Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Black Tea Ferment (Kombucha) – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
The clinical efficacy of Black Tea Ferment (Kombucha) in 2026 is defined by the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) transformation process. While standard Black Tea Extract provides polyphenols, the fermentation process introduces Glucuronic Acid and Usnic Acid—metabolites that are not present in the raw leaf. These postbiotics work as a "topographical refiner," smoothing the microscopic ridges of the skin to enhance light reflection (the source of the "Kombucha Glow"). Furthermore, the fermentation increases the concentration of B-vitamins, particularly B12, which supports the skin’s metabolic energy. In modern dermatology, Kombucha is categorized as an "Anti-Glycation Resilience Factor," specifically designed to prevent the cross-linking of sugars that lead to a "yellowed," dull complexion in urban environments.