The hype around kombucha-infused skincare, explained.

Recently, I was tasked with trialling a skincare product for four weeks. It's a tough gig, but someone has to do it.

It’s by the skincare brand, fresh. I’ll get into the product later, but I wanted to fill you in on the brand a bit in case you’re not familiar.

Founded in Boston over three decades ago, fresh is one of those brands that I used to get my friends to bring back for me from overseas, or I’d stock up if I was lucky enough to be in Paris. The first few products I ever purchased were the cult-status lip balms, which was a gateway to their skincare. It’s all amazing.

The good news is that fresh hit Australian shores a few years ago, so you can now buy it here from Sephora, both in-store and online. 

I’ve been road-testing the Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence for the past month, so I thought I'd share my thoughts. 

Yes, kombucha, like the stuff you drink. Turns out it has fantastic skin-improving qualities when applied topically as well. 

Image: Supplied.

And, speaking of ‘improved,’ the Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence isn't a new product for fresh, it is however an upgraded formula, which meant it was an excellent time to put it to the test.

Being an essence, the water-like product goes on to your clean, dry skin, right after cleansing. It’s super easy to use – just pour the essence into the palm of your hand and press and pat it onto your face and neck. Let it absorb for a minute or so, then follow with your regular skincare. I've been using this before applying my serum, moisturiser, and of course SPF in the mornings. At night, I put it on before my serums, night creams or mask. 

The new and improved formula features an exclusive double fermented kombucha, which produces small antioxidant molecules for easier penetration into the skin and stronger antioxidant protection. In fact, it has 32 per cent more antioxidant power than the original formula (which was already amazing, might I add).

There’s also something called ‘advanced metabiotic’ in there, which is an active ingredient that supports skins enzymes, to help visibly repair dullness and uneven texture caused by environmental stressors (hello, sun, pollution, sugar – all the fun stuff).

People often make the mistake of thinking an essence can’t do much, due to the water-like consistency, but that’s far from the truth. It's an excellent extra step before your serum to target skin concerns and assists in creating luminous and healthy skin. 

Image: Supplied.

The first thing I noticed about the Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence is the immediate radiance. I applied it one evening and then was distracted by my toddler, so it was a while before I realised I hadn't done the rest of my skincare. In fact, when touching my face it felt so soft and hydrated, it also looked so luminous in the mirror that I had to double-check I hadn't finished my night-time skin routine and forgot about it.

Being a combo-girl, I’m always a bit cautious when adding another step to my skincare in the mornings, as I often find it tips me over the edge and can take me from glowy, to oily-looking... but not with this guy. It gives noticeable glow, but layers so nicely with everything on top – sunscreen and makeup included. I love that it gives my skin an extra dose of antioxidants, without adding weight or a heavy texture. 

The common probiotic strain in kombucha is lactobacillus, which can help to calm skin irritations, and personally I've found it works wonders if I've overdone the actives like BHA or vitamin A (we all do it, even beauty experts). Its soothing qualities help reduce redness and is great for calming the skin.

The Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence penetrates an impressive 20+ layers of skin, boosts skin luminosity and repairs dullness and uneven skin tone – all claims I can personally vouch for being true in my experience. Some of that is down to the supporting ingredients added to the formula, like hyaluronic acid, artemisia flower and kigelia Africana fruit extract. 

My four week trial is now up, and this product has reminded me why I fell in love with fresh in the first place. The Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence now has a firm spot back in my daily skincare routine. 

fresh's best-selling Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence has been reformulated to better protect and now visibly repair skin, leaving it smoother and more luminous than ever.

Feature Image: Supplied.