5 (Yes, 5) Exceedingly Convincing Dupes for SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
If you loveK-beautyor have ever stepped into the Chinatown treasure that isoo35mm, it’s likely that you’ve seen (or maybe even already own) a product that uses galactomyces ferment filtrate, ayeastingredient derived from sake. “Galactomyces ferment filtrate” may not roll off the tongue —Alexa Chungjoked on her YouTube channel that it sounds like the name of a prehistoric dinosaur — but it’s deeply beloved by skin-care experts (including Soko Glam’sCharlotte Cho) and constantly called “magical,” “transformative,” and “skin-slash-life-changing” for a reason. It’s capable of moisturizing skin while simultaneously calming down inflammation, keeping sebum production controlled, restoring smoothness, and brightening up your complexion.
It also happens to be the the main component of SK-II’s cult-favorite Facial Treatment Essence (they call it “pitera”), which has been a favorite of celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Olivia Culpo (and every skin-care blogger and Reddit-obsessive on earth) for years.SK-II’s$185 price tag long led me to believe that to reap the benefits of GFF, I would have to spend far more than I was comfortable spending. This, as it turns out, is not the case: Many products include a high percentage of galactomyces ferment filtrate and are miraculously affordable. Like an extremely effective brighteningessencejam-packed with GFF for $17, and a pore-shrinking serum for $19. Below, a list of my very favorite not-obscenely-expensive galactomyces ferment filtrate–filled products.
(A note: Just use one of these products at a time — using too much ofanyingredient can throw off the pH balance of your skin, which can lead to breakouts or irritation. And since this product is derived from yeast, I would avoid using any of them if you are prone to fungal acne.)
New! You can now save this product for later.
This wallet-friendlyessencefrom Purito is jam-packed with galactomyces ferment filtrate — 92 percent, to be exact. It also has a 5 percent kick ofniacinamide, a workhorse ingredient that’s known to significantly brighten up any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne orsun spots.These two ingredients together means thisessencehas some seriously radiance-inducing, skin-nourishing effects. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you can use this product anywhere from once a week to three times a week to daily, afterexfoliatingand before moisturizing. Within just a few weeks of using this, I noticed a little dark spot from an old breakout was starting to fade away.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Thisessenceis an absolute dream. It’s the most expensive thing on this list, but I included it because I would argue that this it is comparable, if notbetter, than SK-II’s Facial TreatmentEssenceat a quarter of the price (and I’m not the only one who thinks so —my skin-care-obsessed friendalso thinks it’s equally as moisturizing, brightening, and replenishing). Aside from galactomyces ferment filtrate, it incorporates antioxidant-rich blue chokeberry and calcium-rich red algae, both of which work to calm and illuminate your complexion. When I use this product, my skin looks particularly plump, nourished, bouncy, and bright — it’s truly one of my favorite products I’ve found in years. It’s helped me so much when it comes to combatingstubborn dark markswithout irritating my skin, and my mom swears it’s helped with her fine lines and wrinkles, as well. This can be used daily after exfoliating and before serums and moisturizers.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I havetalked about this moisturizera lot recently because I am absolutely obsessed with it. Aside from galactomyces ferment filtrate, it incorporates chamomile for soothing and antioxidant-rich shiitake mushroom extract. It’s the perfect balance ofhydrating and healingand isn’t too rich or pore-clogging. After a few days of using this, I noticed the little flaky patches on my face starting to calm and fade away. This is a perfect last step to lock in moisture and sooth your skin.
New! You can now save this product for later.
When I asked my pals atoo35mmwhat their favorite serum was, they told me how much they loved this one for its “pore-shrinking” and “skin-clearing” capability. ThisserumfromK-beautybrand iUnik is a cocktail of 50 percent galactomyces and 10 percent rose water — these two ingredients work together to brighten up your complexion and deeply moisturize the skin. Since this is a serum rather than anessence(meaning it’s more concentrated), I would use it once a week to see how your skin responds, and then increase your usage accordingly.
New! You can now save this product for later.
If you don’t want to commit to a whole bottle of something but want to see what galactomyces ferment filtrate can do for you, thesemasksare a great place to start. They’re absolutely dupes for SK-II Facial Treatmentmasksand incorporate anti-bacterial and healing honey as well as hydrating humectants glycerin and hyaluronic acid to deeply nourish andreplenish the skin. This is one of my favorite masks for a pick-me-up when my skin is looking spotty, red, or just “bleh.”
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
