What is "Kombucha Skincare"?

Kombucha, a fermented drink that many celebrities love to drink, has become a hot topic of skincare overseas. Here is an explanation of what "Kombucha skincare" really is by a professional from overseas.

What is "Kombucha" anyway?

If you've never heard of it before, you might be thinking, "Kombucha? But in fact, it is something completely different. Kombucha is a fermented beverage made by soaking a strain of bacteria in black tea or tea.

It is rich in prebiotics (oligosaccharides, dietary fiber, etc.), which are substances that help the good bacteria in the intestines to work, and is expected to have various beneficial effects on beauty and health, such as improving immunity, beautifying the skin, and relieving fatigue, in addition to regulating intestinal functions.

Many celebrities who are always concerned about their beauty also drink it, including Lady Gaga, actress Jessica Alba, top model Adriana Lima, and reality star Kylie Jenner, to name a few.

Skincare that utilizes the power of bacteria

A skincare product that uses the popular "kombucha" is now attracting attention overseas.

According to Dr. Shasa Hu, a dermatologist, recent research has shown that probiotics (lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, etc.) have the effect of improving the barrier function of the skin, and "can be expected to improve skin problems such as acne," he said in the US media Shape.

Dr. Hadley King, a dermatologist based in New York City, added, "Kombucha is rich in antioxidants such as vitamins B1, B6, B12, and vitamin C. This helps keep the skin moisturized. Therefore, it not only moisturizes the skin, but also helps in whitening the skin, including UV damage," he explained.

However, it is not advisable to apply kombucha, a fermented beverage, directly to the face; Dr. King said, "Regular kombucha is a weak acid (around pH 3) and can irritate the skin if not diluted," and recommended that skin care products specially formulated for the skin should be used instead.

Popular Kombucha Skincare Products

"One of the most popular kombucha skincare products is Ginger Kombucha + Vitamin D Chill Mist from Sweet Chef, a sister brand of Glow Recipe, a skincare brand with a cult following overseas.

It is refreshing and comfortable, and the brand's CEO, Christine Chan, says that just a spritz on the face "refreshes the skin and strengthens the skin barrier throughout the day.

Another popular product is the Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence from Fresh, a natural skincare brand born in Boston.　It uses the barrier-enhancing effects of kombucha to protect the skin from pollutant particles and gases in the air that can cause fine lines and skin problems. It moisturizes the skin and makes it look fresh and bright.

Kombucha skincare is full of good things for your skin. They are all available as parallel imports, so if you are interested, it is worth a try.