It’s the star ingredient in many Asian beauty products, touted for its ability to do everything from balancing uneven skin tone to fighting bacteria.
But what is galactomyces and why does skin love it? We’re putting it under the microscope to see how it works and who should be using it.
Galactomyces is a type of yeast, a byproduct of the sake fermentation process. If you buy into the marketing hype, legend has it that the effects of galactomyces were first discovered by sake brewers, who noticed that their hands stayed young even though the rest of their bodies aged. Galactomyces was supposedly the secret ingredient behind their younger, smoother, brighter hands.
It turns out that many of the claims made about galactomyces in marketing are actually true.
In skincare products, galactomyces has the ability to increase product absorption and also has known antioxidant effects. It has been shown to improve sebum levels in oily skin, as well as brighten and tackle acne. Studies have also show that galactomyce causes epidermal cells to produce hyaluronic acid. This means it has great moisturising properties.
Pretty much every skin type can benefit from using galactomyces, hence the reason it is so popular in Korean skincare products. The following skin types and issues will particularly benefit from galactomyces:
1 Enlarged and clogged pores and blackheads
You’ll find galactomyces in everything from toners to essences, serum and more. Some of our favourites include:
SOME BY MI Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Toner – Containing a whopping 88% of star K-Beauty ingredient galactomyces ferment filtrate, this toner brightens, hydrates and smooths skin for that glass skin glow. Rounding out the formula is 1% pure ascorbic acid (the most well-researched form of Vitamin C) for additional brightening.
COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence – made with 95% galactomyces ferment extract, this essence is designed to be used first after cleansing. It hydrates and brightens while protecting skin from visible signs of aging.
iUNIK Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum – This ultra hydrating serum comprehensively nourishes and cares for the skin. It contains 50% galactomyces fermentation water, combined with pore-refining rose extract. Brightening niacinamide and adenosine have also been included.
Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum – Restore your complexion’s radiance with 3% pure Vitamin C and 75% galactomyces ferment filtrate. In addition to its brightening benefits, galactomyces is also known to moisturize, smooth skin texture and boost elasticity.
APLB Galactomyces Mugwort Nutritional Cream – Like a recipe straight out of a Korean herbal clinic, this moisturiser combines super ingredients. Mugwort soothes and nourishes skin. It works a treat on skin troubled by redness, damage and other skin sensitivities.
If you’re suffering from dull, tired skin, over-active oil glands, acne or poor skin tone, then Asian beauty favourite galactomyces is an excellent ingredient choice. In addition to giving the skin a healthier look, it helps balance oily and combination skin types, brighten pigmentation, minimise dark spots and enhances the absorption of the skincare products you apply after.
"In skincare products, galactomyces has the ability to increase product absorption and also has known antioxidant effects. It has been shown to improve sebum levels in oily skin, as well as brighten and tackle acne."
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