Ginseng and Camellia: Korea's Treasured Hair Oils 인삼·동백 헤어 오일

Ginseng and camellia (dongbaek) are two of Korea's most cherished hair botanicals. Ginseng scalp tonics support an invigorated, vibrant-looking scalp, while camellia oil has been used for centuries in Korea to smooth and add gloss to hair. Together they support healthy-looking, shiny, well-nourished strands.

Camellia oil: Korea's classic hair oil

Camellia oil, known in Korean as dongbaek-gireum, is a traditional Korean hair treasure pressed from camellia seeds. For generations it was smoothed onto hair to add gloss, tame frizz, and seal the cuticle. Lightweight yet rich, it absorbs without heaviness, making it ideal as a finishing oil for shine and as a nourishing pre-wash treatment. It is a natural cornerstone of the Korean glossy-hair tradition.

Ginseng for the scalp

Ginseng (insam) is one of Korea's most prized botanicals, celebrated in both wellness and beauty. In haircare it appears in premium scalp tonics and shampoos, valued for an invigorating, energizing feel on the scalp. Massaged in, ginseng-infused tonics support a fresh, vibrant-looking scalp — the foundation Koreans associate with hair that looks full and healthy.

Using them together

Pair a ginseng scalp tonic at the roots with camellia oil on the lengths for a complete Korean botanical routine: an energized-feeling scalp and smooth, glossy ends. Apply camellia oil sparingly to damp or dry ends to avoid weighing hair down, and use ginseng tonic on a clean scalp. This combination embodies Korea's heritage approach to nourished, shiny, healthy-looking hair.

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✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-08-23.

General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.