Fermented ingredients hold deep roots in Korean skincare and, in recent years, have surged in popularity across the beauty industry as a whole. We’ve all heard of the benefits of fermented foods for our gut health and overall wellness, but what exactly is fermented skincare, and how can it boost our skin health? By harnessing the natural power of fermentation, skincare ingredients are transformed into bioavailable, nutrient-rich elixirs that offer enhanced nourishment for our skin. In this blog, we’ll dive into the science behind fermented skincare ingredients, what makes them so effective, and why they might be the game-changer your skincare routine needs.
What is Fermented Skincare?
Fermentation is a natural process where microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and enzymes break down organic materials. When applied to skincare, this process transforms ingredients into smaller molecules, making them more potent and easily absorbed. The result? Skincare products that are richer in nutrients, proteins, antioxidants, and amino acids, delivering deeper nourishment and benefits for your skin.
The Science Behind Fermented Ingredients
Fermentation increases the concentration of beneficial compounds in skincare ingredients. Key nutrients become more bioavailable, meaning your skin can absorb and utilize them more effectively. Additionally, the process of fermentation often reduces the size of molecules, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers.
One of the standout features of fermented skincare ingredients is the ability to promote a healthy skin microbiome. The skin’s microbiome is the collection of bacteria and microorganisms that live on the skin’s surface, playing a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Fermented ingredients can support a balanced microbiome, helping to strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental stressors.
Key Benefits of Fermented Skincare
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Enhanced Absorption and Efficacy
As mentioned, the fermentation process breaks down ingredients into smaller, more absorbable molecules. This means that fermented skincare products can penetrate the skin more deeply, delivering active ingredients where they’re needed most. This results in more effective hydration, nourishment, protection, and overall skin health. -
Balanced Microbiome
Fermented skincare is often rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help to balance the skin’s microbiome. Probiotics can soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and help to manage conditions such as acne or rosacea. Additionally, the fermentation process boosts the levels of antioxidants in skincare products, providing enhanced protection against free radicals and premature aging. -
Improved Barrier Function
The nutrients released during the fermentation process, while balancing the microbiome, help to strengthen the skin barrier and up the skin’s line of defense. This, in turn, boosts overall skin health and protects the skin from potential irritants and skin conditions. -
Gentle for Sensitive or Reactive Skin
Fermented ingredients tend to be more gentle 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 Skincare Ingredients
Several fermented ingredients have become staples in the skincare world. Here are some popular fermented ingredients you can find in our skincare products here at AOS:
Thermus Thermophilus Ferment
An antioxidant marine ferment extremozyme that protects from ultraviolet and infrared damage by strengthening the stratum corneum while also balancing melanin in the skin.
Black BeeOme™ (Honey and Zymomonas Ferment Extract)
Restores the skin’s natural microflora to support healthy barrier function. It also reduces sebum production to balance the skin.
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
A byproduct of yeast fermentation that balances the skin's microbiome and contains effective anti-inflammatory properties while promoting tissue regeneration and oxygenation.
Fermented Red Ginseng
An antioxidant-rich ingredient that enhances circulation to improve overall tone radiance while protecting from oxidative damage.
Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract
A potent bioavailable active resulting from the fermentation of Japanese knotweed resveratrol with pichia pastoris yeast. Contains superior antioxidant properties to combat free radical damage and the visible signs of aging.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Probiotic that balances the skin’s microbiome, slows bacteria growth, and stimulates new cell growth to promote healing with superior soothing effects.
Copper Ferment
Provides antioxidant protection while promoting collagen and elastin synthesis for supple skin.
Our Favorite Products Containing Top Fermented Ingredients:
Dr. esthé Moisture Cleansing Gel (Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate): Probiotic-rich cleanser designed to heal and strengthen the skin while boosting hydration and improving the skin barrier by balancing the skin.
Skin Script Honey Brightening Cleanser (Zymomonas Ferment Extract): Helps to reduce sebum production and restore the skin’s natural microflora to support healthy barrier function.
Rhonda Allison DNAge Reversal (Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Alteromonas Ferment Extract): Protects the skin against environmental stressors while reversing damage at a cellular level with superior reparative and strengthening benefits.
Le Mieux EGF-DNA Serum (Saccharomyces Lysate Extract): Effectively soothes skin while boosting hydration to support skin strength and suppleness and promote self-repair.
Hale & Hush Hydrate Gel (Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract): Contains superior antioxidant properties with bioavailable actives to effectively penetrate the skin to boost collagen production and strengthen the skin from within while calming and balancing the skin.
iS Clinical Copper Firming Mist (Copper Ferment, Pichia/Resveratrol Ferment Extract): Hydrates, repairs, and firms skin while balancing oil production and providing antioxidant benefits for a smooth, healthy complexion.
Le Mieux ProFerm Face Glow Mask (Fermented Red Ginseng, Fermented Green Tea Extract, Fermented Rice Bran Extract): Loaded with key bio-available fermented ingredients to rebuild the natural moisture barrier, provide superior antioxidant benefits, and keep the skin firm and strong.
Fermented skincare offers a multitude of benefits, from improved absorption and efficacy to soothing, strengthening, and balancing properties. Whether you’re looking to enhance your current skincare routine or address specific concerns like dullness, sensitivity, or aging, fermented ingredients could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Explore the benefits of fermented skincare and discover how nature’s power, enhanced by science, can help you achieve radiant, healthy skin.
