Su:m37°

Water-full line

Su:m37°’s “Water-full” line (워터-풀) is a skincare line designed to deliver intense hydration while soothing and rebalancing the skin’s natural microbiome.

Disclaimer: I personally translated the majority of facts and contents in this article from original Korean sources, so I kindly ask you to credit my work if you’re planning to use any of the information included in this guide.

Recommended for:

Dehydrated skin
Irritated or redness-prone skin
Early signs of aging
Weak or disrupted skin barrier

Main Ingredients

“Water-full” is a skincare line that offers a multi-step hydrating action known as “Triple Dive Effect“. This comprehensive approach is designed to effectively deliver and retain hydration deep within the skin.

Step 1: Charge. Rapidly replenishes skin with deep hydration.
Step 2: Lock. Effectively seals in the hydration deep within the skin to protect it from drying out.
Step 3: Keep. Ensures your skin remains well-hydrated for a long time.

Su:m37°’s “Water-full” is powered by Marine Hyalurotics™, a proprietary blend that combines marine probiotics (fermented lysate of marine lactic acid bacteria) and six types of fermented hyaluronic acid to deliver deep hydration while supporting and soothing the skin.

• Marine Probiotics (NIFSLG-1)

Su:m37º initially introduced Marine Probiotics under the name “Bluemune” in 2021², highlighting it as the key ingredient of the now-discontinued “Water-full Bluemune Essence.” Recognising the potential of this ingredient, in 2024 Su:m37º made the decision to relaunch their “Water-full” line and incorporate Marine Probiotics into all products within the range,

Marine Probiotics is a novel strain of Lactobacillus pentosus, designated as NIFSLG-1. The strain was discovered through extensive and targeted research on marine flora, carried out by researchers from LG Household & Healthcare in collaboration with the National Institute of Fisheries Science (국립수산과학원). Following its identification, the strain was jointly patented in South Korea (Patent No. 10-2244492) and officially deposited at the Korea Collection for Type Cultures (KCTC) under the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), with the deposit number KCCM12780P.

strain identification:

The discovery of Marine Probiotics (NIFSLG-1) began with the collection of samples from the pristine seawater and seabed sediments around Dokdo Island. This region was chosen because of its unique and uncontaminated environmental conditions, which are thought to harbour a diverse array of potentially novel microbial life.

The collected samples were cultured on Lactobacillus MRS agar plates, a medium specifically designed to support the growth of lactic acid bacteria like Lactobacillus species. The plates were incubated at 22°C for 48 hours, allowing the bacteria to multiply and produce a variety of metabolites.

Sum37° - Water-full line Marine Probiotics

After incubation, 67 distinct bacterial colonies with unique morphological characteristics were isolated from the plates. The isolated strains were subsequently screened for their antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic bacteria, including those responsible for skin infections, fish diseases, and food poisoning. Among these strains, one, in particular, stood out for its exceptionally strong antimicrobial properties. This strain was designated as NIFSLG-1.

Through 16S rDNA sequencing, a method commonly used to determine bacterial taxonomy based on genetic sequences, the NIFSLG-1 strain was identified as belonging to the species Lactobacillus pentosus. Lactobacillus pentosus is a probiotic species within the Lactobacillus genus that plays a key role in the fermentation of various foods. It is known for its ability to ferment pentoses (five-carbon sugars), leading to the production of beneficial byproducts like short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid.

strain processing:

Following the fermentation and identification of the NIFSLG-1 strain, the bacterial cells underwent a lysis process. In biology, “lysis” refers to the breakdown of a cell, resulting in the release of proteins, enzymes, and various intracellular materials into the surrounding environment.

To isolate the active substances produced by the Lactobacillus pentosus NIFSLG-1 strain, the bacterial cells were separated from the liquid culture medium through a centrifugation process, This process, involving 288,000 high-speed rotations, mimics the dynamic ocean environment, and effectively separates the solid cell mass (pellet) from the liquid culture medium (supernatant).

The supernatant, containing the bioactive compounds produced during fermentation, was then collected. This supernatant is referred to as the “lysate” because it contains the cellular contents that were released after the bacterial cells were broken down during the lysis process. The lysate was subsequently concentrated tenfold to increase the concentration of its active substances, which were then tested for their antimicrobial activity and other beneficial properties¹.

Benefits of marine probiotics:

Marine Probiotics (NIFSLG-1) offers a wide array of benefits for the skin:

Antimicrobial Activity: The strain exhibits strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium known to cause various skin infections, including acne and dermatitis.
Probiotic and Prebiotic Properties: The strain promotes the growth of beneficial skin bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, a beneficial skin bacteria that plays a key role in skin’s natural defence mechanisms), while inhibiting harmful bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), contributing to a balanced and healthy skin microbiome.
Enhanced Hyaluronic Acid Production: The strain enhances the production of Hyaluronic Acid in human keratinocytes, leading to improved skin hydration, elasticity, and overall health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The strain was shown to inhibit the production of Nitric Oxide in mouse macrophage cells. Excessive Nitric Oxide production is associated with inflammation, and its inhibition suggests that the strain has anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin Brightening: The strain was shown to inhibit melanin synthesis in MNT-1 melanoma cells, contributing to a more even and radiant complexion.
Anti-Aging Properties: significantly increase collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

• Fermented Hyaluronic Acid

Besides Marine Probiotics, Marine Hyalurotics™ includes six types of fermented Hyaluronic Acid to deliver deep and thorough hydration to the skin. Developed through a sustainable fermentation process, these six variants of Hyaluronic Acid are derived from microbial fermentation, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional animal-based Hyaluronic Acid.

Each type of fermented Hyaluronic Acid plays a distinct role in enhancing skin hydration:

High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (approximately 1,800 kDa): This ingredient forms a strong hydrating barrier that effectively prevents the skin from losing hydration.
Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient provides skin with long-lasting hydration. Cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid is formed when linear Hyaluronic Acid molecules are chemically bonded to create a dense, stable, three-dimensional network. This process results in Hyaluronic Acid macromolecules that are more resistant to degradation, providing enhanced efficacy and a longer-lasting hydrating effect.
Skin-fitting Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient adheres firmly and seamlessly to the skin, ensuring it remains well-hydrated for a long time.
Ultra-low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (from 0.5 to 10.1 kDa): This ingredient penetrates deep into the skin, providing thorough hydration.

[The information above is based solely on the characteristics of the raw ingredients].

Products

Click on a product to learn more about its features

Water-full Amino Foam Cleanser

Water-full Refreshing Toner

Water-full Marine Relief Ampoule Essence

Water-full Rebalancing Emulsion

Water-full Marine Relief Gel Cream

Water-full Hydrating Gel Mist

Water-full Marine Relief Gel Mask 3 Step Kit

Water-full Mesh Cushion Glow SPF50+/PA+++

Water-full CC Cushion Perfect Finish SPF50+/PA+++

• Recommended order of use

Water-full Amino Foam Cleanser
Water-full Refreshing Toner
Water-full Marine Relief Ampoule Essence
Water-full Marine Relief Gel Mask 3 Step Kit
Water-full Rebalancing Emulsion
Water-full Marine Relief Gel Cream
Water-full Hydrating Gel Mist [Use the product as needed, whenever your skin feels dry.]

Shop the line

• International retailers

• South Korean retailers

Make sure to check out the Discount & Coupons page to access exclusive offers for major Korean skincare retailers.

Notes

1. National Fisheries Research & Development Institute & LG Household & Health Care Ltd. (2021). New Lactobacillus strain and its uses (Korean Patent No. 10-2244492). Korean Intellectual Property Office.
2. LG Communication Center. (2021, February 16). LG생활건강, 숨37° 워터-풀 블루뮨 에센스 출시.

Source: LG Household & Health Care unless otherwise stated.
Words, Visuals: © 2024 Odile Monod unless otherwise stated.
You may not reproduce the above translation for commercial purposes without the express written consent of the translator.

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