Pine needles and delicate skin sound like a terrible idea, but not when it comes to the latest skin care ingredient trend. Fermented pine needle extract has become a darling in skin care due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and brightening capabilities. This is not to be confused with pine bark extract from French maritime pine bark, which has similar properties such as antioxidant protection and collagen boosting benefits. Let's take a look at the benefits of fermented pine needle extract in skin care and explore how its use in K-beauty has led to a greater beauty impact.
A K-Beauty Twist
Like other trending skin care ingredients, pine needle extract's recent rise to fame comes from K-beauty. Specifically, Korean skin care is known to contain a fermented version of pine needle extract. The fermentation is said to enhance its efficacy, and it is also said to help preserve a healthy microbiome.
We should note that [unfermented] pine needle extract is an ingredient that has been on the skin care market for quite some time. It carries similar benefits as fermented pine needle extract; however, without fermentation, it does not have the microbiome benefits and the components are less potent.
Fermented pine needle extract is most often found on the ingredient list as Pine Needle Ferment. It contains flavonoids, polyphenols, proanthocyanidin and shikimic acid.
The flavonoids and polyphenols give fermented pine needle extract its antioxidant benefits, where it is able to protect the skin from free radical damage. They also allow it to help brighten skin. Shikimic acid has been found to also provide antioxidant benefits as well as reducing inflammation and irritation. Shikimic acid has been found to have antimicrobial properties, which make it helpful for the treatment of acne, rosacea and eczema.
On the Market
Many of the products on the market currently containing fermented pine needle extract are unsurprisingly from K-beauty brands. For example, Amarte's Aqua Veil Pure Hydration Serum contains pine needle ferment to help stimulate collagen production and protect against free radicals. Unstraum also formulates with fermented pine needle extract in its The Origin Mist Toner, where it helps to keep sebum at bay and refresh the skin.
It can be difficult to purchase K-beauty products, in which case traditional pine needle extract is a great substitute. Skin79 Cicapine Intense Relief Cream is formulated with pine needle extract to reduce redness and irritation. Korres Black Pine Sculpt + Lift Serum contains an extract from black pine needles to protect against gree radicals and increase elasticity.
