Facial Treatment Essence
- Routine step
- Essence (fluid)
- When
- Morning and evening
- Skin types
- Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive
- Key actives
- Pitera (moderate evidence), Galactomyces Ferment (moderate evidence)
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.
SK-II's signature ingredient, a specific yeast filtrate that improves clarity and texture over time.
Good for: Brightening, Hydrating
A yeast-based ingredient that brightens skin tone and refines the look of pores. Made famous by SK-II essences.
Good for: Brightening, Hydrating
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.
SK-II's signature ingredient, a specific yeast filtrate that improves clarity and texture over time.
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 — Pitera is SK-II's commercial name for GFF; this 11-year longitudinal study directly evaluates the same active
Nakajima H et al., Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Keratinocytes Treated with Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, a Beneficial Cosmetic Ingredient, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(16):4645 — GFF activates AhR/NRF2 antioxidant pathways while suppressing inflammatory transcripts
Anwar AI et al., The effectiveness of Galactomyces ferment filtrate, dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica combination serum in the treatment of post-acne hyperpigmentation in subjects with skin of color, Skinmed 2021;19(2):110-115 — Pitera is SK-II's commercial name for Galactomyces ferment filtrate; trial covers the same active
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
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.
Full ingredient list
Everything on the package label, not just the tracked actives above.
- Contains parabens: MethylparabenNo irritancy evidence. CIR rates this safe as used; some shoppers avoid it by preference.
+−Show all 7 ingredients
Listed in the order printed on the package. By regulation, ingredients at 1% or higher are listed in descending order by concentration, so the first entry is the largest part of the formula.
- Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
- Butylene Glycol
- Pentylene Glycol
- Water
- Sodium Benzoate
- Methylparaben
- Sorbic Acid
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.