Skincare, Moisture Barrier

Barrier Repair Superstars: First Treatment Essences (FTE), Ferments Explained

ferments in skincare

Are you curious about ferments in skincare? If you’re new to the skincare game, read this post to learn all about ferment products, First Treatment essences (FTEs) in Asian skincare, and how you can benefit from them. 

 

What are ferments in skincare?

A fermented skincare product consists of fruits, yeast, and herbs, which can be fermented. The process of fermentation converts them into a serum, moisturizer, or mask. Ferments in skincare are said to be readily absorbed into the skin and help yield better benefits as compared to chemical-enriched products.

ferments in skincare

What are the benefits of ferments in skincare?

There are some scientific studies out there about how ferments in skincare might help hydration.

According to a study about ferments in skincare:

“…results showed that all strains studied were capable of producing hyaluronic acid, with higher production by lactobacilli than bifidobacteria. Production of diacetyl was more prevalent from strains of lactobacilli, while bifidobacteria produced higher amounts of acetic acid”

Ferments in skincare also get a mention in a Lab Muffin post,

“For example, soy contains two forms of the isoflavones genistein and daidzein – the regular versions, as well as their glycosides which have a chunky sugar attached. Genistein and daidzein have been found to increase hyaluronic acid production in in-vitro studies, which could help with skin hydration and fine lines, but the glycoside versions don’t do much”

As described in the FSOS blog, “in addition to hydrating and balancing skin and preparing it for optimal absorption of other skincare products, first essences or FTE perform a lot of functions such as brightening skin tone, lightening dark marks, firming and tightening skin texture, giving your skin a radiant glow. Ferments in skincare can also smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and prevent future ones from appearing.”

Having said that, the studies on ferments in skincare are limited and not long-term. 

Pharmaceutical companies haven’t even figured out a consistent system, so we recommend taking the results with a pinch of salt. Skin penetration is a complex process and each molecule requires different conditions and carriers. Ingredients such as corn starch and Lecithin can increase the surface area or temporarily disrupt the skin barrier which can cause subsequent products to dry faster (giving the illusion of fast product absorption).

Nevertheless, many users have reported their skin looking radiant and visibly healthier after consistently using ferments in their skincare routine. This brings us to the First Treatment Essences.

First Treatment Essences (FTE)
Freckles photo created by cookie_studio – www.freepik.com

What is First Treatment Essence (FTE)?

In Asian skincare, ferments are available as first essences or First Treatment Essence (FTE) and can be a great add-on for anyone.

FTE in skincare is a product category of thin, watery products loaded with fermented ingredients (often Galactomyces or Saccharomyces).

In an Asian skincare regime, FTEs are the first product to go onto your face (hence the name First Treatment Essences). You should apply your first essence right after you wash your face and before you apply any other products like toners, moisturisers, etc.

There is one exception to that rule though. If you are using pH-dependent products in your routine such as Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, etc., you should apply these first, wait briefly and then apply FTE.

First Essences
Clay mask photo created by pvproductions – www.freepik.com

What are the best skincare products with ferments?

Here are some of our recommendations for the best skincare with ferments based on their formulation, price and customer experiences.

COSRX – Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml – $15.09

Formulated with 96% Snail Secretion Filtrate (Mucin) this essence protects the skin from moisture loss while keeping the skin texture smooth and healthy.

Features

  • This essence is created from nutritious low-stimulation filtered snail mucin in order to keep your skin moisturized all day while bringing back your skin’s vitality.
  • The filtered snail mucin replenishes and revitalizes nutrients with looking healthy skin.
  • It is suitable for all skin types.
  • For best results use it together with Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream.

BUY IT HERE

 

MISSHA – Time Revolution The First Essence Enriched – 150ml – $51.69

The beginning of anti-ageing from the start The first concentrated anti-ageing essence brightens dull skin from the first step by reinforcing the skin’s natural strength.

Features

  • Its lightweight formula sinks in easily into the skin.
  • It is very soothing and hydrating.
  • It contains lactic acid for very gentle exfoliation
  • It reduces redness and irritation.

BUY IT HERE

 

SIDMOOL – SACCHARO Ferment Sparkle First Ampoule 100ml – $39.00

Features

  • A nourishing ampoule that helps brighten up the skin tone, and revitalizes and moisturizes the skin.
  • Contains Ferment Complex including Galactomyces, Bifida and Polyglutamic Acid that delivers gentle moisturizing and nourishing care to sensitive skin.
  • The watery texture enables quick and thorough absorption and delivery of moisture to the skin.

BUY IT HERE

 

  • Our Rating: 4.5/5 WRP
BEAUTY OF JOSEON – Ginseng Essence Water – 150ml(5 fl.oz.) – $12.49

A fresh nourishing toner enriched with Hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) ingredients for smoother and revitalized skin.

Notable ingredients: Ginseng root water 80% + Niacinamide 2% + Adenosine 0.04% + Ginseng complex

Features

  • ‘The ‘saponin’ abundantly contained in ginseng is effective in preventing pigmentation and wrinkles caused by UV rays.
  • It’s lightweight, hydrating, and moisturises the skin instantly.
  • It is known to promote hydration (moisturization effect) of the skin which helps to protect the skin from external stimuli by retaining moisture deep in the skin for a long time.
  • A very affordable product, for anyone who wants to test out hanbang without breaking the bank.

BUY IT HERE

 

SK-II – Facial Treatment Essence (Pitera Essence) – 230ml – $99.99

A powerful treatment essence dubbed Miracle Water in Asia. Each bottle contains 90% PITERA a natural bio ingredient cultured exclusively in Japan for SK-II. Its transformative powers on skin appearance are legendary that a bottle is sold every 2 seconds.

Features

  • Works on multiple skin concerns and skin types to transform skin into Crystal Clear Skin.
  • It is the ONE almighty product you need to moisturize soften and smoothen texture reducing the appearance of dark spots and fine lines due to dryness enhance radiance even the look of skin tone makes the skin less oily looking and…the list goes on!
  • In fact, the full efficacies of PITERA have not yet been uncovered and until now we continue to discover new things it can do.
  • Our formulation is a lightweight liquid that is quickly absorbed into the skin, unlike other thicker serums and essences.
  • PITERA resembles your own skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) and skin recognizes PITERA as its own allowing it all in and letting it work its magic in its pure active form.
  • A miracle like no other PITERA is the pure power of nature harnessed by advanced technology.

BUY IT HERE

 

I’m From – Mugwort Essence – 160ml – $30.09

I’m From Mugwort Essence collects Ganghwa mugwort grown with Sea breeze and fog and ages for 3 years with the traditional method.

Features

  • The mask contains a single extract of fermented Gangwha mugwort that has calming ingredients and purification activities through Slow Release Extraction.
  • Experience a relaxing mood and rich scent with the nature of Gangwha.
  • This product is a hydrating and soothing essence formulated with 100% mugwort extract.
  • Contains 100% concentrated extract of mugwort grown from Ganghwa County South Korea to treat skin problems and refine skin texture for clear and smooth skin.
  • Safe for use as it contains no harmful additives.
  • This is a soothing essence made with the single ingredient of Mugwort Extract. The refreshing fluid formula adheres and absorbs into the skin to soothe sensitive skin and recharge moisture from within.

 BUY IT HERE

 

Amore Pacific – Vintage Single Extract Essence – 150ml – $244.29

Fully extracted from the vintage green tea harvested from Jeju Dolsongi Tea Garden. Fermented and aged for 100 days in nature the powerful antioxidant ingredient of VINTAGE SINGLE EXTRACT ESSENCE effectively purifies 3 causes of skin ageing.

Features

  • The vintage green tea from Dolsongi Tea Garden on Jeju Island goes through 50 days of fermentation in nature.
  • After fermentation, the green tea is transferred to traditional Jeju earthenware and aged for another 50 days in nature.
  • After 100 days of waiting green tea is reborn as Vintage Tea Leaf rich in precious Catechins which excellent anti-oxidant effect helps to restore the skin’s own strength and vitality.
  • In order to fully extract the anti-oxidant effect of Vintage Tea Leaf AMOREPACIFIC specially designed the Single Extract Formula to extract the pure green tea elixir completely by using a 24-hour slow extraction technology Full Body Extraction.
  • The pure extract of Vintage Tea Leaf with the reborn anti-oxidant ingredient via natural fermentation and ageing provides powerful effects that can improve texture resilience and clarity in the skin.

BUY IT HERE

 

NEOGEN Dermalogy – Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence – 150ml – $25.99

This NEOGEN essence is lightweight and refreshing and effectively moisturizes skin.

Features

  • Reinforces skin’s barrier and balances its oil-water levels.
  • Enhances skin elasticity and boasts anti-oxidation effects.
  • Natural Fermented Water instantly provides the benefits of moisturizing skin-plumping and brightening dewy glass skin.
  • Experience Real Skin Power with Real Skin Essence!

BUY IT HERE

 

Secret Key – Starting Treatment Essence – 155ml – $28.09

The Starting Treatment Essence is a staple to any skincare routine for nearly all skin types!

Features

  • This water-type essence provides suppleness and hydration to the skin to brighten and soften your complexion.
  • It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines dullness and uneven skin tone.
  • Also containing Aloe Camellia and Centella Asiatica Extract this gentle toner/essence soothes and calms the skin while providing a touch of moisture to prep your skin for the next skincare product.

BUY IT HERE

 

LANEIGE – Water Bank Moisture Essence – 70ml – $17.99

A hydrating serum enriched with the Green Mineral Water from vegetables to fortify the skin barrier for healthy skin.

Features

  • Green Mineral WaterGreen mineral water extracted from vegetables helps restore the skin barrier.
  • Moisture bomb water splash The water splash that bursts moisture upon application on the skin provides non-drying moisture.
  • Detailed moisture locking water affects the skin’s barrier and prevents the evaporation of moisture.

BUY IT HERE

 

 

Header image: Soft skin photo created by master1305 – www.freepik.com

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