Bellflower: Hanbang ingredient in skincare

One of our favorite Korean Hanbang ingredients is the beautiful bellflower. Hanbang includes a wide variety of ingredients derived from flowers, plants, and roots, but in this article, we will take a brief look at the benefits of bellflower.

👉🏼 What does Hanbang mean? Read our article,which explores the history of Korean cosmetics and the significance of Hanbang ingredients.

Bellflower is a lesser-known ingredient in the West, but in Korea it is a popular Hanbang ingredient that has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Bellflower has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is often used to help relieve cold symptoms.

For example, in Korea, bellflower tea flavored with pear juice is commonly enjoyed during colds to help soothe symptoms such as coughs and chest pain. The roots of bellflower are also enjoyed in dishes such as doraji-muchim (도라지무침), a spicy seasoned bellflower root side dish.

The effects of bellflower on neurology have also been studied, and some studies have found that bellflower may have positive effects related to Alzheimer’s disease.

The benefits of bellflower have been recognized in Asia for a very long time, but its use in cosmetics is more recent. Let’s dive into the world of bellflowers for a moment and explore their skincare benefits.

Benefits of Bellflower

Bellflower, also known as Platycodon grandiflorum, is a perennial flowering plant that blooms in summer and autumn. It is highly resilient and easy to grow, making it an excellent beneficial plant. Bellflower is considered a true superfood packed with ingredients that nourish both body and mind.

It has traditionally been used to treat various conditions such as colds and digestive discomfort. Bellflower is also used as a natural coloring ingredient, adding a beautiful purple hue to foods, beverages, and other products.

What are the skincare benefits of bellflower?

Bellflower contains compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, and fatty acids including linoleic acid. These are all widely used cosmetic ingredients known for supporting skin health.

In skincare, bellflower is primarily valued for its soothing and antioxidant properties. More studies on its effects have been published in recent years, so we will likely learn even more about its benefits in the near future.

One promising area of research is bellflower’s effect on melanogenesis, which could make it a potential ingredient for helping reduce hyperpigmentation.

Which skin types or concerns is it suitable for?

Try products containing bellflower if:

• Your skin is very sensitive and easily irritated
• You are looking for gentle care to help even out skin tone
• You struggle with blemishes or redness

Bellflower is generally suitable for all skin types, making it beneficial for many people!

Products Featuring Bellflower

No one uses bellflower in cosmetics quite like hwarang' does!

Bellflower root is the star ingredient of hwarang' Bellflower Cleansing Balm. Its light purple color naturally comes from guaiazulene, which is also known for its soothing properties.

You can also find calming bellflower in Hwarang’s pimple patches. In particular, hwarang' Night Patch also draws design inspiration from the bellflower.

Bellflower is an excellent ingredient for pimple patches because it helps soothe inflammation and may also support the healing of post-acne marks (our enemy: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, also known as PIH).

Hwarang' also uses bellflower in their barrier-strengthening moisturizer. Hwarang' Bellflower Moisturizing Barrier Cream is a soothing, strengthening, and hydrating cream suitable even for sensitive skin.

Published 3.10.2024. Updated 20.5.2026.

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