This antioxidant will protect your skin against pollution and free radicals

Kombucha is usually found in health drinks but now it’s the main ingredient in many 2021 beauty launches. So what exactly are the benefits? We find out.

You may not have ever realised but a lot of popular skincare ingredients are related to food. Turmeric has been utilised in South Asian communities for thousands of years, thanks to its skin brightening abilities. Cult Korean skincare brand Glow Recipe has a whole range dedicated to the soothing properties of avocado. While vitamin E-packed coconut oil is great at helping to maintain your skin’s barrier function.

Now, a new foodie ingredient is stepping into the spotlight for 2021 and it’s something that may already sit in your kitchen cupboard as well as your bathroom cabinet. Enter : kombucha.

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Like most innovations in skincare, kombucha hails from east Asia. Of course, many reap its benefits from drinking kombucha for a healthier gut but more and more brands are adding the ingredient to its latest launches. The reason? Kombucha can help to protect skin against damaging environmental factors like pollution and free radicals.

Here, Lizzie Shaw, skincare specialist at cosmeceutical brand PCA Skin, runs through the things you need to know about kombucha in skincare.

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What is kombucha?

“Kombucha is actually fermented tea. It’s a combined yeast and bacterial fermentation that is then usually used as a drink.”

What are the benefits of kombucha in skincare?

“Studies have shown that kombucha is beneficial for helping to ensure a healthy gut. A healthy gut can have a direct impact on the health of our skin and, of course, how our skin looks. Skin conditions like acne and rosacea as well as eczema have all been linked to digestive issues.

“Kombucha also contains a lot of B vitamins including B2, B6 and B12 – vitamins that are often found in effective skincare products to build a glowing complexion – and vitamin C. So drinking kombucha will absolutely benefit your skin from the inside out.

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“As a skincare product, it would make sense to suggest that the topical probiotics within kombucha should strengthen the skin’s natural ability to defend itself against the everyday environmental stressors and UV damage. Meanwhile, the B vitamins and vitamin C will help to support cellular function and oxidative damage, helping to maintain skin elasticity and barrier function.”

Where does kombucha skincare sit most effectively in your skincare routine?

“Skincare products containing vitamin C tend to work best in the morning, after cleansing and before SPF to provide an invisible barrier against everything that the day will throw at your skin.”

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Best kombucha skincare products

• Fresh Kombucha Cleansing Treatment

  Fresh has combined the luminous-boosting ingredients of kombucha with one of skincare’s most important products: a cleanser. It easily removes pollution, impurities, make-up and SPF, while kombucha’s antioxidant properties help to leave skin smoother and protected.

  Shop Fresh Kombucha Cleansing Treatment at Space NK, £36

  buy now

• Urban Decay Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator

  Not only does this cruelty-free product give you the medium coverage and glow of a foundation, it also contains kombucha and marula oil for hydrating skin benefits, too.

  Shop Urban Decay Stay Naked Hydromaniac Tinted Glow Hydrator at Cult Beauty, £29

  buy now

• Drunk Elephant Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray

  This clever spray is packed full of strengthening, nourishing and moisturising ingredients. It has fermented sake extract, kombucha and hops to restore nutrients in skin cells; coconut water for hydration; zinc, copper and calcium to tackle redness and amino acids to leave skin soft.

  Shop Drunk Elephant Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray at Cult Beauty, £35

  buy now

• PSA Skin Heroine Mandelic and Licorice Superfood Glow Toner

  Harnessing its ability to repair and rebuild a stronger skin barrier, this toner combines kombucha with exfoliating mandelic and lactic acid for a smoother, brighter complexion.

  Shop PSA Skin Heroine Mandelic and Licorice Superfood Glow Toner at lookfantastic, £28

  buy now

• Sweet Chef Ginger Kombucha + Vitamin D Chill Mist

  Made in Korea, this Sweet Chef mist combines ginger, kombucha and vitamin D to tackle uneven skin tone and protect your complexion against damaging free radicals.

  Shop Sweet Chef Ginger Kombucha + Vitamin D Chill Mist at Cult Beauty, £15.75

  buy now

• Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser

  Combining make-up with skincare, this Elemis moisturiser contains kombucha, prebiotics and fermented ginger for healthier skin while light-reflecting micro-minerals give it luminosity.

  Shop Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser at lookfantastic, £39

  buy now

• Milk Makeup Matcha Toner

  This clever toner in a stick combines kombucha with another ingredient that hails from east Asia: matcha. Scribble it all over your face (don’t worry, the green formula goes clear upon application) and it’ll treat inflammation, blemishes and excess sebum.

  Shop Milk Makeup Matcha Toner at Cult Beauty, £25

  buy now

• bareMinerals Dew Mist Setting Spray

  Kombucha ferment works to boost radiance in your skin while watermelon and apple extracts will keep it nourished. Spritz it on before make-up or any time in the day where your skin could do with a pick-me-up.

  Shop bareMinerals Dew Mist Setting Spray, £18.70

  buy now

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Main image: courtesy of brands

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