Yeast Extract

This is a summary of research papers and studies
from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

ABOUT YEAST EXTRACT

Yeast-derived ingredients are widely used in skincare as skin-conditioning agents and protectants, are primarily fermented. The fermentation process is central to these benefits because it breaks down natural extracts into smaller, more bioavailable molecules—such as peptides, amino acids, and lactic acid—that can penetrate the skin more effectively.

The primary skin benefits of yeast extracts include:

Anti-Aging and Skin Rejuvenation

Collagen and Elastin Synthesis: Yeast extracts, particularly from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have been shown to markedly promote the expression of collagen and elastin, which are vital for maintaining skin structural integrity.
Enhanced Elasticity: Research indicates that yeast extract keeps dermal capillaries healthy and facilitates the production of collagen around them, helping to create more elastic skin while preventing wrinkles and sagging.
Cellular Energy Production: Saccharomyces lysates can stimulate cellular respiration, increasing the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides the energy necessary for cell repair, renewal, and overall radiance.
Reduction of Wrinkles and Roughness: Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that oral and topical use of yeast extracts significantly reduces wrinkle depth and skin roughness.

Deep Hydration and Barrier Support

Moisture Retention: Yeast ferments enhance skin hydration by increasing Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) like filaggrin and by upregulating the production of hyaluronic acid (HA).
Barrier Function: Ingredients like Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (GFF) and Bifida ferment support the skin's microbiome and strengthen the permeability barrier by upregulating tight junction proteins (claudin-1 and claudin-4).
Reduced Water Loss: Consistent use of yeast-derived products has been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping the skin remain resilient and hydrated.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammaging Effects

Neutralizing Oxidative Stress: Yeast extracts activate NRF2, the master transcription factor for antioxidants, which restores essential enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by UV radiation.
Preventing Cell Aging: By activating the NRF2 pathway, yeast can downregulate CDKN2A, a marker for senescent (aging) cells, effectively retarding the biological aging process of the skin.

Anti-Inflammatory and Brightening Properties

Cytokine Regulation: Yeast extracts act as anti-inflammatories by promoting the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-37) and downregulating pro-inflammatory or pro-allergic markers (IL-33, IL-6R, and CXCL14).
Brightening and Tone: Certain natural yeast extracts inhibit melanin synthesis and intracellular tyrosinase activity, which helps to even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Safety

Gentle for Sensitive Skin: Many fermented ingredients are better tolerated than strong acids, providing gentle renewal and soothing benefits even for reactive skin types.
General Safety: Safety assessments have confirmed that yeast-derived cosmetic ingredients are generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing in human clinical trials.