Fermentation is the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other microorganisms.The benefits of fermented ingredients in skin care are similar to the benefits of consuming fermented foods, which aid in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. In skin care products, microorganisms like bacteria or yeast release enzymes that break down other ingredients into smaller molecules. Active ingredients in skin care products are often too large to penetrate deeply into the skin, so by breaking them down into smaller molecules, fermented ingredients facilitate the absorption of these ingredients. Better absorption leads to better results.
In addition to easier and quicker absorption, fermentation works to increase the nutrient density, making the product’s ingredients more powerful. For example, fermented yeast adds beneficial nutrients to the product formulation since the fermentation process produces amino acids, peptides, beta-glucans, and more. These nutrients help to stimulate the skin’s cellular renewal and improve hydration. Lastly, fermented ingredients reduce the risk of skin irritation by neutralizing toxic substances, such as heavy metals and pesticides that may be present in trace amounts. By neutralizing toxins, fermented ingredients make the product safer, more effective, and better tolerated for sensitive skin types.