Yeast Extract Benefits
- Contains skin supportive beta glucans
- Provides antioxidant enzyme activity
- Supplies natural moisturizing factor components
- Supports environmentally stressed skin
Yeast Extract Description
Yeast extract comes from the inside and outer walls of baker's and brewer's yeast, and it is naturally rich in beta glucans, amino acids, minerals, B vitamins, and antioxidant enzymes. The beta glucans in it can help support the skin barrier and have been shown to calm and balance the skin's surface defenses, while the amino acids and minerals act as natural moisture holding components, similar to what skin already makes on its own.
Lab studies have found real antioxidant and UV protective activity in skin cells treated with a specially stressed strain of yeast extract, and a human skin study on finished formulas containing yeast extract and vitamins measured a visible improvement in skin appearance.
One thing worth knowing is that yeast extract is not one single standardized ingredient. Its beta glucan content and antioxidant strength can vary quite a bit depending on the manufacturer and how it was extracted, so results from one specific branded version will not necessarily match every product that simply lists yeast extract on its label.
Yeast Extract References
A novel yeast extract from a multi stress resistant Saccharomyces cerevisiae confers potent antioxidant and UV protective activities to skin cells, 2025
Evaluation of dermatological effects of cosmetic formulations containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract and vitamins, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008
Written by Elle Layne
Ingredient Ratings
Our team reviews ingredient research and uses up-to-date evidence to rate ingredients based on the categories below.
Best
Ingredients with the most rigorous and convincing evidence. These are the standouts backed by consistent findings across independent, peer reviewed clinical research.. When we call an ingredient Best, it has earned that distinction through genuine, reproducible proof that it improves skin.
Good
Reliable, well tolerated ingredients that do their job without complaint. They may not carry the headline benefits of a Best rated active, but they hydrate, stabilize a formula, or support the ingredients around them in ways that make a real difference in how a product performs and feels.
Average
Ingredients that are perfectly safe and serve a clear function, typically as an emollient, thickener, or filler, but do not offer any meaningful skin benefit beyond that basic job. Not a red flag, just not a reason to choose one product over another.
Bad/Worst
Ingredients with documented potential to irritate skin, disrupt the barrier, or trigger sensitization in some users, often synthetic fragrance, drying forms of alcohol, or certain essential oils. Not automatically a dealbreaker for every skin type, but worth knowing about before you commit to a product.