For your skin
A yeast-based ingredient that brightens skin tone and refines the look of pores. Made famous by SK-II essences.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
Yeast ferment filtrate rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that improves stratum corneum hydration and tone.
Why we tier this moderate
5 cited papers across 2 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.
Cited research
Nakamizo S, Yan X, Kabashima K, Enhancement of skin barrier function and augmentation of epidermal cell-cell interactions by galactomyces ferment filtrate, Journal of Dermatological Science 2024;115(2):94-97 — GFF strengthens skin barrier and enhances epidermal cell-cell interactions; mechanistic support for SK-II Pitera barrier claims
Miyamoto K et al., Significant Reversal of Facial Wrinkle, Pigmented Spot and Roughness by Daily Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-Containing Skin Products for 12 Months—An 11-Year Longitudinal Skin Aging Rejuvenation Study, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2023;12(3):1168 — 86 female volunteers; 12-month daily application reversed wrinkle, spot, and roughness markers that had deteriorated over the prior 11-year interval
Yan X et al., Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Potentiates an Anti-Inflammaging System in Keratinocytes, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(21):6338 — GFF activates AHR/NRF2 antioxidant signaling, attenuating inflammaging
Anwar AI et al., The effectiveness of Galactomyces ferment filtrate, dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica combination serum in the treatment of post-acne hyperpigmentation in subjects with skin of color, Skinmed 2021;19(2):110-115 — significantly higher Lightness scores in skin types IV-V at weeks 4-8 vs placebo
Miyamoto K et al., Daily Fluctuation of Facial Pore Area, Roughness and Redness among Young Japanese Women; Beneficial Effects of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Containing Antioxidative Skin Care Formula, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2021;10(11):2502 — twice-daily Galactomyces skincare significantly reduced facial pore size, roughness and redness
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.