FermentTraditional & modern
Fermented Extracts
Various (bifida, lactobacillus, saccharomyces, rice, ginseng ferments)
- Category
- Ferment
- Evidence
- Traditional & modern
- Used
- On the skin
- Pairs with
- Ginseng, Rice
Overview
Botanical and microbial ferments that break ingredients into smaller, potentially more bioavailable components.
What it is
Fermentation uses microorganisms to transform ingredients. In skincare, fermented ginseng, rice, tea, and soy — as well as bacterial lysates like bifida ferment — are used for hydration, conditioning, and their association with the skin microbiome.
The practice draws on East Asian food traditions where fermentation is central.
How it works
- Fermentation can produce amino acids, peptides, organic acids, and antioxidants not present in the raw material.
- Smaller molecules may be more readily absorbed by the stratum corneum.
- Postbiotic lysates are being studied for barrier and microbiome-related effects.
Potential benefits
- Hydration and skin conditioning
- Antioxidant activity in many ferments
- Emerging interest for barrier and microbiome support
Potential benefits describe what research and use suggest may occur for many people — not guaranteed outcomes. Individual responses vary.
Who might consider it
- Readers exploring essences and 'skin flora' positioned products
- Dull or dehydrated skin
How it’s used
- Essences, serums, creams; morning or evening.
Pairing with other ingredients
Things to know
- 'Fermented' describes a process, not a specific benefit; results depend on what was fermented and how.
- Evidence for microbiome effects is early.
Research
References & further reading
- 01
Fermented plant extracts in cosmetics
Cosmetics (MDPI), 2020
Reviews how fermentation alters bioactive composition.
Art of Radiance distinguishes established evidence from emerging research and traditional practice. Read our science & sources approach.
