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 shown that galactomyces causes epidermal cells to produce hyaluronic acid, which helps explain its moisturising reputation.

Want an Ingredient Recommendation Based on Your Skin Type?

If you like ingredient deep-dives like this, you might enjoy this episode where we break down common K-Beauty ingredients by skin concern.

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, blackheads
2. Oily skin
3. Dull skin
4. Closed comedones
5. Skin that’s easily affected by the external environment

K-Beauty Products to Try with Galactomyces

If you're keen to try this Korean skincare favourite, check out these products:

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.

If you love fermented ingredients like this, you might also like lactobacillus ferment, which you'll find in many beloved K-Beauty products, including this serum.

You’re not alone. K-Beauty moves fast, and the same ingredient can be amazing in one formula and totally “meh” in another. If you want a second set of eyes (whether you’re building a routine, shopping for products, or working in beauty that’s exactly what we do).

STYLE STORY – Your Go-To For K-Beauty Since 2014

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

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