What Is Galactomyces And Why Does Skin Love It?

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.

What Is Galactomyces?

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.

What Does Galactomyces Do In Skincare?

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.

Who Should Use Galactomyces?

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
2 People with oily skin
3 Dull skin
4 Closed comedones
5 People whose skin is easily affected by the external environment

Our Favourite K-beauty Products Containing Galactomyces

You’ll find galactomyces in everything from toners to essences, serum and more. Some of our favourites include:

Toner

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.

Essences

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.

Serum

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.

Moisturiser

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.

Tl;dr - What is Galactomyces and Why Does Skin Love It?

If you’re suffering from:

• dull skin;
• 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.

 

PS. This is also the key ingredient in SKII's First Treatment Essence! 

 

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Get STYLE STORY’s other Korean Skincare ingredients breakdowns, including propolis, niacinamide, ceramides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, licorice, bee venom, rice and more!