REVIEW | Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence

This is definitely a product that doesn’t need any introductions in the K-Beauty world as this is one of the highly raved essence that has somehow maintained a cult status among K-Beauty users. This Real Ferment Micro Essence is also one of the reasons the brand Neogen is widely known and adored by skincare enthusiasts.

Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence is a hydrating essence that delivers benefits of moisturizing, brightening, and skin-plumping to the skin.

𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Betula Alba Juice, Rice Ferment Filtrate, Aspergillus Ferment, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Water, Betaine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trehalose, Lactobacillus, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Trideceth-10, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tropolone, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Coptis Japonica Extract, Arginine, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Niacinamide, Dextrin, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Phenoxyethanol, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine

This essence is formulated with more than 93% of micro bio fermented complex including Bfida ferment lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Betula Alba Juice, Rice Ferment Filtrate and Aspergillis ferment. These goodies help plump, brighten, and moisturise skin. Other than these, it also contains niacinamide which is an anti-acne and brightening ingredient. It also has antioxidant and soothing ingredients such as green tea extract, adenosine, sodium hyaluronate, and allantoin. I am also glad that this is free from alcohol, fragrance, and essential oil.

𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 and 𝗦𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹

I can’t detect any smell from this essence as it is fragrance-free. The texture is very lightweight and runny. It feels almost like water. Even though it is an essence, it definitely feels thinner than toner, which is why I use it before applying toner (more about this below).

I love how it absorbs instantly and completely, making it comfortable to put on other products later and doesn’t drag the routine.

This essence is not viscous at all for me. When it absorbs it deos not feel sticky or greasy at all, and it has no slip and no filmy residue. In short, this is a great texture for after-cleansing application.

How to Use

I use this twice a day, immediately after cleansing as per instructed by Neogen.

I love applying it with hands and not cotton pad, and I use it before I apply my toner as most of my toners are more viscous than this essence. Besides, this absorbs into the skin quickly too so I have no issue with the sequence. However, I have read about some people using it after toner. I think that would be the case if the toner is super super lightweight and less viscous than this one? Well I think you should experiment with both to see what fits your skin best.

𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚

First of all, I fell in love with the texture, as you can see above on the texture section. The texture makes it slots into my routine nicely without any hassle and worry. I appreciate how easy and no-fuss this product is which really appeals to my skincare routine and daily preference. I love how lightweight it is, making it a great product to layer with. It also sinks in completely without any residue so it makes application of other products later in the routine feels like a breeze. Skin also feels more plump than usual.

After using this Neogen Dermalogy Real Ferment Micro Essence for two weeks, I can see why Neogen really takes pride in this essence. My skin shows positive effects in only two days as my face feels more moisturised and there are less occasions where my skin feels dry or tight. Usually after a night of leave-on glycolic acid treatment, I would wake up with quite a tight feeling especially on the cheeks (plus I sleep in an air-conditioned room so yeah) but patting this on first right after cleansing and before applying the glycolic acid helps remove the slight tight feeling the morning after a leave-on glycolic treatment.

Other than the plumpness and moisturising effect, this also feels soothing. I guess fermented ingredients really go well with my skin. Besides, when I apply this essence in more than two layers it makes skin quite bouncy. I experience no itchiness or redness or breakouts or any bad reaction to this. I really can’t seem to find any weakness in the essence. When I really nitpick, I’d say that perhaps the packaging that’s made from glass make it not that travel friendly.