Ever heard of fermented skincare? The use of fermented ingredients in K-beauty products is nothing new. Many notable K-beauty brands such as Missha, Neogen and SU:M37 are well known for their fermented skincare products, such as essences. Let’s look at what fermentation is and how it can benefit for your skin in this blog.

What is Fermentation?

Fermentation is a natural process of breaking down of substance, usually sugar molecules into simpler compounds. This process is usually done by microorganisms like yeast and bacteria, by releasing enzymes to aid in the fermentation process. Fermentation is often used to create food with unique taste, such as kimchi, wine, beer, yogurt and so on!

The overall fermentation process is essentially similar when it comes to skincare ingredients. Korean cosmetic companies found the benefits of fermented plants on the skin; therefore they are incorporating fermented ingredients into beauty products.

What are the benefits of fermented ingredients for my skin?

Fermented ingredients in skincare have many benefits when it comes to improving your overall skin health. The fermentation process breaks down active ingredients into smaller molecules, which results in nutrients that can be better penetrated and absorbed into the skin.

Some proven benefits of fermented ingredients include but not limited to:

1. Increase Skin Radiance: by improving skin cell turnover
2. Better Absorption: fermented ingredients are broken down into smaller molecules, which help penetrate the skin more effectively.
3. Increase the level of antioxidants: thus, slow down ageing process of the skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines
4. Protect the skin from external stressors: by balancing the skin’s microbiome with “good bacteria”
5. Soothe Irritated Skin

Fermented ingredients are suitable for all skin type and are especially great for sensitive skin. This is because the fermentation process has not only broken-down the molecules, at the same time it has “mellow out” the ingredient itself.

What Fermented Ingredients should I look for?

Here are some of the common fermented skincare ingredients found in K-Beauty products:

1. Fermented Lysates
   These are new type of probiotic ingredient that comes from non-living bacteria (Lactococcus Lactis), and it break down ingredients with enzymes to create lactic acid. Lactic acid is a gentler type of AHA, it’s benefit includes improve skin tone, reduced pore appearance, treat hyperpigmentation, and stimulate the body’s production of hyaluronic acids and lipids. Fermented Lysates can also be in the form of other names, such as lactobacillus ferment lysates, lactococcus, saccharomyces, and bifida.
2. Fermented Soy
   Though these are the least common type amongst other fermented ingredients, we believe it deserve a mention in this article. They contain collagen-inducing agents and can boost the production of Hyaluronic Acid on the skin. Fermented soy is shown to help protect skin barrier, moisturize, and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits.
3. Fermented Seaweed, Rice, and Dairy Sources
   These ingredients are usually rich in sugars that breakdown into polysaccharide sugars, which make them a potent hydrator to the skin. Some benefits include: Increase collagen in the skin, keeps skin supple and prevent wrinkle & fine lines, gently exfoliate the skin and promote even skin tone.
4. Fermented Yeast
   Fermented Yeast are commonly known as Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. This ingredient produces amino acids and peptides, which improve the skin cell turnover. Study have shown that it can help diminish the signs of aging and improve collagen synthesis.
5. Fermented Teas
   Tea in general is all notably high in antioxidants which can help protect your skin from free radical damage and slow down the ageing process. Fermented teas have higher potency as well as increase level of antioxidant compared to normal tea ingredients. It helps improve skin elasticity, reduce skin inflammation, hydrates, and detoxifies the skin.

Our top picks for K-Beauty Fermented Skincare Products:

Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence – contains 90% fermented yeast concentrate, which absorbs into skin to energize, sooth, smooth, balance and revitalize it.

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule - an anti-ageing serum that contain Bifida Ferment Lysate, a fermented yeast that visibly reduces signs of ageing and improves skin elasticity while protecting the skin. 

Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence - Powered by niacinamide and 95% concentrate of galactomyces ferment filtrate, a by-product of fermented yeast that helps nourish and revitalize skin from skin, resulting in clearer, radiant, and hydrated skin, with less visible fine lines and refined skin texture.

Blithe Pressed Serum #Crystal Iceplant – Contain Fermented Soybean Extract helps to nourish and hydrate skin

Jm Solution Lacto Saccharomyces Golden Rice Mask - contains avena sativa, rice and lactobacillus extract to deeply nourish and firm skin.

Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Toner & Serum - containing 88% (880,000 ppm) of Galactomois fermented water to nourish and moisturize the skin and make the skin texture smoother.