Acanthopanax koreanum is a deciduous shrub endemic in Jeju Island. It grows up to 2-3 m (6-9 feet) tall. Its flowers bloom in the summer, bearing fruits in the fall. It has a unique fragrance and branches with triangular thorns. Its roots and stem barks have been used as a tonic for traditional remedies to treat rheumatism, diabetes, and hepatitis. In Traditional Korean Medicine literatures, it was described as a treatment for liver and kidney pain and to enhance stamina.

Triterpene and acanthoic acid, isolated from its root and bark, have been studied well to control immune responses and melanogenesis, suggesting potential for cosmetic applications. It was demonstrated that triterpene from A. koreanum has the potential to promote hair growth by controlling cell cycle factors of the dermal papilla cells. Recently, several forms of triterpenoids were identified and characterized as skin brightening agents as well.