Aspergillus/Defatted Rice Bran/Alcohol/Borneol Ferment Filtrate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 23, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Aspergillus/Defatted Rice Bran/Alcohol/Borneol Ferment Filtrate?

Aspergillus/Defatted Rice Bran/Alcohol/Borneol Ferment Filtrate is a skin care ingredient made by letting the friendly mold Aspergillus ferment defatted rice bran together with a small amount of alcohol and natural borneol. When the fermentation is finished the mix is filtered, leaving a clear liquid rich in skin loving compounds such as amino acids, simple sugars, vitamins and soothing plant molecules that come from the rice bran and borneol.

Rice bran has a long history in beauty rituals across Asia where leftover rice water was used to keep skin smooth. Modern labs took that idea further by removing the heavy oils from rice bran then using Aspergillus to break the material down into smaller pieces, making it easier for skin to enjoy the good stuff. Borneol, an aromatic extract from certain trees, is added to boost the calming scent and possible soothing effect, while alcohol keeps the mix clean during the controlled fermentation.

The filtrate finds its way into many personal care formulas. You can spot it in lightweight essences, hydrating toners, sheet masks, serums that target dullness, all in one moisturizers and anti-aging creams that promise smoother texture and a healthy glow.

Aspergillus/Defatted Rice Bran/Alcohol/Borneol Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is prized for one main role in skin care products.

Skin conditioning – The ferment bathes skin in moisture binding sugars, softening amino acids and antioxidant vitamins from rice bran, helping the surface feel smooth, look more even and stay comfortably hydrated.

Who Can Use Aspergillus/Defatted Rice Bran/Alcohol/Borneol Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is gentle and lightweight, making it suitable for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because the fermentation process lowers the risk of harsh residues, though anyone with a known mold or rice allergy should be cautious.

The ingredient is plant and microbe derived, with no animal substances used, so it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.

No specific concerns have been flagged for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should show any product containing the filtrate to a healthcare professional before use.

It does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from using Aspergillus/Defatted Rice Bran/Alcohol/Borneol Ferment Filtrate vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions yet most users will not experience them if the product is well made and used as directed.

  • Mild redness or warmth in those with very reactive skin
  • Itching or stinging linked to sensitivity to the alcohol portion
  • Rash or hives in individuals with allergies to rice derivatives, mold byproducts or borneol
  • Contact dermatitis if combined with other irritants in the formula

If any of these reactions occur, stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0-1 out of 5

The filtrate is made from defatted rice bran, which means virtually all pore-clogging oils are removed. After fermentation and filtration the result is a watery solution rich in small molecules like amino acids and sugars, with no heavy waxes or butters that typically trigger breakouts. A trace of alcohol is present but it quickly evaporates and does not contribute to clogged pores. Because of this light, oil-free profile the ingredient earns a non-comedogenic score at the very lowest end of the scale.

Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.

Only highly occlusive or greasy companion ingredients in the finished formula would raise pore-clogging risk, not the ferment itself.

Summary

Aspergillus/Defatted Rice Bran/Alcohol/Borneol Ferment Filtrate acts mainly as a skin conditioner, supplying moisture-binding sugars, softening amino acids and antioxidant compounds created during fermentation. These light nutrients smooth texture, improve suppleness and support an even, healthy-looking glow without adding weight or oil.

While not the most famous ferment in the beauty aisle, it appears in a growing number of Asian-inspired essences, toners and masks where consumers look for gentle plant-based boosters that leave skin fresh and dewy.

Overall safety data are positive with very few reports of irritation. As with any new cosmetic ingredient, it is smart to perform a small patch test when trying a product that features the filtrate to ensure personal compatibility.

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