What is Galactomyces ferment and What it does to your skin?

Now days skin care is quite unique and interesting as more and more researches are conducted on different skin care ingredients.  Retinol, snail mucin and even synthetic tripeptide that “mimics” the effect of a peptide found in a snake venom (this tripeptide is called syn-ake) are familiar to many people.

So just when you think that nothing can surprise you anymore, then you learn about something like yeast made its way into modern skin care products.

Yep, a yeast 🙂

What is Galactomyces Ferment?

Galactomyces is a genus of fungi in the family Dipodascaceae.

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate “is a nutrient dense yeast, and a byproduct of fermented sake”. (Wikipedia)

According to common legend, benefits of galactomyces were discovered  by accident in Japan in a sake brewery.  Visitors noted that the elderly brewers’ hands were smooth and wrinkle-free while their faces were old and worn out.   This observation led to numerous researches.  Eventually researches were able to pinpoint Aspergillus Oryzae – a fungus used in Japan to ferment different types of foods.  That fungus was responsible for young looking skin – it dramatically delays signs of aging. And this is how fungi and yeast made their way into skin are.

Later researches discovered galactomyces which is a major ingredient in today’s cosmetics.

What does Galactomyces do for skin?

“In cosmetics it’s used as a moisturizing agent and has antioxidant effects.  It improves the skin’s moisture barrier, helping to protect the skin from environmental stresses”. (Wikipedia)

In the year 2014 Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology submitted a study which involved 20 volunteers.    Participants used the essence containing 97% of galactomyces ferment filtrate on their faces three times a day.

At the end of the study  participating volunteers’ skin was compared to those in control group.  Researchers noticed that the number of enlarged pores in participants using galactomyces reduced by almost 22%.   Amount of blackheads, sebum and keratin in faces decreased by 64 %.   Volunteers who used the essence had brighter skin and reduced number of comedones.

To summarize, the benefits of galactomyces for skin are:

• Shrink pore size
• Reduces number of blackheads and comedones
• Reduces sebum (skin oil) production
• Balances uneven skin tone
• Brightens up tired and dull looking skin
• Hydrates skin
• Nourish and revitalize skin
• Potent anti-aging ingredient
• Lightens up acne scars

How do you use galactomyces?

It really depends on what product that you have contains this ferment.

Galactomyces are usually used in essences, so you will apply your essence after applying the toner. Simple!

The more based-on-own-experience-and-experience-of-other-people answer is a bit more complex.

You still apply your essence after the toner, however, most people suggest applying galactomyces containing essence after FEW layers of toner (you can do 7 skin method and then apply your essence).

This way you will notice hydrating and glowing effect faster and it will be more obvious.

I personally used essence with galactomyces ferment after applying 2-3 layers of my toner.

Galactomyces toner

Toner is applied after you clean your face.  It is the first layer of skin care products after cleansing.

The most popular toner is CORSX Galactomyces toner.  I’ve never tried it, but I researched other people’s opinion and it looks like not many people are too excited about it.

People have very neutral opinion about it.  The main theme of all those reviews: it is not a bad toner, but it did not really do anything to the skin.

This toner is not expensive, so if you want to try it and won’t have any results – at least you did not spent a lot on it.

I am not going to try it, because I’d rather buy something more potent and has good reviews.   I also have few favorite brands that I trust, I would prefer to purchase from them.

What is Galactomyces essence?

This question is very popular with internet users. 

Galactomyces essence is an essence that delivers hydration and antioxidants to its users.  As with any other essences, galactomyces essence might also include many other anti-aging and hydrating ingredients to enhance the benefits listed above.

You should include essence as a part of your daily skin care routine and apply it after a toner.  Galactomyces essence is suitable for any skin type .

 

Galactomyces Side Effects

Remember that galactomyces is a fungus.  So people who suffer from fungal acne cannot use products containing galactomyces as it will make their acne worse.

We have a lot of organisms living on our skin including bacteria and fungi.  Sometimes organisms living on our skin do not “like” galactomyces as it is another organism.  So some people find that products containing galactomyces irritate their skin, make it red and bumpy. 

You cannot really predict how your skin will react to a skin care product, that is why it is strongly advisable to apply new product to a very small part of your face. If you can, purchase new product in sample sizes first.

(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you)

Can galactomyces help with acne?

No, galactomyces ferment won’t treat your acne. And we already know that it will make your fungal acne even worse.

What this ferment can help with is to brighten skin that has discoloration left by acne.  It can also substantially fade acne scars.  So skin appearance becomes glowing and even.

Cosrx galactomyces essence reddit

There are many controversial reviews of COSRX galactomyces essence.  Majority of users on reddit claim that they did not notice any difference or skin improvement after using up the whole bottle.   Most reviews stated that they have neutral opinion about the essence.

Few people mentioned that they had their skin had breakouts of various severity after using this essence.   We already explored in this article that galactomyces ferment is not for everyone.  And if you have low immune system, or use some certain medication (steroid or antibiotics and other) then organisms in the product can take over skin microbiome and shake the balance.

Also keep in mind that different brands make their products different (dah lol).  That means that your skin will react differently to products with similar ingredients.

The winner of all reviews: SK II Facial Treatment Essence

It does not matter which resource I use for my research, SK II Facial Treatment Essence is loved by anyone who used it.

It is very expensive, probably 4-5 times more expensive then Corsx essence, but everyone who tried it, claim that it’s worth the money.  This is one of those cases, where you get what you paid for.

I have not tried this product yet, but I will be ordering it soon for sure.

In conclusion I would like to mention that you probably won’t see instant results like you would see after using acids (for example). I started noticing skin brightening and glow after about a 2-3 weeks of using Purito Galacto Niacin 97 Power essence.   And I see from reviews that other people claim something similar: you need to be patient with galactomyces and do not expect an instant miracle.

Galactomyces have cumulative effect on our skin.  It can be frustrating using a skin care product for weeks and not to see obvious results.  However, cumulative effect means that all the benefits won’t disappear as soon as you stop using the product.   Results will last for a long time.  So it is worth to be patient (same as with retinol).

Galactomyces Toner

COSRX Galactomyces Alcohol-Free Toner (ebay)- contains Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, which is filtered and fermented ingredient effective for brightening skin tone and making the skin glow. Suitable for any skin type.

iUNIK Rose Galactomyces Essential Toner (ebay) – A toner moisturizes and balances the skin immediately after cleansing.  It is formulated with 70% Damask Rose Water and 10% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate.  It absorbs and minimizes impurities while improving sebum control.

BeuCle B12 Galactomyces Balancing Toner AHA BHA Dead Skin Pore Care – helps balance pH level, smoothes skin surface, replenish skin moisture, balances sebum, wrinkle care, whitens skin.

2SOL Calming Up Toner – Propolis and pure botanical ingredients help to soothe sensitive skin.  Galactomyces ferment filtrate and honey extract help to make soft skin.

 

Galactomyces Essence/Ampoule/Serum

Elizavecca Galactomyces Pure Ample – this ample will hydrate very dry skin while brightening and smoothing out skin texture. This anti-oxidant ampoule has healing and anti-aging properties as well.

(ebay)

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Galactomyces 97% Serum – 97% Galactomyces fermentation filtrate supplies moisture to the skin, whitens it and has anti-aging properties.

COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence – pH 6 weak acidic fermented ingredients which are effective in skin brightening and anti-creasing.  NO Paraben, ethanol, synthetic surfactant, artificial colorants, artificial fragrance, triethanolamine, phthalate.  Suitable for all skin types.

Manyo Factory Galactomyces Niacin Special Treatment Essence – enriched essence containing 97% Galactomyces Fermented Filtrate.  Nutrition, oil / moisture control. Helps improve pores, skin texture, moisturizes, brightens and skin tone.

I hope this post was helpful to you and you found something that you might add to your skin care and enjoy your skin even more.  Please, share if you tried any other galactomyces containing products.