Galactomyces Niacin Whitening Essence
- Routine step
- Essence (serum)
- When
- Morning and evening
- Skin types
- Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily
- Key actives
- Galactomyces Ferment (moderate evidence), Niacinamide (strong evidence)
- Pairs well with
- Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Heartleaf, Retinol
After toner, press a small amount into the skin with your palms. It goes on before serums.
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
A yeast-based ingredient that brightens skin tone and refines the look of pores. Made famous by SK-II essences.
Good for: Brightening, Hydrating
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Good for: Brightening, Barrier repair, Anti-inflammatory
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A yeast-based ingredient that brightens skin tone and refines the look of pores. Made famous by SK-II essences.
Snowball JM et al., Integration of Transcriptomics and Spatial Biology Analyses Reveals Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Promotes Epidermal Interconnectivity, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2024
Miyamoto K et al., Significant Reversal of Facial Wrinkle, Pigmented Spot and Roughness by Daily Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-Containing Skin Products for 12 Months—An 11-Year Longitudinal Skin Aging Rejuvenation Study, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2023;12(3):1168 — 86 female volunteers; 12-month daily application reversed wrinkle, spot, and roughness markers that had deteriorated over the prior 11-year interval
Yan X et al., Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate Potentiates an Anti-Inflammaging System in Keratinocytes, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(21):6338 — GFF activates AHR/NRF2 antioxidant signaling, attenuating inflammaging
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Moro F et al., Skin Cancer Prevention and Antiaging: Role of Nicotinamide, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026
Passeron T et al., An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide, Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) 2026
Vergilio MM et al., Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2025
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.