The star of many a health and wellness article over the last decade, kombucha has enjoyed its (very long) moment in the spotlight. Originating in east Asia over 2000 years ago, kombucha is lauded for its probiotic content and beneficial effect on gut health. If you’re even somewhat acquainted with the wellness world it’s unlikely you’ve gone without trying a sip of the fizzy beverage. Now, the fermented tea has infiltrated the beauty world, with kombucha skincare increasing in popularity. But before you go slathering yourself in the stuff, here’s everything you need to know about kombucha skincare.
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What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage; made with tea (usually black but sometimes green), sugar, and a scoby (a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), the brew is fermented giving kombucha its signature fizz and probiotic-rich nature.
Benefits of kombucha in skincare products
When ingested, kombucha is beneficial for supporting gut health, due to its probiotic content. As gut health directly impacts skin health and appearance, with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne linked to digestive issues, regularly consuming kombucha can help promote glowing, healthy skin from the inside out.
When applied topically, the blend of probiotics and antioxidants present in kombucha may help regulate the skin’s microbiome and protect against free radical damage from pollution and UV exposure. Kombucha also contains B vitamins and vitamin C, with these antioxidants working to support cellular function, skin elasticity, and skin barrier function. Plus, its fermentation process makes kombucha a source of lactic acid bacteria, which gently exfoliates the skin and can help promote a brighter, more even skin tone.
The best kombucha skincare products
Naturally, kombucha in its drinkable form shouldn’t be applied onto your skin, with its acidic pH balance causing irritation if not properly diluted. If you’re keen to reap the skincare benefits of kombucha, look for dedicated kombucha skincare products, which have been specifically formulated for topical use.
These are our 5 favourite kombucha skincare products.
1. Fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence
Formulated with kombucha as the hero ingredient, the Fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence is designed to protect the skin from the ageing effects of free radicals and three types of pollution (digital light, indoor, and outdoor). The addition of hyaluronic acid also makes it a potent hydrator, restoring moisture to the skin and minimising the appearance of fine lines. Easily absorbed, the Fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence provides an instant brightening effect and improves skin texture over time.
2. Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner
Combining an AHA blend of glycolic and lactic acid with antioxidant-rich kombucha, the Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner works to exfoliate the skin to minimise the appearance of pores, brighten dull skin, and promote even skin texture, while supporting the skin’s microbiome.
3. Andalou Naturals Clear Skin Kombucha Cleansing Gel
Well suited to those with acne-prone or oily skin, the Andalou Naturals Clear Skin Kombucha Cleansing Gel combines kombucha probiotics with pore-refining white willow bark to deeply cleanse the skin of impurities and excess sebum.
4. Fresh Kombucha Cleansing Treatment
A cleanser and treatment in one, the Fresh Kombucha Cleansing Treatment removes makeup, sunscreen, pollutants, and impurities from the skin, while refining the appearance of pores and supporting the skin’s microbiome with probiotic kombucha and prebiotic inulin.
5. Milk Makeup Matcha Toner
Matcha green tea meets kombucha and witch hazel in this unique stick toner formula which works to refine pores and absorb excess sebum. The Milk Makeup Matcha Toner also contains organic cactus elixir to soothe the skin, watermelon extract to hydrate, and matrixyl to reduce the appearance of fine lines and smoothen skin texture.
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of Domenico Falso
