What does Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate do for skin?

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate is a fermented used in K-beauty for Brightens, Hydrates, Refines texture. SK-II's Pitera. A yeast-ferment essence with 40 years of cult status and real but modest clinical data.

Is Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate safe during pregnancy?

There is limited safety data on Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate during pregnancy. Exercise caution and consult your healthcare provider before use.

What skin types is Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate best for?

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate is particularly well-suited to combination, normal, mature, oily skin.

What ingredients pair well with Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate?

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate layers well with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, rice ferment, sakura. These combinations are common in K-beauty routines and have no known negative interactions.

How strong is the evidence for Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate?

We rate the clinical evidence for Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate at 3/5 — moderate. As the water phase in essences (up to 90%) or as an active (1–10%).

fermentedWell-Known

Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate

Also known as: Pitera, SK-II Pitera

3/5— Moderate Evidence

Medically reviewed by ChokChok · Updated April 15, 2026

SK-II's Pitera. A yeast-ferment essence with 40 years of cult status and real but modest clinical data.

What It Does

BrightensHydratesRefines textureBalances sebum

Deep Dive

Galactomyces is a yeast used in sake fermentation; its filtered metabolic byproducts form the basis of SK-II's proprietary "Pitera". Published evidence supports modest improvements in skin texture, hydration, and pore appearance. Widely dupe-able — any galactomyces ferment filtrate at 90% concentration delivers the core benefit. COSRX's Galactomyces 95 is the well-known K-beauty alternative.