Fermented Ingredients in K-Beauty

We’ve heard about “something old, something new, something blue…” - but something fermented? When it comes to skincare ingredients, aside from centuries-old rice, new-age retinols, or blue algae, something else and more advanced has been ‘fermenting’ on the K-beauty scene.

Just like fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt can promote a healthier gut, fermented skincare ingredients can help you get your healthiest skin ever. We’re talking Korean glass-skin good!

Since we already have K-beauty to thank for double-cleansing, sheet masks and more, it makes sense something else was brewing in Korean skincare ingredients and was on its way to Western markets near you. Let’s delve into fermented skincare and why it’s revolutionizing the natural beauty realm!

Understanding Fermentation in Skincare

Korean skincare continues to lead major movements in the beauty industry, and for good reason: K-beauty trends have offered the Western world innovative alternatives to some of our most conventional ways of thinking about skincare and ingredients.

On a voyage to nix the nasties in conventional skin products for potent, natural skincare solutions, fermented ingredients in K-beauty have emerged as the golden ticket to radiant, glass skin – all without needing to fly all the way to Asia! But before you cash in on that gold, let’s address some important things on our itinerary. What exactly is fermentation and what are its benefits for the skin?

Just like grapes get fermented in yeast to make wine, fermentation in skincare harnesses microorganisms, such as bacteria, to break down skincare ingredients into different compounds. Fermentation is science's way of sticking a shrink-ray gun to ingredients and making them smaller. This process is significant because there is the potential for those broken-down ingredients to penetrate your skin, which carries a host of skin-efits.

Fermentation increases the concentration of the active ingredients in the skin formula. At 100% PURE, we commit to the crème de la crème of natural ingredients and clean actives and formulate cutting-edge, efficacious formulas through advanced scientific methods. And by ‘advanced’, we’re talking avant-garde!

We take a unique approach of using drug-delivery methods for deeper penetration of ‘actives’ in beauty formulations without harmful chemicals, Quick backstory: what are actives? A skin active is the purpose of the product. It’s the action in the product that addresses the concern that we’re looking to remedy.

While fermentation increases the concentration of the active ingredients in the product, it also reduces the molecular structure, which facilitates their absorption into the skin. Moreover, active ingredients that have been fermented with yeast or bacteria break down into smaller molecules for better absorption, which means you’re getting the maximum ingredient potential, potency, and absorption of that formula. This skin trifecta of fermented bliss helps you achieve the best results from that product!

The Benefits of Fermented Ingredients

As we mentioned earlier with something old, something new, and so forth, let’s clarify that fermentation is not exactly new. The process goes back centuries as a traditional and ancient way of preserving ingredients, and it has a very long tradition in manufacturing Korean beauty ingredients and skincare.

Since its inception, fermentation has achieved leaps and bounds in advancements and its stellar benefits for the skin. As fermented skincare has been gaining traction stateside, our brand has already been on the cusp of the skin-game-changing results of Korean ferments and has integrated these into some of our top formulas. Let’s check out more benefits of fermented ingredients:

Support for skin microbiome health

One of the greatest benefits of fermented ingredients is that they help protect our skin from environmental aggressors by balancing our microbiome, a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living on our skin's surface. Probiotics and postbiotics (peptides, acids, and enzymes) produced during fermentation nourish and care for the skin's microbiome, which in turn supports the function of the skin's protective wall, leading to healthier skin. You might have even seen probiotic skincare out there.

Improved nutrient absorption and bioavailability

As an ingredient undergoes fermentation, it breaks down into smaller molecules and proteins. This process is significant because there is the potential for those broken-down ingredients to penetrate your skin better, and, thus, gain the maximum potential, absorption, and results from that formula. Plus, you get deeper penetration of ‘actives’ in the formulation to really address your skin concerns.

Enhanced skin barrier function

The nutrients released during the fermentation process, while balancing the microbiome, help to strengthen the skin barrier and increase the skin’s line of defense, especially against UV damage and pollution. This, in turn, boosts overall skin health and protects the skin from potential irritants and skin conditions, like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

Anti-aging and brightening effects

Fermented skincare products can have anti-aging and brightening effects due to the fermentation process. This is because fermentation concentrates nutrients and actives, which can better be absorbed and targeted to skin conditions or concerns. For instance, for dull skin or needing brightening, fermented ingredients like rice water can brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

Gentle yet effective for sensitive skin

Fermented ingredients tend to be gentler on the skin as they are broken down into a simpler form, making them suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. The process of fermentation can neutralize potential irritants, leading to products that are less likely to cause reactions or inflammation. This makes fermented skincare an excellent choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Popular Fermented Ingredients in K-Beauty

Several fermented ingredients have become staples in K-beauty and have transcended their way stateside for all to enjoy. Here are some popular fermented ingredients you can look for, as well as others you’ll find in our top skincare products, such as natto and rice water or sake.

Fermented tea extracts (e.g., kombucha)

Kombucha is a fermented tea that is increasingly being used in skincare products because of its many potential benefits for the skin. Kombucha as well as black and green teas are all notably high in antioxidants, which can help protect your skin from free radical damage and help delay the signs of aging. Kombucha also contains probiotics that can help protect and nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy cell turnover.

Rice ferment filtrate (sake)

Rice ferment filtrate, also known as sake, is a fermented ingredient that's commonly used in Asian skincare products to provide a variety of anti-aging, skin brightening, and hydrating benefits. Sake contains ferulic acids, which absorb UV light and help protect skin from sun damage. Sake contains skin-brightening kojic acid, which reduces melanin and evens out skin tone. As an excellent hydrator, sake helps maintain hydration and gives skin a supple appearance, while helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Fermented soybean

Fermented soybean, also referred to as natto, is packed with collagen-inducing agents, soybean peptides, amino acids, lactic acids, vitamins, and more. These actives are easily absorbed by the skin and are shown to help protect the skin barrier, increase circulation, promote moisturization, and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits.

Galactomyces ferment filtrate

Galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF) is a yeast byproduct of sake fermentation that has many benefits for the skin. Its anti-aging properties help combat signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, while its antioxidant abilities help combat UV damage. GFF helps brighten and even skin tone reduces dark spots, and soothes skin prone to sensitivity and redness. If dryness is a concern, this ferment filtrate increases hyaluronic acid production in the skin's top layer, making it appear plumper, healthier, and more hydrated.

Bifida ferment lysate

Bifida Ferment Lysate (BFL) is a probiotic ingredient in skincare products that is derived from a type of yeast fermented from Bifida bacteria. BFL is a humectant that can help improve hydration and the skin's barrier function. Its strong antioxidant properties help protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution while reducing skin sensitivities and inflammation due to acne. The probiotic has also been shown to encourage the skin to visibly repair itself and provide a mild exfoliating experience, which can give the face a healthier-looking appearance.

How Fermented Ingredients Work with Your Skin

As we briefly touched on earlier, fermented ingredients help balance the skin microbiome and maintain the skin’s overall health. The skin’s natural microbiome not only functions as a protective barrier against pathogens, but it also supports the skin's immune response and helps to regulate inflammation.

In terms of the interaction of fermented ingredients with the skin microbiome, ferments like the ones described above, enhance the skin’s natural defenses and improve microbiome health. One of its most impressive benefits is helping to increase the penetration of actives and other important ingredients in skin formulations into the dermis. This allows for a more potent, effective formula and results-driven skincare.

The probiotics in fermented ingredients can help tip the scales in your favor for a balanced microbiome. They help introduce good bacteria and fight off pathogens that may have dominated your skin’s surface. Since probiotics help to restore your skin’s microflora, any inflammation can be diminished and your skin’s pH level is able to be more balanced, resulting in a healthier, happier complexion.

Speaking of skin pH, fermentation generates residues such as amino acids and peptides, which replenish and rejuvenate the skin from within. These amino acids function as superheroes, moisturizing the skin with hyaluronic acid while fostering a balanced pH environment where healthy bacteria can thrive and a happy complexion can come to life.

Fermented ingredients also provide postbiotics that help balance the bacteria on the skin Think of postbiotic skincare as the new frontier in microbiome-friendly skincare. Postbiotics are essentially like 'probiotic' skincare but formulated with non-live bacteria. Postbiotic skincare instead uses by-products of fermented live bacteria. Postbiotics include certain peptides and short-chain fatty acids.

Supplementing your skin with beneficial postbiotic ferments is an effective strategy to replenish what your skin has lost and restore it to a resilient, balanced state. As for its benefits, postbiotics are rich in bioactive molecules that are easily absorbed into your skin, such as enzymes, antioxidants, antimicrobial peptides, anti-inflammatory fatty acids, vitamins, and organic acids, all of which nurture, support, and restore the health of our skin.

Fermented ingredients also support a natural skin renewal process. As we learned, ferments contain antioxidants, and pro- and postbiotics that all help with stimulating collagen production, skin regeneration, and a healthier cell turnover. These powerful fermented ingredients plus a mighty dose of skin-firming free amino acids and peptides create a skin-friendly pH level, where your dermis can bask in a healthier, balanced state.

Incorporating Fermented Products into Your Routine

Using skincare products that are tailored to your microbiome can help support and maintain this delicate balance, leading to healthier, clearer, and more radiant skin. By feeding your skin the nutrients and ingredients it needs, and avoiding harsh conventional products that disrupt your microbiome, you can help your skin thrive and achieve its best possible version.

Here are some ways to help incorporate fermented products into your daily routine for a healthy skin microbiome:

Starting with fermented essences and toners:

After cleansing with a natural cleanser, follow with fermented essences and toners. These are packed with concentrated active ingredients and can significantly boost your skin's health and appearance. You can apply a fermented toner to balance your skin's pH and enhance the absorption of subsequent products. Then, press the essence into your skin afterward. This order works best because toner acts as an additional cleansing step and prepares your skin for the essence.

Choosing fermented serums for targeted concerns:

Fermented serums have a higher concentration of beneficial nutrients and actives for your skin compared to traditional serums. These ingredients are more easily absorbed by the skin, which can help maximize your complexion's potential. Fermented serums also offer greater antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties, which offer skin UV and oxidative repair, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and less skin irritation and sensitivities.

Exploring fermented moisturizers and masks:

We’re already familiar with the skin-smoothing, hydrating, and mega-moisturizing effects of moisturizers and masks. When you add fermented ingredients to these products, your skin goes from all-star minor to major leagues in no time! Fermented moisturizers and masks are effective for eliminating moisture loss by trapping and locking in moisture and other vital ingredients in their formulas into your skin. This supports and maintains a healthy skin barrier, which in turn is important for the overall balance and happiness of your complexion.

Layering fermented products effectively:

Layering fermented skincare products is generally the same as layering your traditional products.

Tip 1. Use a cleanser, then toner and essence, followed by serum, then moisturizer and sunscreen. Finish with eye cream. A good tip is to start with the lighter consistency products first, then move on to heavier ones.

Tip 2: Next, pair complementary ingredients: Look for skincare products that have complementary ingredients.

Tip 3: Alternate: Alternate between fermented skincare products and other treatments to address different skin concerns.

Tip 4: Customize: Customize your skincare routine based on your skin's needs and concerns.

The Future of Fermentation in Skincare

Fermentation is expected to continue to play a major role in the future of skincare, as it offers a range of benefits, including natural, effective ingredients, and results-driven skincare, and it also aligns with growing consumer demands. Fermentation is a natural and sustainable way to create skincare products, which is in line with the growing demand for clean and ethical skin products and eco-friendly beauty practices.

Fermented skincare provides transformative effects, such as the ability to impart a radiant glow, improve overall skin tone and texture, and create visible improvements in skin – whether you’re tackling aging concerns or acne. Fermented skincare is not only emerging as a powerhouse in the quest for a radiant, youthful complexion, it’s making leaps and bounds from skin formulations to even cosmetics. That’s right! Fermented ingredients are also being used in makeup products to protect the skin barrier, soothe redness, and support collagen-rich skin.

We’ve learned about some top fermented ingredients trending stateside, but what are other fermented goodies brewing on the Asian or Western horizon that we might see soon? Some fermented ingredients and their benefits include:

Yeast, which can boost collagen production and promote skin renewal; Lactobacillus, which can soothe inflammation and restore the skin's natural balance, fermented mushrooms, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; fermented ginseng root, which can help smooth wrinkles; N-acetylglucosamine (NAG); which gently exfoliates skin to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and exfoliate dark spots for a more even skin tone; squalene; a molecule produced through the fermentation of sugar cane that can hydrate the skin; and artichoke extract; which contains polyphenols that can reduce inflammation and antioxidants that can protect the skin from damage.

Additionally, the future of fermentation in skincare will also involve combining ferments with other skincare ingredients and technologies, such as with other active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliants to increase cell turnover and skin renewal. Of course, this all comes with knowing your unique skin type and needs to determine which other actives like potent retinoids suit your complexion and not harm it.

Integrating fermented skincare into your routine begins with selecting the right products tailored to your unique skin needs. This is personalized fermented skincare based on your own microbes. Start by identifying your specific concerns, whether it’s hydration, anti-aging, or brightening. Look for products with high-quality fermented ingredients like yeast, lactobacillus, or rice extract, as these are known to deliver exceptional results.

Additionally, consider your skin type and sensitivity levels to ensure compatibility with the chosen products.

100% PURE Products with Fermented Ingredients

Using skincare products that are tailored to your microbiome can help support and maintain this delicate balance, leading to healthier, clearer, and more radiant skin. By feeding your skin the nutrients and ingredients it needs, and avoiding harsh fragrances and chemicals that disrupt your microbiome, you can help your skin thrive and achieve its best possible version.

Here are some of our favorite products with fermented ingredients for a healthy microbiome:

Fermented Rice Water Serum:

You can finish your probiotic skincare routine by layering on the Fermented Rice Water Serum for skin-plumping hydration and deep infiltration of skin-brightening ingredients. Soothing, hydrating aloe, and anti-inflammatory, toning rosehip oil are included in this serum for the perfect precursor to your moisturizer. Avocado oil introduces fatty acids for more hydrated, healthier skin, and essential oils of lavender, bergamot, and vetiver help to bring skin to a harmonious balance. When you match this serum with the similar ingredients found in the other natural skincare products in the Fermented Rice Water line, the results are sure to be glowing, softened skin.

Fermented Rice Water Toner:

The vegan Fermented Rice Water Toner helps to balance and prep skin for other products. It contains fermented rice water (sake) as a natural exfoliant that brightens and evens the skin. This natural skincare probiotic formula also contains citrus extracts of grapefruit and lemon for even brighter, more glowing skin. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is included in the formula for a boost of anti-aging power, and shiitake mushroom extract contributes to radiant, balanced skin.

Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum:

This potent Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants PM Serum features fermented ingredients for overnight renewal. This formula is a synergy of stabilized vitamins designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while firming, brightening, and evening out skin tone. What sets it apart is the unique formulation of niacinamide and vitamin C — two celebrated anti-aging ingredients. While they’re usually not combined due to differing pH levels, this serum uses magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. This high-quality form of vitamin C has a pH of 6, which is identical to niacinamide. This harmony allows the two vitamins to work cohesively, ensuring a youthful and glowing complexion.

Bakuchiol Moisturizer:

The Bakuchiol Moisturizer combines skin-loving ferments with a gentle retinol alternative. This natural moisturizer provides additional hydration with the addition of hyaluronic acid squalene and other powerful botanicals to boost collagen production and lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Kojic acid and licorice lighten age and sun spots, while niacinamide tones and firms skin for brighter, more youthful skin.

Caffeine Mask:

The Caffeine Mask features fermented ingredients for energized skin. The hydrogel mask offers superior hydration and skin rejuvenation. It becomes thinner as it’s on your skin because the trans-dermal ability allows the aloe water and active ingredients to penetrate deep into your skin. The immediate results are amazing – fine lines are diminished, complexion looks more plump, glowing, and vibrant.

Conclusion

Fermented skincare clearly represents a cutting-edge approach to beauty. From enhancing the efficacy of active ingredients to promoting a healthy skin barrier, fermented ingredients in K-beauty offer a natural and sustainable way to create skincare products, which is in line with the growing demand for clean and ethical skin products and eco-friendly beauty practices.

It’s evident that the power of fermentation is more than just a passing trend—it’s a paradigm shift in the beauty industry. By combining ancient wisdom with modern science, fermented skincare stands at the forefront of skincare innovation, offering unparalleled results and setting new standards for excellence.

As we leave you, we encourage each of our readers to explore and embrace the possibilities of fermented skincare and incorporate it into their daily routines. Whether you’re seeking to combat signs of aging, improve hydration, or simply indulge in a luxurious skincare experience, fermented skincare products offer a multitude of benefits that cater to your unique needs.

So, go ahead—explore the world of fermented skincare, and discover the radiant, luminous skin you’ve always dreamed of! Whether it’s something old, something new, something blue, or something fermented, we can say fermented ingredients in K-beauty are the ‘gold’ sixpence lining!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are fermented skincare products suitable for all skin types?

Fermented skincare products are beneficial for all skin types, but they can be especially advantageous for those with sensitive, reactive, or problematic skin. People with conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and dry skin often have an imbalanced microbiome, so products that support and restore this balance can help alleviate these issues. Additionally, as we age, our skin's natural ability to maintain a balanced microbiome decreases, making these products a good choice for mature skin as well.

How long does it take to see results from using fermented skincare products?

The timeframe for seeing results when using fermented skincare products can vary depending on factors such as the specific product used and individual skin type concerns. However, many people report noticing improvements in their skin within a few weeks to a couple of months of consistent use.

Can fermented skincare products help with acne or sensitive skin conditions?

Yes, fermented skincare can be particularly beneficial for conditions like acne or sensitive skin. These conditions are often linked to an imbalance in the skin's microbiome. By restoring and supporting the microbiome, these products can help reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and promote healthier skin. However, it's important to combine microbiome skincare with a holistic approach, including diet and lifestyle factors, for best results.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with using fermented skincare ingredients?

Fermented skincare ingredients can have some potential side effects, but they are generally well-tolerated and can be beneficial for many skin types. However, if you have very sensitive or reactive skin, fermented ingredients may cause irritation, especially if the fermentation process increases the acidity of the product. It’s best to do a patch test first if you have these sensitivities.

How do fermented skincare products differ from probiotic skincare products?

Fermented and probiotic skincare products both use microorganisms to improve skin health, but they differ in the specific ingredients and the processes used to create them. Fermented skincare products often contain ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid. Probiotic skincare products often contain Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Vitreoscilla, and ferments.