– Erborian - Ginseng Micro Shot - Advanced 0.3% - Inspired by Micro-Needling - Intensive Retexturizing Face Serum with Korean Ginseng and Collagen - Concentrated in spicules

I have seen glowing reviews about similar products so when I saw this, I was keen to try it. The bottle is small, but you do not need to use much so it will last a while, especially as you only need to use it once a day. It says to use it under any serums which it what I have been doing. The first few times I used it, I did feel a slight tingling sensation for a few minutes, but this has now stopped. You do not need to use much and it absorbs well into the skin, feeling moisturising and the skin instantly feels softer. It is really lightweight - it does not sit heavily on the skin at all. It is still early days to see what effect it will have on my skin but, so far, I am liking what I am seeing.

What you get – 10ml of Ginseng and collagen microshot serum aimed at pores, skin texture and bounce. It comes in a lightweight pump dispenser and bear in mind it is a small amount at only 10ml, but you don’t need a lot as it spreads well for the amount you actually need to use. I used it after washing my face, when it noticeably needs moisturising, and on application it feels cool, spreads and absorbs well and isn’t greasy and it feels good on and after application. For me there was a warm feeling that persisted and not from sensitivity. While it doesn’t have a fragrance it does have a pleasant neutral substance odour and you are aware you have applied it. Does it work? I think it has done something. I primarily used it on my cheeks and across my nose and it certainly moisturises and my skin seems to look better. If this is a product that you would use it is certainly worth trying to see the results, even as a basic moisturiser it works, with the other potential other benefits.

I have normal skin (not sensitive) and I feel a slight tingle when applying this Erborian Ginseng Micro Shot. As directed, I've been applying it at night as the first step after washing my face and all over my face. I then follow with other serums and moisturisers. It's scentless, has the texture of a serum/very light moisturiser, is non-greasy and not heavy on the skin and is similar in texture and look to snail mucin but without 'slime'. After a week my face does look good; smooth and supple but I will caveat that I do 'all the things' with regard to skincare (oral collagen, red light therapy, micro dermabrasion, night masks....) but this Erborian is a lovely addition. I have noticed since using this that I have had a light peeling around my nose, like an exfoliation. At 10ml this is a very small amount of product and I tend to be heavy handed so I'll be interested to see how long it lasts, particularly given the £20 price tag. I'm trying to be more mindful and targeted when applying so it does last a month, at least, so I can gage the full benefits. This is a good product that seems to fulfill the same function of a retinol.

After a week of use, I’m impressed with this new generation Korean serum. It’s not recommended for sensitive skin — something I didn’t notice on the product page. But after patch testing it on my arm with no reaction, I tried it on my face. I’m happy to report that my mature, sensitive skin tolerated it well. The serum is lightweight, dispenses easily from the pump bottle, and two pumps cover my face and neck. It absorbs fairly quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Users are warned that tingling is normal due to the micro infusion technology that boosts collagen production. I felt a slight tingle, but no redness, and it faded quickly. At first, it felt similar to other Korean serums I’ve used, and after a few days my skin looked no different. I wondered what made this worth £42. I’d read that it combines ginseng and collagen with micro infusion technology to create tiny channels on the skin’s surface to stimulate regeneration. The science is above my head. I only care about results. As recommended, I used it at night followed by my night cream, and after a week I had my answer: my skin felt smoother and brighter, and in the morning it made an almost perfect base for skincare and makeup. I don’t pretend to understand the technology; I judge by what I see. And I’m delighted so far. My pores look slightly reduced, and by the time I finish the bottle, I’m hoping for even more improvement. If this continues, it’s worth every penny.

I've not tried (and do not want!) micro-needling but was curious and nervous about using this product. Reassuringly it scored well in the cosmetic ingredient checker I use, showing up as containing mostly risk free ingredients. The serum isn't thick, on the watery-side which makes it very spreadable and easy to apply. Even though it's only 10ml of product, I expect it to last much longer than it looks. As expected, it feels lightweight on the skin and doesn't feel greasy. I've not seen any noticeable results but it doesn't feel bad on my face. This lower strength 0.1% is much better suited to me since there was some tingling on the skin (so I would advise a patch test just in case, especially since it says 'not suitable for sensitive skin'!)