Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence

The Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence is a hydrating essence formulated with over 93% naturally fermented ingredients, including bifida ferment lysate and saccharomyces ferment filtrate to instantly moisturise, brighten and plump the skin.
 

 

Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Betula Platyphylla Japonica (Birch Sap) Juice, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Aspergillus Ferment, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Water, Betaine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trehalose, Lactobacillus, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Trideceth-10, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, 1,2-hexanediol, Tropolone, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Coptis Japonica Extract, Arginine, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Niacinamide, Dextrin, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Phenoxyethanol, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine
 

A gentle formula assures the CosDNA analysis returns a favourable result.
 

 

The heroes of this essence are fermented ingredients which make up around 93% of the formula. Fermentation is the process of adding microorganisms like bacteria to natural ingredients. This process releases enzymes that break down the molecules in the raw material, resulting in three main skin benefits. Firstly, ingredients absorb more effectively since molecular size of actives is reduced. Secondly, there is less chance of skin irritation since potentially toxic substances such as metals and pesticides are neutralised. Additionally, fermentation may create antibacterial substances to kill harmful microorganisms. Finally, the process produces amino acids, organic acids and antioxidants to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.
 
Those featuring in the essence include Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Rice Ferment Filtrate (also known as Sake) and Aspergillus Ferment. Together they can improve skin by making it less sensitive to environmental factors and strengthening its microbiome, resulting in overall healthier looking skin. High content of essential minerals, amino acids, beta-glucan and vitamins deliver skin moisturization, soothing plus brightening and wrinkle repair properties.
 
Other notable ingredients in the essence include Birch Sap Juice, a trending ingredient that features multiple amino acids, sugars and minerals for superior moisture delivery. It has the ability to retain moisture and balance facial oils. Added botanical extracts enhance antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial behaviour and include Green Tea and Coptis Japonica.
 
Ensuring skin is well moisturised and hydrated are Glycerin, Trehalose, Allantoin and Sodium Hyaluronate while anti-aging superstars are present at low concentrations and include Betaine, Adenosine and Niacinamide. A bunch of both essential and non-essential amino acids include Arginine, Glycine, Serine, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Histidine, Tyrosine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Methionine and Cysteine. Part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), amino acids actively move moisture throughout the skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. They help strengthen the skin’s natural defense system to slow the signs of ageing caused by environmental damage.
 

The Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence is presented in an elegant cylindrical glass bottle with frosted finish. When new, there’s a protective seal on the opening to guard it from degradation and accidental spillage. The screw top cap closes it securely between uses.
 

 

Use daily in the morning and evening after cleansing. Sprinkle onto palms of hands or use a cotton pad to gently sweep across the face and neck, lightly patting skin until fully absorbed.
 

A 150ml bottle of the Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence costs around AUD$60 (correct at time of publishing).
 

This is available from several reputable Korean skincare suppliers including Yes Style and Style Korean.
 

The Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence has a 3 year shelf life and must be used within 12 months of opening.
 

 

Attractively packaged, this product is presented in a frosted glass bottle and features an ideal dispensing mechanism in the dropper opening. The essence is slightly thicker than water and similarly clear. It’s very lightweight and fast absorbing. There is no scent associated with the product either and certainly nothing added for fragrance. It’s also free of essential oils and alcohols which should please those who suffer sensitivities. Furthermore, it receives a favourable outcome from CosDNA, confirming it’s free from harmful ingredients.
 
The 150ml bottle is a little expensive however will last around 6 months with daily use and half that when used twice daily, equating it to around a AUD$10-20 outlay per month. With around 10 uses a week, mine has lasted around four months, noting that I do tend to be heavy handed. So, a little does go a long way as they say.
 

I apply this as a first treatment essence, straight after cleansing. It’s satisfying how quickly it sinks into dry skin leaving no sense that it was ever even applied – no residue, no tackiness, no stickiness. As such, it plays well with anything you accompany with it. One layer is usually enough but I have used a second from time to time when my skin is feeling particularly parched.
 
The hydration delivered is instant. There’s a definite improvement, especially noticeable since it comes straight after cleansing. Following with a hydrating toner is optional since the moisture received is substantial. Combined with a cream to finish, this essence makes it unnecessary or at least optional to layer more hydrating products in the same routine.
 
I personally haven’t noticed any brightening effects, even though this is a claimed benefit and there are a handful of ingredients in the formula promising to deliver such effects. Anti-ageing effects are addressed in two ways. Firstly, with boosted hydration, plumpness resisting the formation of creasing and lines. Secondly, there are several ingredients including amino acids to target the signs of ageing so it’s hoped that with long term use, the benefits would be realised. In the meantime, I did find that general skin resilience appeared better, indicating improved elasticity or at least a stronger moisture barrier.
 
Lightweight, free from harmful ingredients and hydrating, the characteristics of this essence make it universally suitable. It will help to moisturise, balance oils and improve elasticity, providing the full spectrum of skin types with tangible benefits.
 

 

This product has a great reputation in kBeauty circles in particular. So, I was very keen to give it a try. I’m pleased with the experience and the results and can confirm that for me, it definitely lived up to its high reputation.
 

Pros	Cons
Gentle and lightweight	Only available online for Australians
Absorbs instantly without tackiness/stickiness	I didn’t observe brightening
Visibly improves hydration and moisture	A bit expensive
Strengthens skin barrier
Improves elasticity

 

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Bifida Ferment Lysate Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate INCI Decoder
Why Fermented Ingredients are Crucial to Korean Skin Care Tina Cho
E Nature: Energizing Natural Korean Skincare Charlotte Cho
Amino Acids Paula’s Choice Skincare

 

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Please read in context with my disclaimer.

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