Hi guys, Show In this post I’ll be discussing how I stumbled upon Galactomytes, disregarded them as an useless extra layer, came crawling back, and then learned to love them more than ever before. Galactomytes – gah-lak-toe-mitesGalactomyces- gah-lak-toe-my-cees[NOTE: Do not use Galactomytes if you are prone to Fungal Acne!]A little bit about Galactomytes If you can get past the idea of slathering bacteria all over your face, when used as a skincare ingredient, Galactomytes are great for increasing brightness, hydration, boosting anti-ageing, helping with sebum production and even lowering acne. Full of vitamins, amino acids, and much more good stuff, Galactomyces ferment filtrate can be found in a number of cult favourite FTEs and toners including:
COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing EssenceLike most FTEs, Galactomyces 95 has a clear, watery consistency. Originally called the Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence (yikes), it is for use after cleansing and actives and before toners (e.g. Cleanser, Active, FTE, Toner…) However, I use my Galactomyces 95 after my HadaLabo toner because although they’re both incredibly watery, the HadaLabo is just the tiniest bit thinner. In cases like this where I don’t know which to layer first, I stick to thinnest –> thickest! The ingredients list is also wonderfully simple, containing 95% Galactomytes of course, and also boasting Niacinamide for brightening, Sodium Hyaluronate for hydration and Panthenol, a popular humectant. Ingredients: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Adenosine. [NOTE: Just because these products are listed in a certain order, does not necessarily mean they are listed in most abundant to least abundant. Korean regulations are…tricky.]
…And the little description
Price wise, the COSRX Galactomyces 95 is slightly cheaper compared to the other alternatives out there. I purchased mine for £17.08 at 100ml via Yesstyle. The SK II and Naruko have rave reviews, though they’re notably more expensive (SK-II £130.84 230ml, Naruko £40.78 150ml on Yesstyle). Upon first usage, I didn’t notice the FTE doing much at all. I originally purchased the Whitening Power Essence after a holiday left me with a bad tan and even worse dark patches. Thinking a Galactomyces + Vit C combo would pack a punch, I purchased the very affordable FTE through Yesstyle. Without fragrance and with a neat little pump, the Essence worked just fine and dandy at making my skin nice and supple throughout the day, however that’s all I really noticed. WHERE WAS THAT GLOW? FTEs are one of key ways of securing that K-beauty glow- so where was mine? After six weeks of nothing (besides brightening more likely attributed to the Vit C), I discontinued using the Galactomytes and went about my day. I’d been so used to slapping on one layer of [insert Asian product] and seeing results right away, that I figured Galactomytes would be the same. After about 5 days of non-use, what resulted was a slight dulling of the skin. A dullness I hadn’t expected given I’d noticed no glowiness to begin with. After a bit of research, I realised my hideous mistake. Hydrating Layers for that Galactomytes GlowThere is a way to get that glowy skin, to make sure your Galactomytes are working as hard as they can be. And the secret is stupidly simple. You just gotta use more. The key to making the most of this friendly little fungus is to just heap him on! Using multiple, thin layers, pat the product into your skin until you feel your skin has absorbed as much as it can take. Too little and you won’t notice any results, too much and you could risk breaking out (as is the case with over-use of any product). I’ve got dehydrated and dry skin, so I found the best amount for me is 5 thin layers. This gives me immediate hydrated, bouncy skin, a glow along my forehead, nose, cheeks and chin that lasts all day, and reduced visibility of smile lines. (Curse past me for ever being happy!) NOW GET OUT THERE AND GET THAT GLOW! Does galactomyces have niacinamide?Galactomyces Niacin is a liquid formula containing a pure concentration of 97% niacinamide (B3) that helps your skin's uppermost layers appear renewed, clarified, and more even. Niacinamide also reduces enlarged, congested pores.
What is best paired with niacinamide?You can combine niacinamide with all other serums and creams. You can use it with retinol, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, BHAs, or AHAs. Niacinamide and retinol work well together.
Which ingredient works best with niacinamide?Niacinamide is compatible with other powerful ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, BHA, and all types of antioxidants. This multi-ingredient approach to skin care is important because as great as niacinamide is, it's not the only ingredient skin needs to look and feel its best.
Can I use galactomyces with AHA BHA?Yes. Use after the aha/bha toner, apply this essence over your face.
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