Why it’s Time to Embrace Fermented Skincare

It started with kimchi, became mainstream with kombucha and now the beauty world wants a piece of the pie.

Once seen as something to get rid of, science has woken up to the life sustaining benefits of bacteria, with our gut microbiome (bacteria) taking centre stage. Helping to control digestion and support the immune system, scientist are continuing to discover just how much our microbiome can impact everything from food allergies to cancer, diabetes and even your ability to catch and fight off Covid 19. But it’s the bacteria on our skin which is now having its moment in the sun, having shown to play far more of an important role than originally thought.

Known as the microbiotaIt, our skin microbiome works in a similar way to our gut microbiome, guarding against pathogens that could affect both your skin and overall health. However unlike our gut microbiome, it's easy to tell when our skin microbiotalt is out of kilt. When in balance, our skin looks and feels healthy. If unbalanced, our skin barrier becomes compromised, resulting in a variety of skin issues such as eczema, dryness, itching, roseceasa and even acne.

Fermented ingredients support the health of the micro-organisms that make up your microbiome, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem, increasing microbiome diversity and decreasing inflammatory proteins. Whats more, the process of fermentation actually helps our skin to better absorb our products and reap more benefits from their ingredient actives. This is because, when an ingredient is fermented its own microbes break down larger molecules into smaller molecules, allowing the formulation to penetrate deeper in the skin. Which is why more and more beauty brands are now harnessing the wonders of fermented ingredients in their skincare.

“In Asia, fermented foods have been a key element of everyday diets for hundreds of years; it is also where fermented skincare technology was first developed. As our skin hasn’t got the ability to digest ingredients like our gut, the fermented process helps to break down the active ingredients into smaller and simpler molecules, making it easier to be absorbed by our skin. These types of skincare work really well for drier skin.”says Karen Lee- Thompson, founder of Wo Skincare.

Boosting the skin’s barrier and warding off oxidative stress from external aggressors, Fermented skincare is also ideal for those with sensitive skin thanks to their strong anti-inflammatory and skin calming benefits. In fact, chance are, you have been enjoying some of the benefit of fermentation without even realising it. Used in everything from gel cleansers to exfoliating peels, serums, topical creams and brightening masks, fermented ingredients commonly found include AHA'S (latic, glycolic and mandelic and lactic acids), sea kelp, black soy, fermented olive leaf extract, fermented rice water and ginseng


Curious to find out what all the fuss is about? Discover Editor’s Beauty fermented skincare edit … products.

GLOSSIER

Cleanser Concentrate £18

Glossier’s cleanser conentrate delivers a plant-powered deep clean thanks super squad of exfoliates, Grape Ferment, Grape Extract, Lactic Acid, and Malic Acid that gently work to clarify and re-energise the skin, while Niacinamide visibly refines pores

SK-II

Facial Treatment Essence £134

An original in the word of fermented skincare, SKII Facial Treatment Essence is a cult classic and for very good reason. Featuring their signature ingredient, Pitera - a yeast-derived extract containing amino acids, minerals and vitamins, this award winning essence promotes cell renewal resulting in an improved radiance, reduction in wrinkles and diminished dark spots.

SUNDAY RILEY

Pink Drink Firming Essence £42

Hailed as a power drink for your skin, this peptide infused essence featuring fermented honey, pink yeast filtrate, chlorella and kelp, works as a probiotic for your skin, balancing its microbiome and resurfacing the skin. The result, firmer, fresh and younger looking skin.

MURAD

Pore & Line Minimising Hydrator £47

Helping to repair skin breakouts, Murad’s multi-tasking moisturiser containing fermented kombucha collagen defence and cinnamon extract provides an essential hydration boost, while reduce inflammation and refining pores .

DRUNK ELEPHANT

Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray £35

A fermented power house of sweet sake, kombucha and hops, this nutrient dense spray works to support and replenish your skin’s microbiome while mimicking the components that keep your acid mantle (skin barrier) strong, soothed, and balanced.

AURELIA

Probiotic Blemish Hero £18

Designed to work on breakouts and redness without over drying, Aurelia’s probiotic spot cream paste restores, rebalances and repairs inflamed skin thanks to it’s soothing blend of witch hazel, white China clay and salicylic acid.

GALLINEE

Scalp & Hair Serum £26

Of course it’s not just the microbiotaIt on our face that can go out of whack. The skin on our scalps are notorious for flare ups (does the work dandruff rings any bells?). One of the original microbiome brand, Gallinée’s Scalp and Hair Serum contains a blend of Fermented Rice Water, as well as prebiotics and postbiotics to balance the microbiome, soothe irritated scalps and aid hair growth.

WILDSMITH

Skin Double Clay Refining Mask £65

Combining Wildsmith’s clinically proven cell matrix complex, renowned hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and mineral rich cleansing clays, this marvellous mask woks to decongest skin and unclogs pores, for skin that is radiant and revitalised.

VENN

Advanced Multi Perfecting Red Oil Serum £95

This vibrant-hued multi-correctional solution by VENN is the product of 20 years of research and development. Scientifically formulated with using 100% bioactives, including 34 natural botanicals and essential oils, skin is hydrated, glowing and rejuvenated. .

CODEX

Bia Unscented Soap £10

The first company in the world to achieve the Microbiome-friendly seal of quality for cold-processed soaps, Codex’s fragrance-free soap features moisturizing Shea Butter to protect, balance and soften without irritation, ensuring your skin is never stripped of vital microbes.

TRILOGY

Microbiome Complexion Renew Serum £33.50

Promoting a healthy complexion, this silky serum by Trilogy supports microbial diversity, reducing the look of redness, while plant derived hyaluronic acid plumps the skin for a more youthful appreance. Ultra-lightweight, its the perfect daily base for additional skincare products and make-up.

WO SKINCARE

Comfort Balm Daily Base £30

This high performance, multitasking Comfort Balm by sustainable skincare brand WO features Shiunko, a special Korean medicinal herb oil blend. Traditionally used for boosting collagen, and renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, Comfort Balm Daily Base is ideal for removing stubborn makeup, while delivering nutrients and moisture for skin that is soothed, comforted and hydrated.