The Beauty of Bacteria

What do kimchi, kombucha and hyaluronic acid have in common? Fermentation-a process that brings powerful perks.

- DEANNA PAI

These days, it feels as if you can't swing a reusable tote without hitting a bottle of kombucha, yoghurt or some other fermented food. While they've been around for centuries - Koreans started brining veggies at least 2 000 years ago - fermented eats experienced something of a renaissance over the past decade thanks to research establishing their effect on the gut microbiome (which plays a role in supporting sleep, minimising inflammation, and more). Well, the trend is expanding to your beauty shelf... although some ingredients, such as lactic and hyaluronic acids, have been produced via fermentation for years. More companies are fermenting products with ingredients such as peptides and mushrooms. The payoff? Skin benefits, like stronger potency with less irritation. We've got deets on this cool approach.

WHAT IS IT?
Fermentation is simple... once you understand the basics.