Pseudoalteromonas Ferment

A natural history

This remarkable ingredient is born in one of the coldest places on earth, the icy seas around Antarctica. There live tiny, hardy bacteria called Pseudoalteromonas, and to survive the freezing water they wrap themselves in a protective, water loving glycoprotein, an almost antifreeze like shield that keeps their cells safe from the cold.

It is that protective glycoprotein that skin care borrows. Rather than harvest anything from the sea, the bacteria are grown by gentle fermentation, the modern, sustainable route by which a deep ocean molecule reaches a beauty formula. From the bottom of the world comes a marvel of marine biotechnology, prized for helping skin hold moisture and look plumped and cushioned.

What it does for your skin

Pseudoalteromonas ferment yields a water loving marine glycoprotein. In laboratory study, an exopolysaccharide from an Antarctic Pseudoalteromonas gently protected human skin cells through cold stress, a sign of its cushioning, protective character.^[1] A related marine glycoprotein proved water binding, film forming, antioxidant, and well tolerated by human skin cells in testing.^[2] In a formula it is a hydrating, soothing marine ingredient that helps skin look plumped, smooth, and comfortable. The evidence so far is early and laboratory based.

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