Legend has it, a few decades ago in Japan, a skincare company employee was on the search for natural yet effective ingredients to include in their products. Somehow he or she ended up at a sake brewery, and found the elderly brewers’ hands to be smooth and wrinkle free, while their faces showed signs of aging. This observation lead to years of research, and finally the discovery of galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF), which is now a very popular skincare ingredient.
So what exactly is galactomyces? Galactomyces is a type of fungus! Fungus = mold, which I know sounds pretty gross and definitely not something you want to put on your face. But remember that mold is actually used quite often in food and beverage production- such as when making soy sauce, rice vinegar, miso, and WINE! Yes, wine. Are you convinced now that mold can be good?
Photo credit: Skin Watchers
Anyway, when brewing sake, a fungus called Aspergillus oryzae is used. So how did researchers go from aspergillus to galactomyces? Mmm yeah, I’m not really sure. My guess is that they decided to test a bunch of safe molds and see what might be the most effective in improving complexion. The point is, galactomyces is a proven skincare ingredient! There are numerous scientific studies that show that galactomyces ferment filtrate (the liquid filtered out after the mold does its job of fermenting stuff) is effective in moisturizing, brightening, controlling sebum production, decreasing acne, and increasing elasticity.
In one study published in the Korean Journal of Aesthetic Cosmetology in 2014, the research team concluded that “the number of the large opened pores and blackhead pores on faces were significantly reduced more than 15.66 and 21.84% by treating the essence as compared to the number of pores on untreated control faces. Also the amount of sebum and keratin in faces were meaningfully reduced by 64.17 and 16.47%, respectively. In addition, we further demonstrated that the levels of the skin brightness were improved after treatment of the reagent by 2.49% respectively. Moreover, the number of acne were decreased 9.59%.”
Here is the list of products that we carry that contain Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate:
COSRX Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence
Skin Watchers Galactomyces Treatment Toner
Skin Watchers Galactomyces Whitening Cream
iUNIK Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum
The items below contain GFF, but is not the main ingredient:
Dr.Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water
Saint Peau Eco-Friendly Snail Essence
Do you have any experience with any of these products or other products with galactomyces? Let us know by leaving a comment or a product review!
~ Naree
MISHIBOX Team
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