The Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence from Cosrx is formulated with 95% galactomyces ferment filtrate and niacinamide and claims to hydrate, improve skin texture, brighten and smooth fine lines.

Ingredients: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol, Adenosine

Galactomyces ferment filtrate is a yeast and byproduct of fermented sake and is said to reduce pore size, hydrate, brighten and nourish the skin, reduce oil production, reduce blackheads, increases absorption of other products into the skin and provide antioxidant benefits. Niacinamide is said to improve skin texture, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation. fade hyperpigmentation and regulate oil production. Panthenol, glycerin, butylene glycol and sodium hyaluronate are humectants. 1,2-Hexanediol is a preservative and a moisture-binding agent. Betaine balances hydration. Allantoin soothes the skin. Adenosine soothes and restores skin.

Directions: After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount to the face and pat into the skin. Follow with moisturizer.

I have oily/combination skin, hyperpigmentation, redness and blackheads. I used the galactomyces essence for 4 months, morning and evening; one to two pumps for the face and neck.

This essence has a thin, watery-gel texture that applies very nicely with good spreadability. There is no scent. I tried it a few times with no moisturizer to see how it performed on its own in terms of hydration (with how oily my skin is and depending how moisturizing a toner or essence is, I often don’t need a lotion). This essence absorbs quickly, but leaves a dry, smooth, tacky feeling on the skin for about an hour until my face gets a bit of its normal oil. I don’t really find the galactomyces essence hydrating and need to add a moisturizer. I’ll use a light serum or lotion; the Cosrx snail essence on its own provides enough hydration.

After the first couple days of use, I got some whiteheads on my cheekbones and pimples on my neck (which are unusual spots for breakouts for me), but these disappeared after a couple more days and did not recur. After one week, my T-zone got less oily throughout the day and after 2 weeks, my skin seemed brighter. Noticeable benefit seemed to stop here, however. I continued use for a total of 4 months.

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Other than some brightness and oil reduction/balance, my skin didn’t really feel or look different or improved, with no reduction to the hyperpigmentation, texture, fine lines or blackheads in particular. I would not repurchase.

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