How Postbiotics Support the Skin Microbiome and Barrier
Nature has always been our greatest teacher. At ISUN, we believe some of the most powerful skincare ingredients come from working with natural biological processes rather than against them. One of those processes is fermentation.
For centuries, fermentation has been used to preserve foods, improve nutrition and support overall wellness. Today, scientists are discovering that fermentation can also create remarkable ingredients for healthy, resilient skin.
When skin feels dehydrated, sensitive or challenged by environmental stressors, fermentation-derived ingredients help support hydration, barrier integrity and skin comfort.
Two of our favourite fermentation-derived ingredients are Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate and Saccharomyces Lysate Extract. These ingredients are featured in formulas such as our Phyto-Infusion Serum, Emerald Eye Gel and Phyto Eye Cream because of the role they play in supporting the skin's natural balance.
What Is Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate?
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic ingredient derived from beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria.
Unlike probiotics, which contain living microorganisms, postbiotics contain beneficial components and metabolites produced during fermentation. These compounds can interact with the skin in ways that help support barrier function and soothe visible signs of stress.
Research suggests that topical ferment lysates help support hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, support moisture retention and contribute to a healthy skin environment.
For skin that feels sensitive, stressed or environmentally challenged, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate offers gentle support by helping reinforce the skin's natural protective systems.
What Is Saccharomyces Lysate Extract?
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract is derived from yeast, specifically Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker's yeast.
When the yeast cells are broken open, they release a rich collection of naturally occurring compounds including amino acids, peptides, minerals, vitamins, beta-glucans and other skin-supportive nutrients.
These nutrients help condition the skin, support hydration and contribute to a smoother, healthier appearance. Saccharomyces Lysate Extract is recognized as both a skin-conditioning agent and a humectant, meaning it helps attract and retain moisture within the skin.
In addition to its moisturizing properties, Saccharomyces-derived ingredients may also help support a healthy skin environment through their postbiotic activity.
Why We Use Both
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate focuses on supporting the skin's barrier and microbiome while helping calm visible signs of stress.
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract helps replenish the skin with nutrients that support hydration, vitality and resilience.
Together they help:
• Support a healthy skin microbiome
• Help maintain barrier integrity
• Improve hydration and moisture retention
• Help calm the appearance of redness
• Support skin resilience against environmental stressors
• Promote a smoother, healthier-looking complexion
Supporting the Skin's Natural Balance
Your skin is home to a diverse community of microorganisms, known as the skin microbiome. Supporting this ecosystem is one of the key goals of microbiome-friendly skincare. Together with the skin barrier, this living ecosystem plays an important role in maintaining hydration, skin comfort and resilience.
Environmental stress, over-cleansing, pollution, UV exposure and other external factors can place additional demands on these natural protective systems.
Research suggests that microbiome-conscious ingredients such as ferment lysates can help support barrier integrity, hydration and a healthy skin environment. This growing area of skin science is helping us better understand how ingredients can work in harmony with the skin's natural processes.
Why ISUN Uses Ferments
Every ingredient is selected for a specific purpose within our formulas. We use Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate and Saccharomyces Lysate Extract because they complement our nutrient-rich botanicals and modern actives while supporting formulas developed to support healthy-looking skin, barrier integrity and long-term resilience.
These fermentation-derived ingredients can be found in our Phyto-Infusion Serum, Emerald Eye Gel and Phyto Eye Cream because they work together to support the skin's natural microbiome, help maintain barrier integrity and support hydration.
Rather than forcing the skin to perform, these ingredients help support the conditions that allow skin to function at its best.
References
Dou, J. et al. (2023). Applications of Probiotic Constituents in Cosmetics. Microorganisms.
Habeebuddin, M. et al. (2022). Topical Probiotics: More Than a Skin Deep.
Cui, H. et al. (2023). Effects of a Lotion Containing Probiotic Ferment Lysate on Enhancing Skin Barrier Function. Scientific Reports.
Jung, Y.O. et al. (2019). Lysates of a Probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Can Improve Skin Barrier Function.
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Safety Assessment of Yeast-Derived Cosmetic Ingredients.
Chia, J. et al. (2026). The Skin Microbiome Revolution: The Science and Future of Biotics in Skincare.
