
Fermented Ingredients: The secret to glowing skin in K-Beauty
We all love Korean skincare for their unique elements and the results they provide. Although there are many aspects to K-beauty, one trend which has caught the fascination for many of us is fermented ingredients! Many skincare enthusiasts promote the use of fermented skincare due to its versatility for being suitable for most skin types, whether it be serums, masks or creams, it can be effective in giving youthful appearances.
So to better appreciate the beauty of K-beauty, let’s begin from the basics. Let’s start with fermented components, their properties and understand how useful they are for your skin!
Let’s Talk Science Behind Fermented Ingredients
Put simply, fermentation is a natural process in which microorganisms such as yeast break down compounds into simpler forms. It is a process that is generally linked to the making of the food we consume like kimchi, miso, and wine. So fermentation has found itself in the skincare world as a means to help improve our skin.
In skincare, fermentation increases the bioavailability of the nutrients making it easier for the skin to absorb. It also aids in the conversion of larger molecules into smaller ones which have greater efficacy and can go deeper into the skin to break down more obdurate substances within it. Just think of it like being able to utilize the complete power of an ingredient!
How Fermentation Can Transform Your Skin
⦁ Enhanced Barrier Function in Skin
Fermented ingredients can be beneficial in reinforcing the skin's protective barrier. They contain a lot of probiotics, which spaciously foster a healthy balance of skin flora that assists the main protective system of the skin. Fermented ingredients help to enhance the skin barrier and improve moisture retention, prevent dehydration, and shield the skin against environmental aggressors. Adding ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and those supporting skin hydration can enhance these benefits.
⦁ Antioxidant Rich
The presence of fermented ingredients helps the skin combat oxidative stress and free radical damage since these are antioxidant-rich. This assists in the avoidance of skin-aging symptoms, including wrinkles, wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. The fermentation process improves the antioxidant power of the ingredients such as ginseng, green tea and rice which in return makes them more proficient in eradicating free radicals. Incorporating fermented foods can further boost antioxidant levels.
⦁ Smoothing and Calming
Fermentation works to soften ingredients with irritating compounds and lessen their chances of causing inflammation or redness. For sensitive skin areas, fermented forms of skincare can help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
Popular Fermented Ingredients for Skincare in K-Beauty
Now that we’ve discussed the reasons behind why the benefits of fermentation is effective for our skin, let’s turn our attention on some of the most well-known fermented ingredients included in K-beauty products available at deiji and their functions:
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate:

No 3. Skin Softening Serum / COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence
Galactomyces is a type of yeast that is very popular in Asian beauty products. It comes from the fermentation of sake (Japanese rice wine) and it is known to be brightening, anti-aging, and moisturizing. It is also commonly used for evening out skin tone, improving skin texture and overall skin glow. It is mainly found in toners, serums, and essences all created to provide your skin with radiance and a youthful complexion. The No.3 Skin Softening Serum and COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence are deiji’s top picks and the best part is: it’s suitable for all skin types!
Bifida Ferment Lysate:

Manyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule
Bifida ferment lysate, which is the main ingredient found in the Manyo Bifida Biome serum, is regarded as a probiotic-rich ingredient capable of enhancing the skin’s natural barrier function and can help to improve moisture retention. It is useful and effective for sensitive and stressed skin also as it addresses inflammation and encourages swift skin healing. In addition to these effects, Bifida ferment lysate has antioxidant effects that can assist in shielding the skin from environmental factors such as pollution and photodamage. This is a great choice if you’re looking to delay the aging process or if you've overdone it by exfoliating your skin a little too much and wanting to quickly repair that skin barrier, pick up a Bifida serum!
Fermented Rice Extracts

Glow Replenishing Rice Milk / Ground Rice and Honey Mask Glow Mask
Rice has a long-standing reputation in Asian beauty as an ingredient that cares for the skin, but when combined with fermentation, it possesses even greater potency and effectiveness. To enhance the skin’s glow and moisture while minimizing the visibility of dark spots, fermented rice extract may also increase the skin’s collagen and elasticity. It has an amino acid content that is rich for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. If you love eating rice, try it on your skin too! The Glow Replenishing Rice Milk and Ground Rice with Honey Mask by Beauty of Joseon will do wonders for your skin giving you that healthy glow all year round!
Fermented Ginseng

Korean beauty has used ginseng as a natural anti-aging ingredient for many years, and with the process of fermentation, ginseng becomes a much more favorable source of antioxidants, anti-inflammation, and anti-aging benefits. Benefits of fermented skincare found in ginseng extract is effective in improving skin elasticity as well as reducing wrinkles and giving the skin a youthful appearance. The Ginseng Essence Water is a great start and beginner friendly if you’re looking to slowly incorporate fermented products into your daily routine.
Tips to Help You Incorporate Fermented Skincare Into Your Routine:

- Start with Fermented Toner or Essence: Fermented toners and essences are great products to ease your way into skincare that implements fermentation. Toners/essences moisturize, enhance your complexion and preps the skin to absorb the rest of your skincare.
- Try Fermented Serums or Ampoules: Highly concentrated active ingredients like those found in fermented serums and ampoules can help give your skin a little more oomph. They are great for addressing issues such as damaged skin barrier, dry skin, and fine lines.
- Be Patient: Like with any other skincare products, fermented elements take time to yield results. If applied consistently as possible, you should expect radiant, healthier, and smoother skin!
Fermented elements have, without a doubt, earned their way to the hearts of the K-beauty followers. They work to improve various aspects of the skin, including absorbency, promoting antioxidants, brightening, calming, and strengthening the skin barrier. Adding fermented components to your skincare will change your skin for the better and help you achieve supple and youthful skin.