The Signature Essence
The Signature Essence
Product Description
Product overview
A revolutionary double-fermented facial treatment essence packed with pre-, pro-, and postbiotic ingredients. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula features Galactomyces, Red Ginseng, Centella Asiatica, Kombucha, and peptides to brighten skin, restore moisture barrier, and support healthy skin microbiome for a luminous, even-toned complexion.
Double Fermentation Technology
Two-step fermentation breaks down ingredients into smaller, more bioavailable molecules for deeper absorption and enhanced potency compared to single-fermented essences.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDouble Fermentation Technology
Two-step fermentation breaks down ingredients into smaller, more bioavailable molecules for deeper absorption and enhanced potency compared to single-fermented essences.
Holistic Biotic Complex
Complete pre-, pro-, and postbiotic system that stabilises the skin microbiome, strengthens the moisture barrier, and supports natural skin defence.
7 Fermented Botanicals
Red Ginseng, Centella Asiatica, Rye Flour, Soy, Kombucha (Black Tea), Red Algae, and Reishi mushroom work in synergy for multi-dimensional skin renewal.
Multi-Discoloration Targeting
Addresses brownish, greyish, yellowish, reddish, and bluish discolorations with Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, and Acetyl Glucosamine for comprehensive tone correction.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains multiple fermented ingredients (Galactomyces, Saccharomyces, Lactobacillus ferments) and Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane that may feed malassezia yeast. Avoid if you are prone to fungal acne.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with no heavy pore-clogging ingredients. Very unlikely to cause breakouts for most skin types.
Free from fragrances, harsh alcohols, parabens, allergens, and sulfates. pH 5.0–5.6 matches the skin's natural acid mantle. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Can be safely layered with retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs, and BHAs. Apply the essence first as a hydrating base before stronger actives.
Contains Lactobacillus/Soybean Extract Ferment Filtrate and Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment. While fermentation typically breaks down allergenic proteins, those with severe soy or gluten allergies may want to patch test first.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGalactomyces Ferment FiltrateProven
The star ingredient and first in the INCI list. A yeast-derived ferment filtrate rich in over 50 micronutrients including amino acids, vitamins, and organic acids. The same family as SK-II's legendary Pitera, but enhanced through double fermentation for greater potency.
- Mechanism: Boosts natural moisturizing factors (NMF) by promoting filaggrin production, strengthening the skin barrier against allergens and moisture loss
- Studies: Research shows GFF improves skin hydration, regulates sebum production, and provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced inflammation
- Brightening: Helps regulate melanin production and keratin turnover for a more even, luminous complexion
Bifida Ferment LysateProven
A postbiotic powerhouse obtained from bifidobacterium fermentation. Widely studied for its ability to repair skin barrier damage, reduce sensitivity, and protect against environmental aggressors.
- Barrier Repair: Strengthens the skin's natural defence by supporting lipid barrier function and increasing ceramide production
- Anti-Aging: Clinical studies demonstrate improvement in fine lines, firmness, and overall skin radiance with regular use
- Protection: Provides antioxidant defence and helps skin recover from UV damage and pollution stress
Saccharomyces/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment FiltratePromising
Red Ginseng fermented with Saccharomyces yeast. Double fermentation amplifies the concentration of ginsenosides — the key bioactive compounds in ginseng known for their anti-aging and revitalising properties.
- Anti-Aging: Ginsenosides stimulate collagen synthesis and inhibit enzymes that break down collagen and elastin
- Antioxidant: Potent free radical scavenger that helps combat oxidative stress from UV exposure and pollution
- Cell Renewal: Promotes skin cell turnover for improved texture, firmness, and radiance
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)Proven
One of the most stable and effective vitamin C derivatives available. Oil- and water-soluble, it delivers the brightening and antioxidant benefits of pure vitamin C without the instability and irritation.
- Stability: Far more stable than L-ascorbic acid — does not oxidise or turn brown quickly, maintaining efficacy throughout the product's shelf life
- Brightening: Studies confirm it inhibits melanin synthesis and fades dark spots visibly after 8 weeks of daily use
- Collagen: Once absorbed, it converts to pure vitamin C in the skin and stimulates collagen synthesis for firmer skin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)Promising
Known as a "topical Botox alternative," this peptide relaxes micro-muscle movements to help soften expression lines. Complemented by Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 and SH-Polypeptide-121 for a comprehensive peptide complex.
- Mechanism: Reduces the release of neurotransmitters that trigger muscle contraction, helping to diminish the appearance of dynamic wrinkles
- Collagen Support: May also promote collagen production and improve skin firmness and hydration over time
- Clinical Data: Studies show visible reduction in wrinkle depth after 28 days of consistent use at effective concentrations
Dual Hyaluronic Acid ComplexProven
Contains both Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate (ultra-low molecular weight) and Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate (super HA) for multi-layer hydration that penetrates deeper and lasts longer than standard HA.
- Deep Hydration: Hydrolyzed HA's tiny molecular size allows penetration into deeper skin layers for plumping from within
- Long-Lasting: Acetylated HA binds more firmly to skin than regular HA, providing sustained moisture retention even after washing
- Barrier Support: Combined with Glycerin, Xylitol, Sorbitol, and Glucomannan for comprehensive, multi-mechanism hydration
GlutathionePromising
The body's master antioxidant, included here for its dual role in brightening and protecting. It inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme responsible for melanin production) while neutralising free radicals at the cellular level.
- Brightening: Helps shift melanin production from darker eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin, contributing to a more luminous skin tone
- Antioxidant: Neutralises reactive oxygen species and regenerates other antioxidants like vitamins C and E
35 ingredients
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment, Lactobacillus/Soybean Extract Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Ganoderma Lucidum Extract/Lentinus Edodes Extract Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Lactobacillus/Algae Extract Ferment, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glucomannan, Sorbitol, Xylitol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glutathione, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, SH-Polypeptide-121, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Citrate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening after toner, before serums. Can be layered 2–3 times for extra hydration. Pairs well with Skinmade Niacinamide + Allantoin Serum and Antioxidants + Prebiotic Oats Barrier Repair Moisturiser.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense
Pour a few drops of The Signature Essence into the palms of your hands and gently rub them together to warm the product.
Press & Pat
Gently press your palms onto both cheeks first, then forehead and chin. Pat the entire face until the essence is fully absorbed into the skin.
Extend to Neck (Optional)
Add a couple more drops and apply to your neck and chest area for additional benefits. Pat gently until absorbed.
Layer & Continue
For extra hydration, layer 2–3 applications. Once absorbed, follow with your serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen (AM).
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want to brighten dull, uneven skin tone
- You need a lightweight, layerable hydration step
- You want to strengthen and support your skin barrier
- You are interested in microbiome-friendly skincare
- You love fermented essence formulas (like SK-II) but want a more affordable option
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe brightening products
- You want anti-aging benefits without harsh actives
Consider alternatives if:
- You have diagnosed fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) — fermented ingredients may aggravate it
- You prefer thick, cream-textured products — this is very watery and lightweight
- You have severe soy or gluten allergies (contains soy and rye ferments)
- You need heavy-duty moisturisation as a standalone — this works best layered under a moisturiser
- You are looking for a strong exfoliating product — this is gentle and non-exfoliating
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESWater-like consistency absorbs instantly without adding shine or greasiness. Oil-free formula helps balance sebum production through Galactomyces ferment.
Provides solid hydration through dual HA complex, Glycerin, Xylitol, and Sorbitol. Layer multiple times for extra moisture, but will still need a richer moisturiser on top.
Lightweight enough for oily zones while delivering enough hydration for dry patches. Balances well across different face zones without heaviness.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, allergen-free with a skin-matched pH of 5.0–5.6. Centella Asiatica and Bifida Ferment Lysate help soothe. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free, which is great. However, if your acne is fungal (malassezia), avoid this product. For bacterial acne, the fermented ingredients and low comedogenic profile make it suitable.
Results timeline
WEEK 5–8Immediate Softness & Glow
Skin feels noticeably softer and more hydrated. A healthy, dewy glow appears right away as the lightweight essence plumps and smooths the skin surface.
83% agree skin is softerEnhanced Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels consistently hydrated and less tight throughout the day. The moisture barrier begins to strengthen, and skin appears healthier and more resilient.
75% agree hydration is long-lastingTexture & Tone Improvement
Visible improvements in skin texture as cell renewal accelerates. Complexion looks more even and less dull. Fine lines begin to appear softer.
87% agree skin texture has improvedRadiance & Firmness
Significant brightness and radiance improvement. Skin looks firmer and more youthful. Discolorations and dark spots appear lighter with consistent use.
82% agree brightness & radiance improvedRatings by platform
800+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptionally lightweight and fast-absorbing — feels like water on the skin
- Visible glow and hydration improvement from first use
- Impressive clean formula: free from fragrance, parabens, alcohol, oils, and silicones
- Double fermentation delivers more potent bioactives than standard essences
- Complete pre/pro/postbiotic complex for microbiome health
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Generous 120ml size at an affordable price point compared to SK-II
- Can be layered multiple times without pilling or heaviness
- Contains 3 peptides, vitamin C, glutathione, and dual HA
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe due to heavy fermented ingredient content
- May feel too light for very dry skin types when used alone
- Limited global availability — mainly sold in Southeast Asian markets
- Results take 4–8 weeks to become significant for brightening
- Contains Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane (a synthetic silicone derivative)
- Lacks niacinamide which many competing essences include
- Soy and rye ferments may concern those with related allergies
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains 95% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate with Niacinamide and Panthenol. Simpler formula without the multi-botanical ferment complex, peptides, or vitamin C. Similar brightening effect but lacks the microbiome-focused approach. Slightly thicker gel texture vs. Skinmade's watery feel.
Uses Yeast Ferment Extract and Bifida Ferment Lysate similar to Skinmade. Includes Niacinamide and Ceramide NP for barrier support. Does not have the double-fermented botanical complex, peptides, or vitamin C. Available in 150ml size. Popular K-beauty alternative.
Contains 94% Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate with Niacinamide, Glycerin, and Adenosine. Very affordable entry-level fermented essence. Lacks the multi-ferment botanical complex, peptides, vitamin C, and biotic ingredients that make Skinmade's formula more advanced.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
24 MONTHS24 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required, but refrigerating can enhance the cooling sensation during application.
Frosted glass bottle with a screw cap — protects the formula from light degradation and maintains ingredient potency.
No — 120ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit. A 30ml travel size is available separately.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The Signature Essence does not contain any ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreen filters. It is rated as pregnancy-friendly by ingredient analysis platforms like Picky. However, as with any skincare product, consult your doctor if you have specific concerns.
No. This essence contains multiple fermented ingredients (Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces Lysate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, and others) that can potentially feed the malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. It also contains Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane. If you have diagnosed fungal acne or are prone to it, this product is not recommended.
Yes. The Signature Essence has a gentle, hydrating formula that works well alongside other active ingredients. Apply it first as a hydrating base, then layer your retinol, vitamin C serum, AHA, or BHA on top. It already contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (a stable vitamin C), so it can complement additional vitamin C products without conflict. If using retinol, apply the essence first to buffer and hydrate the skin.
The Signature Essence works best for oily, combination, and normal skin types due to its ultra-lightweight, watery texture that absorbs instantly without residue. It is also suitable for dry and sensitive skin but may need to be layered multiple times or paired with a richer moisturiser. The brand recommends it for all skin types and it is formulated for both AM and PM use.
Based on consumer tests conducted by the brand: 83% of users noticed softer, glowing skin after the first application. After 28 days of daily use, 87% reported improved skin texture and 83% saw a more even complexion. After 56 days, 82% experienced improved brightness and radiance, and 81% reported firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Individual results may vary depending on skin condition and consistency of use.
Apply The Signature Essence as Step 3 in your routine: after cleansing and toning, but before serums, moisturisers, and sunscreen. This positions it to prep and hydrate the skin, enhancing the absorption and effectiveness of subsequent products. It can be used both morning and evening.
The Signature Essence has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. It is oil-free, silicone-free (except for Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane at the very end of the ingredient list), and contains no heavy emollients or waxes. The lightweight, watery texture is very unlikely to cause breakouts. However, as with all skincare, individual reactions can vary.
The Signature Essence has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 24 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain potency. The frosted glass bottle helps protect the formula from light degradation. At typical usage of twice daily, the 120ml bottle should last approximately 2–3 months.
Verdict: The Skinmade Signature Essence is an impressively formulated double-fermented essence that delivers far more actives than its price point suggests. With 7 fermented botanicals, a complete pre/pro/postbiotic complex, 3 peptides, stable vitamin C, glutathione, and dual hyaluronic acid — all in a clean, fragrance-free, oil-free formula — it offers serious competition to luxury essences at a fraction of the cost. The lightweight, watery texture makes it effortless to layer and suitable for most skin types. Its main limitation is that it is not fungal acne safe, which rules it out for a significant segment of acne-prone users. If your skin tolerates fermented ingredients well, this essence is an outstanding value for brightening, hydrating, and supporting overall skin health.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|






