Why We Love Fermented Skincare

Kimchi, beer, and cheese are just some of the great things that have been created by fermentation. But while you might not want to put kimchi and beer on your face, you might just be convinced to try putting fermented skincare products on your face once you find out about their numerous skin benefits!

Fermented skincare has been part of Korean beauty rituals for centuries, but it’s especially gaining popularity around the world now as people recognize how effective ferments can be for healthy skin.

What Is Fermented Skincare?

Fermentation is the process by which yeasts and bacteria digest sugars and other nutrients, breaking them down into smaller components, and in many cases, transforming them into entirely new compounds that can be better absorbed and used by the skin.

Fermentation can break down larger molecules into smaller nutrients that are more easily absorbed by the skin (for instance, proteins may be broken down into shorter chains of amino acids and peptides). Often, these smaller components are significantly more bioavailable -- that is, more easily taken up and used by by skin cells.

Fermentation can also transform ingredients into more nutritious components. For instance, fermentation can increase the concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids that are highly effective for treating the skin (just as wine, for example, contains more antioxidants than grape juice).

Why Use Fermented Skincare?

Many skincare products contain botanical extracts that are known to benefit the skin. But fermenting those extracts, in many cases, makes them even more effective.

Research shows that fermented red ginseng extract is higher in antioxidants and is more gentle to the skin than non-fermented ginseng. It’s also more effective in brightening the skin than its non-fermented counterpart. Other studies show that fermented soy extract is more effective in moisturizing skin than non-fermented soy extract, and that it stimulates the skin to produce more of the humectant, hyaluronic acid. 

In Korean tradition, fermented yeast extracts have been known for years to have superior skin softening and moisturizing abilities that are useful for anti-aging and plumping the skin. Several skincare brands point to stories of workers in breweries having soft, youthful, unwrinkled hands due to their constant work with hands immersed in fermented rice water and other brews.

Fermentation can also produce skin-friendly acids, some of which can benefit the skin by fighting acne, exfoliating the skin, and boosting the skin’s natural defenses. The skin is naturally slightly acidic, and using skincare products that are close to the skin’s natural pH helps to keep skin healthy.

Fermented Skincare Products 

Do you need some fermented skincare in your life? We’ve got plenty of some excellent recommendations for you!

Real Ferment Micro Essence – NEOGEN

Dreaming of glass skin? With NEOGEN’s Real Ferment Micro Essence you’ll get there quicker. Over 93% micro-bio fermented complex (think Bifida ferment lysate, Saccharomyces, rice ferment, birch juice, etc.) deeply hydrates, brings antioxidants, and gives skin that glowing, plumped-up look. Lightweight and absorbs fast — no sticky feeling, just dewy radiance.

Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Anti-Wrinkle Serum – Haruharu Wonder

This one’s a skin-youth booster. A creamy-milky serum that fights early signs of wrinkles & sagging with a dual punch: fermented black rice + hyaluronic acid. Think elasticity, deep hydration, and visibly smoother skin. Use after toners and essences to lock in that bounce.

Probio-Cica Enrich Cream – SKIN1004

Treat your skin to serious comfort. This rich (but not greasy) cream is packed with fermented Madagascar Centella, ceramide NP, and trehalose to calm irritation, strengthen barrier, and deeply moisturize. Ideal for sensitive or barrier-weary skin that needs gentle repair + lasting softness. 

Have you tried fermented skincare yet? If you’re anything like us, once you try it, you’ll be a little bit obsessed!