This is my detailed AMPERNA skincare range review for my combination and acne-prone skin.
If you’re new to the brand, AMPERNA is a woman-owned, postbiotic skincare line that was created by founder Kiri Yanchenko to address her own skin’s sensitivity and reactions.
Kiri also shares about her past journey through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), which helped shape the brand’s barrier first, low-irritation approach to skincare.
Personally, as someone with combination and acne-prone skin, I have to be incredibly selective with what products end up making it into my permanent routine.
I have been fortunate enough to have been able to try most of the products from the range, and I have compiled my thoughts here.
What is Postbiotic Skincare, And Why Does AMPERNA Focus on it?
Postbiotic skincare is one of the most searched skincare trends for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
The hero ingredient in AMPERNA’s range is the postbiotic Lactococcus Ferment Lysate which helps strengthen the skin barrier, which in turn means skin is better at holding onto moisture and protecting itself from environmental stressors.
Probiotics vs Prebiotics vs Postbiotics
Here are some of the terms you’ll see in skincare often, including in the products in the AMPERNA range:
- Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria or yeasts. In skincare, they’re often referenced in the context of supporting a healthy skin microbiome, but because live bacteria can be unstable in skincare formulas, they’re not always practical or suitable for sensitive skin.
- Prebiotics are the nutrients [or food] that feed and support beneficial microorganisms that help your skin function the best it can. Rather than adding bacteria to the skin, prebiotics help create an environment where the skin’s existing good bacteria can thrive, supporting balance and resilience.
- Postbiotics are the beneficial by-products released by prebiotics after fermentation. These by-products are what actually interact with the skin. In skincare, postbiotics are extra fantastic because they deliver many of the calming, barrier-supporting benefits associated with probiotics, without the instability or irritation risk of live organisms.
AMPERNA Skincare Range Review
I’ve included my thoughts on most of the AMPERNA range, including facial skincare, body, and hair products I’ve personally used and enjoyed.
AMPERNA [BALANCE] Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser, $49.00
I have the kind of skin that needs more than just water as a cleanser in the morning, and this cleanser is the perfect gentle option.
It’s sulphate-free so it won’t lather all that much, but it’s still thorough and effective. The texture is a thick gel that thins when mixed with water.
Like most AMPERNA products, you’re able to get the Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser including 30ml, 125ml, and 250ml.
Ingredient highlights in the [BALANCE] Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser include:
- Canadian Willowherb Extract helps rebalance reactive or easily irritated skin and supports a calmer complexion.
- White Willow Bark Extract gently clarifies and smooths the skin without the stripping effect of harsher exfoliants.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) works to deeply hydrate and soften the skin, helping maintain comfort even during cleansing.
- Betaine, Allantoin, and Glycerine provide hydration and soothing support by drawing moisture into the skin during the cleansing process.
- Cucumber Fruit Extract, Cucumber Oil, and Sage Oil help cool, refresh, and soothe the skin without leaving it tight or dry.
AMPERNA [HYDRATE] Lightweight Soothing Emulsion, $63.00
Lightweight is the perfect name for this lotion. It’s a true moisturiser texture but in the lightest way possible.
It has an almost whipped texture when it comes out of the pump and absorbs into the skin within minutes. I would describe the finish as satin-matte; it moisturises without leaving you sticky or oily.
This is available in both 30ml and 100ml.
Ingredient highlights in the [HYDRATE] Lightweight Soothing Emulsion:
- Lactococcus Ferment Lysate supports healthy barrier function and helps maintain balance within the skin’s microbiome.
- Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, and Ceramide 6 II reinforce the skin barrier, helping reduce moisture loss and improve overall resilience.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Allantoin help soothe irritation and support skin comfort, making the formula suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.
- Phytosphingosine and Cholesterol work together as skin-identical lipids to support barrier integrity and maintain a healthy protective layer.
- Urea helps soften the skin and improve hydration without adding heaviness, keeping the emulsion lightweight yet effective.
AMPERNA [EXFOLIATE] 10% Pro-Resurfacing Lotion, $72.00
Chemical exfoliants are great for refining skin texture, helping manage breakouts, and evening skin tone.
Some products can be too stripping/ harsh to use twice daily, but this one isn’t.
Instead of being a super thin toner or a serum texture, this applies more like a lotion, giving you some added barrier strengthening and moisture.
Ingredient highlights in the [EXFOLIATE] 10% Pro-Resurfacing Lotion:
- Glycolic Acid gently exfoliates the skin to help refine texture, support clearer pores, and improve overall skin tone without the harsh feel of traditional exfoliants.
- Lactococcus Ferment Lysate helps support the skin barrier and microbiome, making this exfoliating formula more comfortable and better tolerated over time.
- Hydration and barrier-supporting ingredients including Glycerine, Sodium-L-Lactate, Olive Squalane, and Urea help counteract dryness and support moisture levels while exfoliating.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Allantoin work to soothe the skin and reduce potential irritation, supporting comfort during and after use.
- Liquorice Root Extract helps calm inflammation and support a more even-looking skin tone, particularly for post-blemish marks.
AMPERNA [SUPAGLOW] Pro+ Advanced Brightening Serum, $93.00
I am on my second bottle of this serum, and I will be repurchasing when I’m finished because this product is incredible.
It’s a dream for not only helping with my hyperpigmentation but also for helping me stay glowing. The texture is almost like a lightweight gel-cream, and it applies to the skin gorgeously.
Ingredient highlights in the SUPAGLOW Pro+ Advanced Brightening Serum:
- 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the hero vitamin C in this formula, chosen for its stability and gentler profile while helping to brighten skin, support collagen, and improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
- Niacinamide and Alpha-Arbutin work alongside vitamin C to help even skin tone, support barrier health, and target pigmentation concerns, particularly post-blemish marks.
- Soothing botanical and antioxidants including New Zealand Native Red Seaweed, New Zealand Native Black Fern, Centella Asiatica, and Liquorice Root helps calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support overall skin radiance.
AMPERNA [REPAIR] Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum, $89.00
I have had issues with vitamin C products oxidising before, but the dark-coloured packaging and pump [instead of a pipette] mean that this gets minimal exposure to light and air and remains stable for longer.
It’s an easy-to-blend-in gel-serum texture that feels cool on application. You get all the benefits of vitamin C, without the usual annoyances.
Ingredient highlights in the [REPAIR] Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum:
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps balance oil, support the skin barrier, and improve overall skin tone, making it especially helpful for acne-prone or easily congested skin.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) is a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that helps brighten the skin and support a clearer-looking complexion while being well tolerated by sensitive skin types.
- Lactococcus Ferment Lysate supports a healthy skin microbiome and helps strengthen barrier function, improving skin resilience over time.
- Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II, Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine work together as skin-identical lipids to reinforce the barrier and reduce moisture loss.
- Hydration and soothing ingredients including Sodium Hyaluronate (HMW), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Allantoin, Urea, and Sodium Lactate help maintain hydration and comfort without heaviness.
AMPERNA [RESCUE] Probiotic + DS Soothing Serum, $63.00
This is one of my favourite products from the range. I’m an advocate for barrier strengthening as opposed to barrier repair (prevention rather than relying on remedies), and this is one of the best products for achieving that.
In addition to the probiotic complex, this also contains zinc and copper to help comfort and soothe dry skin.
Available in both 50ml and 100ml.
Ingredient highlights in the [RESCUE] Probiotic + DS Soothing Serum:
- Lactococcus Ferment Lysate supports a healthy skin microbiome and helps strengthen the skin barrier, improving resilience in sensitive or reactive skin.
- Ceramide 1, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II, Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine work together as skin-identical lipids to reinforce the barrier and reduce moisture loss.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Allantoin help soothe irritation and support skin comfort, making the formula well suited to compromised or easily inflamed skin.
- Urea and Sodium Hyaluronate (HMW) help soften the skin and maintain surface hydration without heaviness.
- Zinc Gluconate and Copper Gluconate provide calming, skin-supportive benefits that help maintain balance and comfort, particularly for blemish-prone skin.
AMPERNA [SUPERFOLIATE] Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Rx, $99.00
This is the retinol for people who are scared of retinols. It’s a granactive retinoid serum with additions of soothing ingredients like amino acids, zinc and vitamin B5.
The inclusion of these ingredients helps mitigate common retinol side effects, it’s like the retinol sandwich technique (moisturiser-retinol-moisturiser) made easier.
Ingredient highlights in the [SUPERFOLIATE] Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Rx:
- Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (Azelaic Acid Salt) helps calm inflammation, balance oil, and improve the look of redness, congestion, and uneven skin tone while being gentler than traditional azelaic acid.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) supports barrier function, helps regulate oil production, and improves overall skin tone and texture, making it especially helpful for acne-prone and reactive skin.
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a modern retinoic acid ester that supports skin renewal and clarity with a lower irritation profile than traditional retinoids. - Lactococcus Ferment Lysate and Yeast Ferment Extract help support the skin microbiome and barrier resilience, improving tolerance when using active ingredients.
- Soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients including Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Allantoin, Bisabolol, Oat Extract, and Liquorice Root Extract help calm irritation and maintain comfort.
- Hydration and skin-balancing minerals such as Hyaluronic Acid (HMW), Saccharide Isomerate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, and Calcium Gluconate support hydration, balance, and overall skin health.
AMPERNA [HYDRALACTIC] Hydrating Gentle Lotion with Ceramides, $60.00
This body lotion is a lightweight enough texture that it doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on the skin, but it also moisturises very deeply.
This is my favourite type of hydrating lotion and an easy one to recommend to any and everyone because it doesn’t take hours to rub into the skin.
Ingredient highlights in the [HYDRALACTIC] Hydrating Gentle Lotion with Ceramides:
- Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide supports a healthy skin microbiome by encouraging beneficial bacteria, helping improve overall skin balance and resilience.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) strengthens the skin barrier, supports even tone, and helps maintain balanced hydration for sensitive or easily disrupted skin.
- Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide EOP, Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine work together as skin-identical lipids to reinforce the barrier and reduce moisture loss.
- Urea, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium PCA, and Sodium Lactate deeply hydrate and soften the skin by attracting and binding moisture without heaviness.
- Colloidal Oatmeal, Soluble Oat Beta Glucan, Sweet Almond Oil, and Shea Butter help soothe irritation, calm redness, and nourish dry or compromised skin.
AMPERNA [DERMACLEANSE] Cleanse & Rebalance Dermal Care Shampoo, $50.00
I either love or hate shampoos; there is never an in-between. This is a shampoo that pleasantly surprised me.
I have fine, 4c hair (the curliest possible curl pattern), and some shampoos can leave it feeling straw-like and brittle.
This didn’t do that. It gave me a thorough cleanse without leaving me super dry.
Ingredient highlights in the [DERMACLEANSE] Cleanse & Rebalance Dermal Care Shampoo:
- Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide supports a healthy scalp or skin microbiome by encouraging beneficial bacteria and improving overall balance.
- Cocoamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate provide a gentle yet effective cleanse that removes buildup without stripping or leaving the skin or hair feeling dry.
- Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid (Hydrolyzed and Sodium Hyaluronate) help attract and retain moisture, supporting hydration during cleansing.
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein helps strengthen and condition, improving softness and manageability.
- Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice and Lactobacillus support microbiome balance and help maintain comfort and resilience.
My Overall Thoughts on The AMPERNA Range
Overall, the AMPERNA range is one that I would confidently recommend to anyone. I’d especially recommend the range to those who have sensitive, reactive or acne-prone skin because the range is formulated to help strengthen your skin and it also doesn’t include any commonly identified irritants.
Barrier repair has become something of a trend in recent years but I believe more in always including barrier care products in your routine to help maintain your barrier – think of it like stretching daily so that if you happen to exercise more than normal one day, you won’t tear anything and you’ll recover quicker.
By supporting your skin’s microbiome, AMPERNA helps make sure that your skin can better tolerate active ingredients, withstand extreme weather conditions and recover better after inflammatory events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is best for me? SUPAGLOW Pro+ Advanced Brightening Serum vs Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum
If your main concern is hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks, or uneven skin tone, the SUPAGLOW Pro+ Advanced Brightening Serum is the better option, as it combines a gentle form of Vitamin C with Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, and calming botanicals to target discoloration while supporting sensitive skin.
If your priority is daily hydration, glow, and barrier support, the Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum is a better fit, offering a stable, low-irritation Vitamin C alongside Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides to brighten and hydrate without overwhelming reactive skin.
What skin conditions is AMPERNA good for?
AMPERNA is commonly used by people with sensitive, acne-prone, reactive, and barrier-compromised skin, and is often chosen by those who struggle with irritation from stronger formulas, being developed to help with the founder’s own skin sensitivities and concerns.
AMPERNA is also a great starting point for finding skincare that won’t further damage or irritate the skin because none of their products contain commonly identified irritants.
Where is AMPERNA skincare made?
All AMPERNA products are made in Australia in a certified manufacturing facility.
Is AMPERNA good for sensitive skin?
The AMPERNA range would be great for sensitive skin because it doesn’t contain commonly identified irritants.
Additionally, postbiotics are shown to support a healthy skin microbiome by helping maintain balance and barrier function, both by deterring the growth of harmful bacteria and promoting the growth of good bacteria.
AMPERNA for Acne
Most people don’t think of it like this, but acne is an inflammatory condition. On top of managing acne-causing bacteria and unclogging pores, the AMPERNA range contains beneficial postbiotics which help balance the microbiome, calm irritation, balance oil levels and reduce irritation, all of which can trigger breakouts.
AMPERNA for Perioral Dermatitis
Dermatitis means skin inflammation, and perioral refers to the area on and surrounding the mouth. Perioral dermatitis, like acne, can be precipitated by a damaged skin barrier. Some people use AMPERNA products alongside medical advice to support skin comfort and barrier health.
What is AMPERNA free from?
AMPERNA’s range does not contain any live cultures (probiotics).
They also do not contain: Sulfates, Parabens, Petrochemicals and Mineral Oils, Vinyls, Phthalates, Phenoxyethanol, Synthetic Fragrance, Synthetic Colours or Bleaches, PPG, DEAS, TEA, Aluminium or Alumina.
That doesn’t mean these ingredients are necessarily bad in their own right, but are excluded due to the brand catering to the most hypersensitive skin.
AMPERNA Discount Code
If you’re interested in purchasing any AMPERNA products, they’ve very kindly given us a discount code for our readers – use code “WRS20” at checkout to get 20% off your purchase. This is not an affiliate code.
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