Fermentation is the next big thing in skincare

Fermentation has made a big comeback in the modern food world in recent years, but did you know that fermentation in skincare is now starting to take off in the skincare world?

Korea, China and Japan are often pioneers in skincare and they come up with innovative solutions to beauty products. They have already introduced products like sheet masks, oil cleansers and BB/CC/DD creams. The West always follows suit and these products are now as big here in Europe as they are in Asia. Asia is now again pioneering and ahead of the West with its latest skincare revolution; fermentation in skincare.

What is fermentation?

Fermentation has existed for thousands of years. Fermentation is a catabolic reaction in which substances are transformed by bacteria. Fermentation is used for the processing and preservation of fresh beverages and foods. The process is also used to produce wine, beer, and vinegar, but fermentation is also used to produce lactic acid in sour foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt.

In short, good bacteria thrive in the process that occurs during fermentation, and the good bacteria will in turn both increase the concentration of and create micronutrients such as vitamins, probiotics, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants and enzymes, which are again very good things for the body and health.

Fermentation in skincare

When fermenting different flowers, fruits and grains, they will all have varying properties. And an increased concentration of all the goodness in an ingredient will also provide increased and more effective effects of a skincare product.

When using fermentation in skincare, the yeast (which is produced by fermentation) breaks down the molecular structure of active ingredients into smaller particles, resulting in nutrients, minerals, and active ingredients that are more easily absorbed by the skin. As a result, this process provides a super boost to skincare products.

Does fermentation work in skincare?

A 2012 study conducted by the Department of Food and Nutrition at Korea University found that fermented red ginseng had much higher concentrations of antioxidants than unfermented red ginseng, which in turn provided an increased anti-aging effect to skin care products. This and similar studies show that fermenting ingredients in skin care can have many beneficial effects on the skin.

We use fermentation in several of our skincare products, including fermented aloe vera, tomato and broccoli sprouts.

See our newest product, face mask , with fermented aloe vera and green tea: