Before you go out to the grocery store and buy yourself a packet to mix in with your moisturiser, let me tell you that this ingredient used in skincare products is completely different from your staple baking ingredient, active dry yeast. With quirky Korean and Japanese skincare trends taking over, this one shouldn’t come as a surprise. I’ve already written about the benefits of incorporating algae, a type of fungus, into your skincare routine. So my interest in yeast, another type of fungus, is just natural progression. Natural progression of my interest in skincare, not in fungus.
But why yeast? Much like how Chilean snail farmers found their hands to be extremely soft and supple after handling snails (thus leading to the now popular K-beauty skincare ingredient snail mucin), the discovery of yeast for skin was also by accident. Japanese sake brewers notice remarkably smooth hands after years of submerging them into fermented yeast.
The Benefits Of Yeast
Yeast extract is a common ingredient you’ll find on many skincare labels. Certain types contain beta-glucans that help prevent cell damage. Moreover, they show anti-aging effects by plumping and tightening the skin. Yeast extract contains amino acids, proteins and vitamin B. As a probiotic, it soothes redness, calms inflammation and reduces sensitivity. It is a mild antioxidant and protects the skin from environmental stresses and harmful free radicals. It also tightens, brightens, and hydrates the skin while producing collagen. It can also be used to tackle hyper-pigmentation by slowing melanin production.
And if these weren’t reasons enough to reach out for skincare products with this does-it-all ingredient, it is also manufactured in an eco-friendly manner. Although allergic reactions to yeast based products are rare because of the hero ingredient’s protein-rich composition, a patch test is always recommended.
So if you’re looking to improve skin smoothness and texture, just add yeast to the mix. Here’s how-
Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray
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We’ve all used and loved the Moisture Surge 100H Hydrator but their face spray is the next best thing. For someone as lazy and dry-skinned as me, this is a perfect pick-me-up. It’s an oil-free formula that works at refreshing the skin and replenishing its moisture levels. Need I say any more?
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
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This one’s loved by many for being a hydrating and plumping potion. The yeast in it works at reducing the appearance of fine lines with consistent use. And along with the many benefits of hyaluronic acid, this booster also contains ceramides that replenish the skin and panthenol that locks in moisture.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence With Salicylic Acid
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The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence is a highly penetrative formula that visibly brightens and clears the skin from the get-go. The yeast with salicylic acid in it mildly exfoliates to remove dead cells and improve skin texture. Its lightweight texture works well for dry, combination and oily skin types.
COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Up Essence
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COSRX is well-known for its likability of odd ingredients like snail mucin and yeast, and its products definitely do what they claim to! Their Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence treats uneven or damaged barriers by delivering antioxidants to the deep layers of the skin and protecting it from environmental stressors. It’s perfect for those dealing with fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or dry patches.
Laneige White Dew Tone Up Fluid SPF35 PA++
A product with 8 protective layers that safeguard the skin throughout the day? Sign me up! The Laneige White Dew Tone Up Fluid offers a sun protection factor while protecting the skin against UVA and UVB rays. It also helps fight against harmful environmental stressors, making dealing with dark spots and unbalanced skin tone a lot less complicated.
Bobbi Brown Remedies Skin Moisture Solution Intense Rehydration Compound No. 86 Serum
This product is a saviour for those suffering from severely dry skin. It’s formulated with ultra-hydrators like hyaluronic acid that work like a moisture magnet and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, and yeast extracts that help the skin retain that moisture. No wonder it claims to instantly make the skin feel supple!
Kiehl’s Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate
Kiehl’s lifting and pore-minimising serum packs a mighty punch of micro-filtered yeast extract, squalene and geranium essential oil that minimises the appearance of enlarged pores and smoothens skin texture. It’s best to use this on cleansed skin, twice a day to draw maximum benefit from this skinvestment!
