Why you should try fermented skincare: from kombucha to ginseng, ancient ingredients are getting a scientific boost thanks to SK-II, Sulwhasoo and more
Is fermented skincare the secret behind the glowing success of SK-II and Sulwhasoo, who boast Twice’s Mina and Blackpink’s Rosé as brand ambassadors?
Fermented skincare might be the beauty industry’s best-kept secret, yet it’s been quietly influencing routines for centuries – think kombucha-infused toners, wine-based serums and ginseng-powered face masks.
It turns out that fermentation, more commonly linked to foods like kimchi, miso and wine, works wonders with skin too.
“During this process, microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast break down natural ingredients into smaller compounds,” dermatologist Dr Robert Marinaro says.
“This not only boosts potency but also makes the ingredients more bioavailable, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin for faster, more noticeable results.”
A stand-out in the world of fermented skincare is kombucha, which has made an impressive leap from a trendy health drink to a skincare favourite. Essentially fermented tea, kombucha is rich in probiotics, antioxidants and organic acids. Probiotics are vital in maintaining a balanced skin microbiome – the ecosystem of bacteria that keeps skin looking fresh and feeling healthy.
“Antioxidants provide a defence shield, protecting skin from pollution and environmental stress, while organic acids gently exfoliate, unveiling a brighter, smoother complexion,” Marinaro says.
A great example of kombucha’s power can be found in Youth to the People’s Kombucha + 10% AHA Power Exfoliant. It showcases how fermentation not only enhances natural ingredients but also makes them versatile enough to work with other actives, delivering multiple benefits.
Fermented rice water – another centuries-old beauty staple – plays a pivotal role in Asian skincare rituals, particularly in Korea, where it has a deep cultural connection to makgeolli, or traditional rice wine.
“The same fermentation techniques used to brew makgeolli also enhance the natural benefits of rice, boosting its antioxidant levels and making its nutrients more bioavailable,” Marinaro explains. Historically, women in Korea and Japan used leftover rice water from cooking or brewing in their skincare routines, a practice that continues to inspire modern beauty.
