Sulwhasoo does lots of studies and research and grows and processes some of their own raw materials. Their products do contain botanical anti-aging ingredients (like Korean FDA-approved ginseng) and the creams have some retinol but they won’t compare to prescription tretinoin. I’d recommend tretinoin even dedicated retinol over Sulwhasoo for anti-aging.
I used/still using several of their products — cleansing oil, cleansing foam, first-care essence, basic line, snowise line, ginseng line, timetreasure line, sleeping masks. Not a lot of skincare enthusiasts here like them though because most contain alcohol and fragrance. My skin isn’t bothered by those, I honestly love the scent esp the ginseng line.
If you want to get acquainted with Sulwhasoo, I’d suggest getting sample sizes of Ginseng Water (gel-type toner) and Ginseng Emulsion. They cool, hydrate, and moisturize my oily, mature skin really well. Great to use when skin is dehydrated or compromised. They are some of my favorite products! I’d typically use them in the morning after vitamin C and before sunscreen.