"Minds are like flowers;

they only open when the time is right"

Stephen Richards

Flowers That Age Better Than Wine

Koreans have truly mastered fermentation techniques over centuries of practice and use. It was a safe, reliable, and innovative way to preserve food ingredients without relying on harmful synthetic preservatives.  Over time it became an essential part of Korean culture and cuisine with multiple health benefits for the mind and body. And just like the mind and body need nourishment, so does the skin! Fermented-based skincare ingredients have been hugely popular in mainstream Korean beauty products for years. 

To achieve the coveted yuri pibu, or “glass-skin”, Korean skincare utilizes the maximum potential of skin-replenishing ingredients in non-fragrant plant oils, amino acids, and peptides. All of these ingredients that help moisturize and heal skin are enhanced through natural fermentation. 

Breaking Down Fermentation

Fermentation is essentially the process of enzymes breaking down ingredients to more concentrated forms. While these enzymes are naturally produced by our body’s intestinal organs, our skin simply can not produce these enzymes. However, fermentation allows us to “hack” nature by taking organic, skin-loving ingredients and condensing those nutrients into a more concentrated, highly absorbable form. Fermentation of classic skin ingredients like flowers, fruits, herbs, yeast, and other plants results in beautifully silky, bright, and youthful skin. In addition to their natural skin-nourishing properties, these ingredients under fermentation also produce essential amino acids and antioxidants that heal and revive the skin.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

Koreans have long subscribed to the benefits of fermented-based skincare products and the rest of the world is now catching on. The luxurious and lavishing properties of Korean beauty products are also highly effective thanks to the enhancement of fermentation. In an interview with Refinery29.com, Karen Ballou, CEO of the U.S.-based skincare company Immunocologie, asserts that “Fermented cosmetics are more symbiotic with the skin. It mimics the skin cell’s natural functions and supports the skin without disrupting its natural process, so it’s less likely to cause sensitivity.” While many who are unfamiliar with fermentation may turn up their noses, it’s a truly amazing natural process that can bring out the best of any ingredient. Ballou states, “fermented active ingredients provide a sort of protein for the skin and strengthens the skin’s metabolism to make it stronger and healthier.” Want to stay ahead of the curve? Try some of our favorite fermentation-based products!