress and anxiety
Mugwort can calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. It can also enhance lucid dreaming and creativity.
Blood circulation
Mugwort can stimulate blood flow and prevent blood clots. It can also reduce inflammation and pain.
Digestion
Mugwort can improve appetite, digestion, and bowel movements. It can also relieve stomach acidity, colic, diarrhea, and constipation.
Menstruation
Mugwort can regulate menstrual cycles and ease cramps, bloating, and mood swings. It can also induce labor and prevent postpartum bleeding.
Uses
Mugwort can be used in different ways, such as tea, tincture, oil, powder, or capsule. You can drink mugwort tea to enjoy its internal benefits for your health and wellness. You can use its roots to make tonics that can increase your vitality and its leaves and flowers to treat digestive issues.
One of the most common methods is moxibustion, which involves burning mugwort over specific points on the body to stimulate healing energy. Moxibustion can help with breech births, low back pain, arthritis, and asthma.
Mugwort Benefits for the Skin
Mugwort is a herb used for centuries in Korea and other parts of Asia for its healing and soothing properties.
Don’t be fooled by its weird name that sounds like a goblin’s curse—or a spell from a famous wizarding saga—this herb is a miracle worker for your skin. Its magical powers can zap away bacteria, fungi, and inflammation. It can help with redness, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin woes. It’s a blessing for sensitive skin!
This ingredient is not only perfect for sensitive skin but also for acne-prone and dry skin.
Mugwort has many benefits for the skin thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Here are some of the ways mugwort can help your skin.
Hydrating
Mugwort is hydrating and gentle on the skin, which makes it perfect for dry and sensitive skin. It can help calm irritation, redness, and itchiness caused by external factors or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Acne
Studies have shown that this plant can be used to help treat acne. Mugwort has very interesting, scientifically proven activity against P. acnes strains. Mugwort can help fight acne by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. It can also help balance the oil production and prevent clogged pores.
Anti-aging
Mugwort can help promote cell renewal and improve skin barrier function. It can also help prevent damage caused by ultraviolet rays, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation.
Anti-inflammatory
Mugwort can soothe irritated and inflamed skin, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It can also reduce redness and swelling caused by sunburns, insect bites, or allergic reactions. Mugwort contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can modulate the immune system’s response to inflammation.
Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungal
Mugwort can fight against bacteria and fungi that can cause infections and breakouts on the skin. It can also prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. Mugwort has antimicrobial activity due to its essential oil components, such as thujone, cineole, and camphor.
The Mugwort will prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi so your skin can heal and recover from inflammation and regenerate new skin cells. Its antimicrobial properties are sure to take care of your acne problems. This also means that acne scars will fade faster due to the absence of unwanted microorganisms and dirt on the skin.
Antioxidant
Mugwort can protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage, such as UV rays, pollution, and free radicals. It can also boost the skin’s natural defense mechanisms and enhance its ability to repair itself. Mugwort is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, and quercetin, which can scavenge free radicals and prevent cellular damage.
Fight hyperpigmentation
Mugwort can brighten the skin tone and fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and scars. It can also improve the skin texture and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Mugwort has skin-lightening and anti-aging effects due to its tyrosinase-inhibiting and collagen-stimulating properties.
Cleansing
Mugwort has a cleansing property that removes dirt and oil from your pores. It’s excellent as a toner because it’s an astringent and won’t dry out your skin. Instead, it will soothe it, and your skin will become noticeably clear after using this product. And did you know that Mugwort is often used for a nice, relaxing soak in hot springs? Your skin will be at its clearest and most relaxed state.
Stimulates collagen
Mugwort also stimulates the collagen in your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines on your face. This results in younger, brighter, and more radiant skin. Who wouldn’t want that? It’s no wonder it’s an ingredient that has surpassed the trials of time.
How to use mugwort in skincare?
You can find mugwort in various forms, such as tea, oil, extract, powder, mask, cream, toner, mist, essence, and more.
DIY Mugwort for skin
Mugwort toner
One of the easiest ways to use mugwort is to apply it as a toner or a mist. You can make a mugwort toner by steeping dried mugwort leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and store it in a spray bottle. You can also use it as a facial mist or toner by spraying or applying it on your face after cleansing.
Mugwort oil cleanser
You can use mugwort oil as a cleanser or moisturizer by massaging it on your face, rinsing it off with water, or leaving it on overnight.
Mugwort serum
After toning and moisturizing, you can apply mugwort extract as a serum or essence on your face.
Mugwort scrub
You can use mugwort powder as a scrub by mixing it with water or honey, applying it to your face, and then rinsing it with water.
Mugwort mask
Another way to use mugwort for skin is to apply it as a mask. You can make your own by mixing mugwort powder with water or honey. Apply it to your face for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water.
Is Mugwort Safe?
Many people lean more toward natural ingredients, but natural products are not always safe! And when dealing with an ingredient like Mugwort, it’s essential to consider your skin’s sensitivities and the product’s formulation.
Mugwort is generally safe, but it may cause allergic reactions in some people sensitive to chrysanthemums, daisies, or other plants in the Asteraceae and Compositae family. If you see your skin reacting negatively to the product, you can lessen its usage or stop using it entirely.
Mugwort should also be avoided by pregnant women who are not ready to give birth, as it may cause miscarriage or premature labor. Mugwort may also interact with some medications, such as blood thinners or anticonvulsants. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using mugwort.
Best Korean Mugwort Skincare Products
The Korean skincare industry is huge at the moment, and they are most certainly leading the way in terms of trends, science, and innovation. There is almost always something new coming from Korea, whether it be a new ‘plant’ extract, species of snail, or even another new brand. There is no doubt that there is something for everyone regarding Korean skincare.
Round Lab Mugwort Calming Toner
Round Lab Mugwort Calming Toner is made with mugwort extract, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps calm down redness, itchiness, and flakiness while hydrating and balancing your skin. I love how soft and refreshed my skin feels!
I’m From Mugwort Essence
This essence contains 100% pure Mugwort extract that delivers moisture and nutrients to the skin. It also helps balance the skin’s pH and strengthen its barrier function.
Missha Time Revolution Artemisia Treatment Essence
This essence is fermented with double-fermented Artemisia Annua Extract to enhance its potency and absorption. It soothes and moisturizes the skin while improving its texture and clarity.
Hanyul Pure Artemisia Watery Calming Cream
This cream is enriched with Artemisia extract and ceramides to hydrate and protect the skin from external stressors. It has a lightweight texture that melts into the skin without leaving any greasy residue.
I’m From Mugwort Sheet Mask
I’m From Mugwort Sheet Mask, the ultimate savior for dry skin. It has ten essential ingredients, with Mugwort as its main ingredient, making it a soothing mask that will result in hydrated and relaxed skin—putting it on after a long, stressful day sounds like heaven! The I’m From Mugwort Sheet Mask can hydrate your skin and is especially good for sensitive skin.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia
The Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick is convenient for reapplying sun protection during the day. It doesn’t spill or leak. It is also small and portable, so you can easily toss it in your bag and reapply it whenever needed. You don’t even have to use your hands to rub it in. It glides on smoothly and doesn’t interfere with makeup application. I like how it works and how handy it is.
If you’re looking for a broad-spectrum sun stick that protects your skin from UV rays and gives you a satin, matte finish, you should try the Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick!
Final Thoughts
Mugwort is a wonderful herb that can benefit your skin in many ways. It can help soothe, hydrate, heal, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. If you have sensitive, dry, acne-prone, or aging skin, you might want to give mugwort a try. You can find many skincare products that contain mugwort or make your own.
Give it a chance to work its miracle, and you’ll emerge as a radiant, hydrated, relaxed, clear-skinned champion like the beautiful woman from the legend.
Remember to patch test any new product before using it on your face, and consult your dermatologist if you have any concerns or allergies.
Show Me Proof
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- Yun, Chanyong, Youngchul Jung, Wonjoo Chun, Beodeul Yang, Junghyun Ryu, Chiyeon Lim, Jung-Hoon Kim, Hyungwoo Kim, and Su-In Cho. “Anti-inflammatory effects of Artemisia leaf extract in mice with contact dermatitis in vitro and in vivo.” Mediators of Inflammation 2016 (2016).
- Hirano, Akiko, Masashi Goto, Tsukasa Mitsui, Akiko Hashimoto-Hachiya, Gaku Tsuji, and Masutaka Furue. “Antioxidant Artemisia princeps extract enhances the expression of filaggrin and loricrin via the AHR/OVOL1 pathway.” International journal of molecular sciences 18, no. 9 (2017): 1948.
- Stewart, Susan. Painted faces: A colourful history of cosmetics. Amberley Publishing Limited, 2017.
- Elansary, Hosam O., Agnieszka Szopa, Paweł Kubica, Halina Ekiert, Diaa O. El-Ansary, Fahed A. Al-Mana, and Eman A. Mahmoud. “Polyphenol content and biological activities of Ruta graveolens L. and Artemisia abrotanum L. in northern Saudi Arabia.” Processes 8, no. 5 (2020): 531. (antibacterial&antifungal)
- Iqbal, Shahid, Umer Younas, Kim Wei Chan, Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq, and Maznah Ismail. “Chemical composition of Artemisia annua L. leaves and antioxidant potential of extracts as a function of extraction solvents.” Molecules 17, no. 5 (2012): 6020-6032. (antioxidant)
- Hrytsyk, Roman Andriiovych, Roman Volodymyrovych Kutsyk, Oxana Ivanivna Yurchyshyn, Оxana Аnatolievna Struk, Igor Vladimirovich Kireev, and Andrii Romanovych Grytsyk. “The investigation of antimicrobial and antifungal activity of some Artemisia L. species.” Pharmacia 68, no. 1 (2021): 93-100. (p.acne)
