Fermented Skincare Items: Galactomyces, Yeast Extracts, Rice Ferments
Korean skincare has revolutionized the self-care space as we know it. From serums infused with microneedles for better absorption, to red light therapy devices that retain the youthfulness of your skin, K-beauty has transformed what it means to take care of yourself.
Besides using naturally forming calming & soothing ingredients & their skincare mantra built around hydration, Korea skincare uses fermentation ingredients to boost potency, improve absorption, & create gentler formulas.
Our blog explores iconic fermented skincare items: galactomyces, yeast extracts, rice extracts, & why they’re used for brighter, more radiant, & healthier looking, & feeling skin.
Why Fermentation Matters In K-Beauty
If you’re wondering why fermented skincare works better, we’re here to spill the deets. In Korean skincare, fermentation breaks ingredients into smaller, & more bioactive components. This process increases the nutrient density & makes it easier for products to absorb into the skin quickly.
Korean skincare brands prefer fermented skincare items because they deliver several benefits at once, such as hydration, barrier support, & brightening, all while staying gentle enough to be applied daily & not irritate or anger the skin.
Galactomyces: The Brightening Ferment Behind Glass Skin
Galactomyces ferment garnered popularity in K-beauty through Korean essences inspired by the traditional & heritage-rich sake brewing process. It was originally discovered in the process, when workers’ hands appeared unusually smooth, hydrated, & youthful due to constant contact with the ferment. This gave rise to the fact that galactomyces are great for the skin.
The ferment is a powerhouse containing amino acids, vitamins, & anti-oxidants important for healthy & radiant skin. It is created by fermenting a specific strain of yeast. During fermentation, the ingredient breaks down into smaller molecules such as vitamins, amino acids, organic acids & antioxidants.
After being broken down into micronutrients, they can absorb into the skin more easily, making it a powerful ingredient even in lightweight essences.
K-Skincare’s Love for Galactomyces
Korean skincare loves galactomyces because it helps control oil production, brighten dull skin, & strengthen the moisture barrier, all while being super gentle on the skin. Its watery texture absorbs quickly, making it perfect for the multi-step K-Beauty routine.
Because Korean skincare prioritizes hydration, it can be used as a first essence to prep the skin for deeper hydration & better product absorption.
Galactomyces vs. yeast extract skincare will suit those with oily, combination, irritated, & dull skin types, looking for lightweight brightening & balancing formulations.
The Repairing Magic of Yeast Ferments
Yeast extracts in Korean skincare are a variety of fermented elements derived from different yeast strains, each rich in skin-repairing & hydrating nutrients. During fermentation, yeast breaks down into small, bioavailable molecules like beta-glucans, peptides, amino acids, & antioxidants.
This makes the yeast extracts very effective for restoring moisture & strengthening the barrier. They’re commonly used in hydrating fermented essence benefits, ampoules, & recovery serums designed to soothe the skin while boosting resilience & radiance.
These extracts are especially valued because they mimic the skin’s natural components, for fast absorption without clogging pores. This makes them perfect for the Korean multi-layer hydration method, where thin layers of moisture are built up gradually to achieve bouncy, dewy, & healthy skin.
Why Korean Skincare Preaches Yeast Extracts?
Why does Korean skincare preach the use of yeast extracts in their formulas, you ask? Let’s look at some benefits below,
Yeast extracts are great for those who have dehydrated, sensitive, or skin barrier that is damaged or irritated. It’s best for those looking for gentle repair & resilience of the skin.
The Glow-Boosting Power of Fermented Rice
Fermented rice has been a beloved ingredient in Korea for generations, known for giving the skin a soft, bright, & naturally radiant glow. When rice water or rice extract goes under K-beauty fermentation, it becomes more enriched with amino acids, minerals & nourishing compounds that easily absorb into the skin.
You’ve probably seen it, rice is a powerhouse ingredient in K-beauty & it’s usually valued for brightening effects. The benefits of rice ferment in skincare makes it perfect for achieving the popular glass-skin finish. Because it’s so lightweight, it layers easily without feeling greasy or sticky.
Korean brands use rice ferment skincare such as toners, essences, sheet masks, & lightweight moisturizers because it offers that coveted visible radiance with consistent use. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, thanks to its gentle nature.
For anyone wanting a soft, luminous, & youthful look, rice extract skincare is one of the most reliable glow-boosting ingredients in the K-Beauty world.
How To Choose The Right Fermented Product For Your Skin Type
Now that we’ve gotten you excited about fermented skincare, let’s guide you on how to choose the right one for your skin type,
These are the best fermented skincare ingredients for glowing skin, so if you’re searching high & dry for that glow from within, you might want to try fermented skincare.
Korean Fermented Skincare Products
It’s time to talk about some great Korean fermented skincare products. We’ve chosen them based on their effectiveness, ingredients, & reviews.
Please remember to do your own research before using any one of these products. Your skin is unique, so make sure to do a patch test before trying.
- COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
This popular product has 95% galactomyces which claims to even out tone, brighten the skin, & smooths out uneven texture. - Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum
This serum combines the goodness of galactomyces with vitamin C to give you the ultimate glow. It brightens dull skin & reveals a youthful radiance. - Manyo Factory Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule
This superstar ampoule packs a punch with bifida ferment, with 5 probiotic skincare, & 10 types of hyaluronic acid to deliver an ultimate boost of hydration & youthfulness to your skin. - Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence
This essence contains 93% naturally fermented ingredients including Saccharomyces ferment filtrate for brightening, hydration, & improving skin texture. It not only brightens your tone, but also keeps it bouncy & supple. - Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
This essence uses black rice, probiotics skincare, & fermented rice to strengthen the microbiome skincare. The formula is lightweight enough to layer between products while being gentle & soothing for the skin. - Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum– Rice + Alpha‑Arbutin
This serum brightens the uneven skin tone, lifts old hyperpigmentation, & boosts the skin’s natural glow, without making it look greasy. It is lightweight but powerful, & doesn’t irritate the skin or the barrier.
Finish Your Routine with Fermented Goodness
Fermented ingredients like galactomyces, yeast extracts, & rice ferments are at the heart of Korean skincare. They gently brighten, hydrate, & strengthen the skin barrier.
Using the right ferment for your skin & layering it properly helps you achieve smoother, healthier, & naturally radiant K-Beauty glow. No matter what you’re using, from essence to serum, let fermentation power your glow.
