What Is Alteromonas Ferment Extract and How Is It Used in Skincare?

Ever wondered why mermaids always have perfect skin (or at least are portrayed to have perfect skin)? Our guess is that one of Souffle Beauty’s favorite ingredients may have something to do with it! Alteromonas Ferment Extract is found in deep ocean waters and we’re thinking mermaids may have found it before we did.

Kidding aside, this skincare ingredient is slowly gaining popularity and for a good reason! Alteromonas is a type of deep-sea algae. It has a polysaccharide structure which gives the extract its water-binding properties and makes it a good soothing agent for sensitive skin.

Polysaccharide Structure

Alteromonas ferment extract is a byproduct of the fermentation of the marine bacterium, Alteromonasmacleodii. This bacteria is drawn to extremely hot and highly pressurized areas. The good thing about it is that its location allows organisms to evolve into special polysaccharides.

Although Alteromonas ferment extract is on its way to skincare celebrity status, polysaccharides have had a long presence in the skincare world. They are long-chain polymeric carbohydrates consisting of ten monosaccharide units at the minimum and are bound together in linear or branched glycosidic chains.

Now, I know those were a lot of technical terms in a single sentence but our skin really consists of complex structures that maintain its balance and polysaccharides are an example of that. The polysaccharide structure is quite crucial to our skin’s natural ability to hydrate and retain moisture. It stimulates the production of natural hyaluronic acid and lipids in the skin. This structure allows for skin renewal, tissue repair, and protection. Polysaccharides are both emollients and humectants so it’s really a win-win when it comes to skincare!

As a skin hydrator, polysaccharides help the skin reap the benefits of good hydration. Our skin thrives when its hydration level is at its best. Well-hydrated skin is well protected from damage caused by sun exposure and other environmental factors like pollution and dry weather.

Dry skin is also prone to signs of premature aging like fine lines, dark spots, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity. And just because you have dry skin, it doesn’t mean you’re safe from oiliness. In fact, what happens is the complete opposite. Because there is a lack of natural protection for your skin, an oil imbalance occurs as the skin produces more sebum to try and shield itself from external factors. This can lead to skin breakouts and acne. When skin is properly hydrated, your skin’s youthfulness, health, and integrity are preserved. This means you’ll have glowing, bouncy skin with a healthy barrier against UV exposure and pollution from smog and smoking.

Because the structure of Alteromonas has been found to be very consistent with polysaccharides, it is able to hold a good amount of water, redistribute moisture in the skin by triggering skin hydrating processes. and strengthen our skin’s barrier when it’s applied through skincare. Testing and research have also shown that Alteromonas ferment extract allowed for better skin tissue repair and rejuvenation when used as part of a skincare routine.

Algae, really?

Okay, I know algae seem like an odd source of cosmetic ingredients but we have to trust our seawater friends sometimes. In fact, the special thing about Alteromonas as a polysaccharide is that besides being a powerhouse skin hydrator, it comes in with sea minerals that give it anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Skin conditions such as inflammation from rosacea and skin sensitivity to chemical exfoliants and drying treatments can all benefit from anti-inflammatory agents. It also helps settle mechanical irritations from micro-tears that can happen with activities like waxing and shaving. Because it’s an antioxidant as well, it limits free radical activity that leads to the loss of collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein that gives our body’s components — skin, bones, muscles, and more, their structure. Losing collagen in our skin results in fine lines, wrinkles, and loose, saggy skin.

Takeaway

Skincare needs to go beyond just cleansing. Our skin goes through a lot every single day and it needs not just pampering but also strengthening. Alteromonas Ferment Extract does exactly that by actually optimizing and supporting the natural processes of our skin to heal and protect itself. In combination with other good stuff in skincare products, it’s a winning ingredient!

In fact, we love this ingredient so much and others do too! That’s why you’ll find it in our 2021 Beauty Insider Award-winning facial cleanser, the Souffle Beauty Anti-Pollution Probiotic & Rose Gel Cleanser. It’s an amino acid-based cleanser and with our lovable deep-sea algae, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, it helps remove impurities, fight free radicals and strengthen our skin’s natural barrier. The good news is, it does all that without stripping our skin of its precious natural oils. And when you have well-hydrated, healthy skin, that perfect glow naturally shows. Tackle your skin from the basics first and everything follows!

XOXO