When I say anti-aging, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Retinol probably, since it’s the ingredient synonymous with anti-aging, but there are other options too.
K-beauty especially often uses gentler ingredients for their products targeting wrinkles and fine lines, and I’ve been testing one such line for the past 4 weeks: The Skin House Wrinkle Supreme Serum, Cream, and Toner.
Sounds powerful right? Let’s take a closer look at the formula and see if these really are the supreme products they claim.
Table of Contents
Anti-aging without retinol?
The Skin House follows the traditional Korean skincare approach of using gentler products to achieve results over time, so you won’t find any type of retinol or exfoliating actives in this line. Instead, it features ingredients like:
- Panax Ginseng Extract – From a hanbang (aka Korean medicine) perspective, ginseng is known for improving blood circulation, but studies have shown it can also help prevent hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and improve fine lines and wrinkles!1,2,3
- Adenosine – Exists already in our body and helps with several important functions like wound healing and barrier repair. It can also help with collagen production and prevent collagen loss, which then helps minimize wrinkles!4
- Eleuthero (Acanthopanax Senticosus) Root Extract – Contains the compound phlorizin, which is an antioxidant that can also help increase collagen production in the skin!12
- Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Fruit Extract – Rich in antioxidant polyphenols, it’s been found to protect against photoaging from UVB rays and help brighten the skin.13,14
- Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) Flower Extract – While the safflower oil is better known for its skincare benefits, extracts from the flowers have antioxidant properties that’s magnified when used in synergy with the ginseng extracts!15
- Hyaluronic Acid – All skin types can benefit from this wonderful humectant that draws and retains moisture on the skin!
- Propolis Extract – Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and helps with wound healing and protects against UV damage, all thanks to the variety of active compounds and minerals in propolis.16
- Silicones – Love it or hate it, it does help improve the texture of products and forms a protective barrier on the skin.
9 types of mushrooms
- Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum Extract) – Contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to help with wound healing and brighten the skin.5
- Maitake (Grifola Frondosa Extract) – Rich in antioxidants and may also have soothing properties.6
- Phellinus Linteus Extract – Already known to have anti-inflammatory benefits, recent research has shown it also has powerful antioxidant properties (comparable to vitamin c), particularly against UV induced photo-aging.7
- Agarikon (Fomes Officinalis Extract) – I couldn’t find any research on its anti-aging benefits but one paper referenced a patent about how it can improve the appearance of skin imperfections.8
- Sarcodon Aspratus Extract – Also couldn’t find anything specific to skincare, but it’s still an ingredient rich in fatty acids, polysaccharides, and antioxidant polyphenols, all of which are beneficial to the skin.
- Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor Extract) – Found to show both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.9
- Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus Extract) – Has skin brightening properties and the ability to protect the skin from sun damage.10
- Agaricus Blazei Extract – Very little research on its topical benefits, but one patent did claim it helps protect the skin against environmental aggressors, meaning it has antioxidant properties.
- Matsutake (Tricholoma Matsutake) – Helps with wrinkles not by increasing collagen production but by preventing extra-cellular matrix degradation.11
While many of these aren’t your typical anti-aging powerhouses, some have promising research, and they’re supported by other well-studied ingredients to ensure results.
Would I have loved to see ingredients like niacinamide and peptides? Absolutely, but often including the latter drives the price up, hence why I consider this more of an entry-level anti-aging line.
Product Demo Video
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The Skin House Wrinkle Supreme Toner
Key Ingredients
Amino Acids (Histidine, Glutamine, Lysine, Arginine, and Cysteine)
Texture, Scent, and Finish
Viscous with slip. Light cucumber scent. Natural, non sticky finish with a glow.
Price & Size
$18 for 130ml at Yesstyle (GEEKYPOSH for 5% off), Amazon, and Stylevana (10% off with SHOPJENNY)
I usually don’t like toners in pump bottles (hello product spraying everywhere), but this works so well because the texture is thicker than your average toner, almost like a serum, and my dry skin absolutely adores it. Think the Klairs Supple Preparation Toner or Hada Labo, but with more bounce and slip, yet absorbs instantly into the skin with no stickiness. I could easily apply 2-3 layers if my skin is on the drier side!
In addition to the base ingredients covered earlier, the toner contains several amino acids that help moisturize the skin. Arginine specifically can even help reduce irritations from AHAs thanks to its positive charge!
In terms of actual hydration, this wouldn’t be a top 3 pick, but it still noticeably adds moisture to my skin. I don’t expect it (or any toner really) do to much in for my fine lines, but it performs well as a moisturizing base for the rest of my skincare routine. For me its biggest plus is how well it layers and would be perfect for the 7-skin method!
The Skin House Wrinkle Supreme Serum
Key Ingredients
Amino Acids (Histidine, Glutamine, Lysine, Arginine, and Cysteine), Squalane, Shea Butter, Ceramides, Cholesterol, Macadamia Oil
Texture, Scent, and Finish
Cushiony yet light. Faint cucumber scent. Soft and smooth finish.
Price & Size
$26 for 50ml at Yesstyle (GEEKYPOSH for 5% off), Amazon, and Stylevana (10% off with SHOPJENNY)
My favorite product in this line! In addition to adding hydration, it contains emollients to moisturize the skin as well. The texture just feels so lovely on my dry skin, but because it feels so light and spreads so well, I think all skin types would enjoy it as well.
If you’re still young and not looking to add retinol to your routine yet, I think this is a great option to consider. Despite what its name may imply, this serum alone will not be enough for actual fine lines and wrinkles, but may help delay their onset by nourishing your skin.
If you’re older like me, this is still a lovely serum to pair with your anti-aging heavy hitters like retinol or acids. If I’m using tretinoin, I’ll layer the Skin House Wrinkle Supreme Serum first as a buffer, or if I’m using a lighter retinol, I’ll apply this serum afterwards to properly moisturize my skin.
Either way this is definitely the star of the Wrinkle Supreme line!
The Skin House Wrinkle Supreme Cream
Key Ingredients
Squalane, Mango Seed Butter, Ceramides, Arginine
Texture, Scent, and Finish
Creamy and but not heavy. Faint cucumber scent. Natural finish.
Price & Size
$20 – $25 for 50ml at Yesstyle (GEEKYPOSH for 5% off), and Stylevana (10% off with SHOPJENNY)
You’d think for an anti-aging line this moisturizer would be rich and thick, and while it does feel creamy, it’s also elegant and spreads beautifully on the skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave the skin feeling suffocated. Super dry skin types may need to apply multiple layers, but normal/combo skin types will find this level of richness just right.
I think the Skin House Wrinkle Supreme Moisturizer would be more suitable for younger skin, especially given how reasonably priced it is. For my dry, almost 35+ skin I crave something heavier, especially in the winter time. While one layer was sufficient in the mornings, I found myself applying my trusty Nivea Creme in my driest under eye area to really keep it moisturized through the night.
Read more: 38 moisturizers reviewed, and these are the best ones for dry mature skin.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Incredibly gentle on the skin despite contain fragrance and alcohol. Skin never felt irritated or uncomfortable.
- Beautiful textures that absorb well and are just a dream to apply.
- Layers well with other products and under sunscreen with no pilling.
- Hydration results were noticeable, especially with the toner and serum.
- Sturdy glass bottles and jars
Cons
- Would love to see more well-researched anti-aging ingredients.
- Misleading product names as these products alone will do very little for actual wrinkles.
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin due to the fragrance and alcohol.
Scores & Summary
-
Ingredients
7.5/10
-
Packaging
8.5/10
-
Texture/Application
9.5/10
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Performance
7.8/10
-
Price
8.5/10
If you go in expecting these products to do wonders for your signs of aging, you’re going to be disappointed. I don’t blame you, because what else would you expect from a line called “Wrinkle Supreme”?
But take away these unrealistic expectations, and what you have are actually gentle entry-level anti-aging products that will work well for younger folks or support your existing anti-aging routine. The serum would be my top pick here for sure, and one I can see myself continuing to use in my routine.
Article Sources
To keep my content accurate and trustworthy, I rely on peer-reviewed studies, articles from reputable academic institutions, and quotes from certified healthcare professionals to back my claims.
Liu, Jianzeng, et al. “Vanillic Acid in Panax Ginseng Root Extract Inhibits Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells via Inhibition of the NO/PKG Signaling Pathway.” Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, vol. 83, no. 7, July 2019, pp. 1205–15, https://doi.org/10.1080/09168451.2019.1606694.
Li, Zhenzhuo, et al. “Panax Ginseng C. A. Meyer Phenolic Acid Extract Alleviates Ultraviolet B-Irradiation-Induced Photoaging in a Hairless Mouse Skin Photodamage Model.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, edited by Weicheng Hu, vol. 2021, Aug. 2021, pp. 1–9, https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9962007.
Yang, Yong, et al. “Ginseng: An Nonnegligible Natural Remedy for Healthy Aging.” Aging and Disease, vol. 8, no. 6, 2017, p. 708, https://doi.org/10.14336/ad.2017.0707.
Kim, Hyun Jung, et al. “Verification of Air Brush Effectiveness Using Cosmeceutical Ingredients.” Biomedical Dermatology, vol. 2, no. 1, Sept. 2018, https://doi.org/10.1186/s41702-018-0034-7.
Yin, Zhuming, et al. “Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Skin Diseases and Care.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2019, pp. 311–321, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31777026/, 10.1007/978-981-32-9421-9_14
Kim, Ju-Ha, et al. “Grifola Frondosa Extract Containing Bioactive Components Blocks Skin Fibroblastic Inflammation and Cytotoxicity Caused by Endocrine Disrupting Chemical, Bisphenol A.” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 18, Sept. 2022, p. 3812, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183812.
Han, Jingxia, et al. “Exosome-like Nanovesicles Derived from Phellinus Linteus Inhibit Mical2 Expression through Cross-Kingdom Regulation and Inhibit Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Aging.” Journal of Nanobiotechnology, vol. 20, no. 1, Oct. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-022-01657-6.
Wu, Yuanzheng, et al. “Mushroom Cosmetics: The Present and Future.” Cosmetics, vol. 3, no. 3, July 2016, p. 22, https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics3030022.
Chou, Chun‐Hsu, et al. “Enzymatic Hydrolysates Obtained from Trametes Versicolor Polysaccharopeptides Protect Human Skin Keratinocyte against AAPH‑Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 18, no. 6, Apr. 2019, pp. 2011–18, https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12959.
Min-Hee Guk, et al. “Antioxidant and Skin Whitening Effects of Inonotus Obliquus Methanol Extract.” ResearchGate, The Korean Society of Mushroom Science, 30 June 2013, www.researchgate.net/publication/263627124_Antioxidant_and_skin_whitening_effects_of_Inonotus_obliquus_methanol_extract.
KIM, SO YOUNG, et al. “Extract of the Mycelium of T. Matsutake Inhibits Elastase Activity and TPA-Induced MMP-1 Expression in Human Fibroblasts.” International Journal of Molecular Medicine, vol. 34, no. 6, Oct. 2014, pp. 1613–21, https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2014.1969.
Choi, Hye-Ryung, et al. “Phlorizin, an Active Ingredient of Eleutherococcus Senticosus, Increases Proliferative Potential of Keratinocytes with Inhibition of MiR135b and Increased Expression of Type IV Collagen.” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2016, 2016, pp. 1–8, https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3859721.
Park, Hye Min, et al. “Extract of Punica Granatum Inhibits Skin Photoaging Induced by UVB Irradiation.” International Journal of Dermatology, vol. 49, no. 3, Mar. 2010, pp. 276–282, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04269.x.
Parveen, Rashida, et al. “Topical Microemulsion Containing Punica Granatum Extract: Its Control over Skin Erythema and Melanin in Healthy Asian Subjects.” Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, vol. 6, 2014, pp. 351–355, https://doi.org/10.5114/pdia.2014.47117.
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The packaging looks oddly familiar, it strongly reminds me of Advanced Night Repair. I enjoy products like this to support my stronger actives, but agree with you, on their own they won’t make much of a difference in regards to wrinkles.
Anne from “Doctor Anne”