SETHIC introduces ILLUMETA, a multi-fungi fermentation of premium Koshihikari brown rice that provides dual action on skin tone and texture for a ‘glass skin glow.’ ILLUMETA is generated via SETHIC’s multi-strain co-culture fermentation — this produces Super-Metabiotics that boast 1,000+ identified metabolites per active cosmetic ingredient.
SETHIC is redefining the relationship between beauty and health with a new-category of cosmetic active ingredients called Super-Metabiotics. These complex metabolite systems, which are produced through proprietary co-culture fermentation technology, embody SETHIC’s core mission statement, that ‘Longevity Starts at the Frontlines.’
New ingredient
At in-cosmetics Global 2026 in Paris (April 14-16), SETHIC globally launched ILLUMETA (INCI: Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Aspergillus Ferment). This Super-Metabiotic is designed to deliver a ‘glass skin glow’ through simultaneous improvement of skin tone and texture.
ILLUMETA is produced through multi-fungi fermentation of premium Koshihikari brown rice, enhanced by SETHIC’s patented musical vibration technology. The result is a complex of over 1,000 active metabolites acting on 516 biological targets, as mapped by AI-powered network pharmacology.
Unlike conventional brightening agents that inhibit melanin synthesis, ILLUMETA works post-melanogenesis: it activates melanophagy (autophagic clearance of existing melanin), prevents melanin leakage into the dermis through dermal-epidermal junction repair, and reduces lipofuscin accumulation. This dual action on tone and texture produces the optical harmony perceived as ‘glow.’
Clinical testing (13 studies: 8 in-vitro, 2 ex-vivo, 3 in-vivo) demonstrates that 2% ILLUMETA increases skin glossiness by 28% and reduces melanin index by 14% after 8 weeks — outperforming 0.1% butylresorcinol (a gold-standard brightening agent) on key parameters.