Chinese Herbal Ingredients for Perimenopausal Skin: Ginseng, Goji & More
Perimenopause brings noticeable shifts in the skin: dryness, thinning, uneven texture, and a loss of elasticity. These changes stem from declining estrogen, which affects collagen, circulation, and barrier function. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), these shifts are seen as a decline in Yin and Blood, leading to dryness, dullness, and sensitivity.
As someone with a long background in Chinese herbal medicine and a deep passion for natural approaches to women’s health, I’ve always been drawn to the way TCM explains and supports these changes. Over the years, I’ve seen how certain herbs can restore balance and vitality—not just internally, but also when applied through skincare.
Chinese herbal ingredients have been used for centuries to support the body during periods of hormonal transition. Modern research now confirms many of their benefits. Below are some of the most promising Chinese herbal ingredients for perimenopausal skin, along with effective products that feature them as key components.
Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Ginseng is one of the most famous Qi tonics in Chinese medicine. Traditionally, it is used to restore vitality and circulation. For the skin, ginseng is prized for boosting collagen production, improving elasticity, and reducing dullness.
Product to try: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream – a luxurious Korean classic that combines ginseng with modern actives to revitalize aging skin.
Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
Licorice root is a harmonizing herb in Chinese medicine, traditionally used to calm inflammation and harmonize other herbs. In skincare, it brightens hyperpigmentation, reduces redness, and soothes irritation. It contains glabridin, a natural compound that helps lighten dark spots.
Product to try: Paula’s Choice CALM Repairing Serum – This antioxidant-rich serum immediately soothes sensitive skin and visibly calms redness with an effective blend of hydrating and anti-aging ingredients. It features licorice root extract to help reduce redness and even out skin tone.
Astragalus (Huang Qi)
Astragalus is a revered adaptogen in Traditional Chinese Medicine, known for its antioxidant-rich properties that support skin healing and fortify the skin barrier. It helps protect against oxidative stress and enhances resilience, making it particularly beneficial for perimenopausal skin.
Product to try: Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum – A lightweight serum featuring astragalus root extract to hydrate, strengthen, and balance the skin. Perfect for sensitive or hormonally-challenged skin.
Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui)
Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui)
Angelica Sinensis, also known as Dang Gui, is a revered herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, often referred to as “female ginseng.” It nourishes the blood, promotes circulation, and supports hormonal balance, making it particularly beneficial for perimenopausal skin.
Product to try: Bioelements Beyond Hydration – This refreshing gel moisturizer combines adaptogenic Chinese herbs, including Angelica Sinensis, to hydrate and strengthen the skin without clogging pores. Its non-greasy formula leaves skin feeling refreshed and comfortable, making it ideal for those experiencing hormonal skin changes.
Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi)
Goji berries are a classic longevity tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine, known for nourishing Yin and supporting the eyes and skin. Rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, and polysaccharides, goji protects against oxidative stress and promotes firmness.
Product to try: Clarins Extra-Firming Energy Day Cream – This 2-in-1 day cream visibly firms and boosts radiance with energizing superfruits. It features organic goji berry extract to help reactivate the skin’s energy, leaving the skin looking firmer and more radiant.
Peony Flower (Mu dan hua)
Peony flower has long been valued in Asian skincare for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe redness, calm irritation, and support a more even, radiant complexion—benefits particularly helpful for perimenopausal skin.
Product to try: TATCHA The Silk Peony Melting Under Eye Cream – This luxurious eye cream combines peony flower extract with hydrating, line-smoothing ingredients to nourish the delicate eye area and reduce puffiness, supporting a refreshed, radiant look.
Final Thoughts
Perimenopausal skin requires extra support as it adapts to hormonal changes. Chinese herbal ingredients for perimenopausal skin—such as ginseng, licorice root, astragalus, angelica, goji berry, and peony—offer time-tested solutions that nourish, brighten, and strengthen the skin.
By combining traditional wisdom with modern formulations, these herbs provide targeted care to address dryness, dullness, and loss of elasticity—helping perimenopausal women maintain healthy, radiant skin.
For more tips on supporting your skin during hormonal changes, check out our guide to Korean skincare for perimenopausal skin.
To learn which natural ingredients help lock in hydration and restore elasticity, see our post on natural moisturizers for perimenopausal skin.
