They say it’s best to use on your skin what you can put in your stomach, and we’ve seen this be true with some of the ingredients like curd, eggs, coffee and a few fruit extracts. Now, it’s time for kombucha, a fermented black tea made by dissolving sugar in boiling water, to enter the list of edible (read drinkable) skincare ingredients.
A few days ago, I came across an Instagram Reel where a girl was rubbing kombucha on her face and claiming it to be a game-changer. And since I have come across multiple videos that show skincare products with kombucha. Although it is used by many international brands like SkinCeuticals, fresh and Murad, the trend is slowly but surely entering the Indian homegrown skincare space.
Benefits Of Kombucha In Skincare
During its fermentation process, bacteria, acids and small amounts of alcohol are produced. These bacteria are probiotic in nature and thus, provide various health benefits. When consumed, kombucha is an immunity booster rich in vitamin B, vitamin C and antioxidants. It helps in digestion and detoxing the body. It is also known to boost metabolism, which can, in turn, help one lose weight. And maybe because gut health is closely linked with healthy skin, kombucha was thought to be a good skincare ingredient.
In conversation with Dr Sravya, she said, “There is some evidence to suggest that kombucha may have beneficial effects on the skin. For example, one study found that its extract could help to reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function. Another study found that it could help to kill acne-causing bacteria.”
View this post on Instagram
The aforementioned fermentation process produces acids which can help regulate the pH balance of the skin. Its probiotic and antioxidant content is also said to boost the skin’s hydration, reduce inflammation and protect it from environmental stressors. It can thus help regulate acne-causing bacteria and reduce eczema or rosacea flare-ups.
“As a dermatologist, I would recommend that people with sensitive skin or allergies be cautious about using kombucha skincare products. It is also important to choose products that are made with high-quality ingredients and that are properly formulated,” advises Dr Sravya. She feels that overall, the research on kombucha as a skincare ingredient is promising. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety as a skincare ingredient as it is currently not FDA-approved.
So, as always, consulting your dermatologist before using anything on your skin is always a good idea. We also recommend doing a patch test to see whether the ingredient suits your skin or not. That being said, here’s a list of a few skincare products that feature this exciting ingredient-
Earth Rhythm Kombucha + Fermented Rice Water Foaming Cleanser
View this post on Instagram
Enriched with kombucha, tomato fruit ferment extract, aloe vera juice and fermented rice extract, this cleanser guarantees improved skin barrier and hydrated, even-toned skin. The kombucha in the mix contains organic acids that help maintain the skin’s natural balance, curb frequent breakouts, and improve skin tone, elasticity, texture, and clarity. Basically, this ingredient does it all!
Daughter Earth Kombucha Essence + Plant Stem Cells Blue Light Mist
View this post on Instagram
This Daughter Earth multi-vitamin mist contains kombucha extract that tones and smoothens the look of the skin. Its contents of vitamin E, provitamin B5 and niacinamide also work at supporting the skin’s moisture barrier and fight against free-radical damage. In all, this mist is to be used as the last step of your skincare routine as an added boost of hydration.
fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence
View this post on Instagram
The fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence contains double-fermented kombucha that contains small antioxidant molecules for easy penetration within the skin and 24-hour-long antioxidant protection. Moreover, it also contains potent skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid that plumps the skin and artemisia flower that promotes even complexion.
In all, this essence claims to deliver healthy luminosity while increasing your skincare routine’s efficacy.
Sephora Collection Target Dark Spots Serum
View this post on Instagram
This Target Dark Spots Serum by Sephora Collection is formulated with kombucha and papaya extract which reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. While the former ingredient visibly brightens and evens the skin tone out, the latter mildly exfoliates the skin. Suitable for all skin types, this unscented serum
Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
View this post on Instagram
The Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer is ideal for mature dry skin as it is a moisture booster that minimises signs of ageing. It also provides powerful UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 30 PA+++. It is enriched with kombucha which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thus helping in achieving a youthful-looking complexion.
Innisfree Squeeze Energy Mask- Kombucha
View this post on Instagram
Made from 100% biodegradable eucalyptus fibres and a unique cold brew squeeze method, the Innisfree Squeeze Energy Masks are available in three levels of hydration–water, essence and cream. The kombucha variant is a water-based sheet mask that works at clarifying and brightening dull skin.
SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator
View this post on Instagram
This Retexturing Activator helps to exfoliate and replenish the skin’s barrier for healthier skin. Its oil-free formula is suitable for all skin types and helps fight against skin concerns like dehydration, acne, anti-ageing and discolouration. It contains naturally-derived kombucha that helps promote skin radiance along with hyaluronic acid that helps improve the texture of the skin.
Mario Badescu Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
View this post on Instagram
Mario Badescu is popular for its acne-treating properties in skincare products. This Hydrating Gentle Cleanser claims to remove light makeup and impurities without leaving the face feeling stripped of moisture. It is infused with replenishing glycerin, soothing chamomile extract, restorative evening primrose extract and antioxidant-rich fermented black tea a.k.a, our star ingredient, kombucha.
