What is sake lees and what are its skincare benefits

Posted by Jbeauty Collection on September 30, 2022

What is sake lees and how is it different from sake?

Sake lees or sake kasu is a byproduct from the Japanese sake making process. Different from the rice wine itself, sake lees is the leftover material that is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins but usually gets less attention than its liquid counterpart. Sake production usually begins by fermenting rice with the fungus koji. Koji releases enzymes that break down the rice starch into sugar, and with the help of yeast, the rice sugars are converted into alcohol within roughly 4 weeks. At the end, the fermented mixture or moromi is pressed out to extract the liquid sake portion, and the remaining solid residue is known as sake lees.

Sake lees in Japanese cuisine

Although sake lees can be discarded, the Japanese mottainai culture encourages not wasting the precious gifts of nature, and as a result, traditional Japanese cuisine features sake kasu as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. Amazake is a sweet fermented rice drink that often utilizes sake kasu as a base. It is often consumed as a supplement for beautiful skin, hair, and a healthy gut. Kasujiru is a winter miso soup made of salmon and vegetables, that features sake kasu in its broth. Sake kasu marinade is also a popular choice when pickling fish, meat, and vegetables. You can even find sake lees baked into breads and mixed in with ice cream, amongst other experimental ways to enjoy the nutrient dense food!

Skincare benefits of sake lees

Brightening

The Vitamin E, arbutin, and ferulic acid content found in sake kasu together work to combat hyperpigmentation and prevent the formation of age spots, sun spots, and skin inflammation, which makes sake lees one of the popular ingredients for Japanese brightening products.

Softening and soothing

Sake lees is the friend of sensitive skin, and it is known for its ability to help soothe skin conditions like eczema and acne.

Rejuvenating

Sake lees is well-known for its powerful anti-aging benefits. Its high Vitamin B content is said to help accelerate skin cell turnover, rejuvenating the skin and slowing down premature aging. Antioxidant ferulic acid also helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, minimize the formation of fine lines and enhance the skin’s firmness.

Moisturizing

Much like hyaluronic acid, the sugar compounds found in fermented rice act as emollients that increase skin cell water retention for plump and elastic skin. Linoleic acid also helps to fortify the skin barrier so that it can hold on to moisture and defend the skin from outside irritants.

Where can I find sake lees skincare products?

Despite the myriad known beauty and health benefits of sake lees and attempts to include it in Japanese cuisine, every year a big percentage of sake lees is tossed out as industrial waste and never gets repurposed. Simply by incorporating sake lees into your beauty routine, you are playing a part in helping minimize food waste. Japanese beauty brand EDOBIO is taking great strides to make the most of this powerful ingredient. The brand has developed a special form of sake lees, which promotes higher performing hydration, brightening, and texture balancing properties of the ingredient. Check out EDOBIO’s Radiance Booster Mask, Fresh Balancing Toner, Intensive Hydration Serum, and Masu Soap, all of which harness the power of sake lees.