The Story of Kombucha

Harnessing the power of natural ingredients to create sensorial skincare products that are as effective as they are indulgent – that's what our mission is at fresh. Our founders, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, have always been fascinated by the healing properties of ingredients found in nature. From using sugar as a remedy for scrapes during childhood to discovering the benefits of fermentation on skin, nature is the leading inspiration in all the collections found in our stores today.

In line with this philosophy, we are committed to responsible sourcing. We strive to find the highest quality ingredients from all over the world while respecting biodiversity and preserving the environment. This is evident in the making of our potent kombucha, which is made with carefully sourced black tea.

What is kombucha?

Kombucha – a wonderful brew you may have tasted – is a type of fermented black tea, bursting with natural acids and vitamins. Its roots trace back to ancient times when it was known across Asia and Russia as the "immortal elixir" – a drink famed for its energy-boosting and detoxifying abilities. The magic lies in fermentation, a process that reinforces cells and shields them from damage due to environmental stressors. Now imagine this process applied to skincare. Fermented, the tea is modified at a molecular level, making it bond better with our skin. So, the already potent tea becomes even more effective at keeping your skin soft, enhancing its glow, and warding off harm from environmental pollution and blue light.

Fresh's kombucha range – which includes a collection of best-selling skincare and bodycare products – has levelled up its antioxidant protection with a double fermentation process that yields small antioxidant molecules for even easier absorption.

The inspiration

“I started drinking kombucha and became so infatuated with the power of fermentation – how it made me feel energised and detoxified – that I wanted to highlight its potential on the skin,” says fresh co-founder Lev Glazman, who has always had an obsession with this fermented black tea. Fresh then went on to conduct extensive research on the antioxidant properties of the ingredient and its ability to protect and revive healthy-looking skin.

Our sourcing

Nicknamed the Golden Buds of Nepal, fresh’s fair-trade certified tea is sourced directly from the Himalayan mountains in a remote area near Ranitar, Panchthar, right at the foothills of mighty Mount Kanchanjangha. The area's tropical climate and rich biodiversity make it the perfect nursery for these precious tea buds. Local farmers handpick these golden nuggets four times a year, ensuring we get only the best.

This isn't just about making a great cup of tea, though. We've partnered with the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), a commendable nonprofit association globally recognised for promoting ethical ingredient sourcing from biodiversity. Since 2020, fresh has been collaborating with UEBT to enhance the sourcing and selection process of our star ingredients. It involves thoroughly examining our local suppliers and the areas where we collect or cultivate our ingredients, all verified to meet UEBT's standards.

And guess what? We're only getting started! Our work with the Golden Buds of Nepal, among other ingredients, is just the stepping stone. We're committed to continue innovating and evolving our sourcing methods, always with a deep respect for our planet and its people.