What Is Aspergillus/Defatted Soybean Seed Ferment Extract Filtrate?
Aspergillus/Defatted Soybean Seed Ferment Extract Filtrate is a skin care ingredient that starts with ordinary soybeans. After the oil is removed the remaining seed material is inoculated with the friendly fungus Aspergillus, a microbe long used in the making of foods like miso and sake. During fermentation the fungus breaks down soybean proteins and sugars into smaller molecules, creating a liquid rich in amino acids, peptides, simple sugars, vitamins and minerals. Once fermentation is complete the mixture is extracted with water, then carefully filtered to remove solids and microorganisms, leaving a clear nutritive filtrate suited for cosmetic use.
Beauty brands first picked up on fermented soy in the early 2000s when the K-beauty trend highlighted fermented plant extracts for their mildness and enhanced absorption. Today the filtrate appears in a variety of leave-on and rinse-off products such as hydrating toners, sheet masks, anti aging serums, lightweight moisturizers and soothing after-sun gels. Formulators like it because it supplies water-binding compounds from soy in a form that spreads easily and feels weightless on the skin.
Aspergillus/Defatted Soybean Seed Ferment Extract Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multifunctional ingredient supports both immediate and long-term skin comfort.
- Humectant – the peptides and sugars produced during fermentation attract water from the environment and draw it into the upper layers of skin, boosting surface hydration and giving a plumper smoother look
- Skin conditioning – the nutrient mix helps soften rough patches, improve overall texture and leave a silky afterfeel which makes formulas glide on more easily
Who Can Use Aspergillus/Defatted Soybean Seed Ferment Extract Filtrate
This ferment filtrate is lightweight, non greasy and water based, making it suitable for most skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. Its humectant action helps dry or dehydrated skin hold moisture while the smooth afterfeel does not clog pores, so oily and blemish prone users usually tolerate it well. The main group that should be cautious is anyone with a known allergy to soy or mold derived ingredients because trace proteins from the seed or fungal metabolites could trigger a reaction.
The material is entirely plant derived and processed with the food grade fungus Aspergillus, so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. No animal products or by products are introduced at any stage of its manufacture.
Available safety data suggest the ingredient is generally safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women when applied topically in cosmetic amounts. This article is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full product ingredient list to a qualified healthcare provider before using it, just to be safe.
The filtrate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no added risk of photosensitivity. It also plays well with most other cosmetic actives and does not oxidize or discolor easily, which keeps formulas stable.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to Aspergillus/Defatted Soybean Seed Ferment Extract Filtrate can vary. The points below list potential side effects that could occur, though they are not common when the ingredient is used correctly in finished products.
- Allergic reaction in people sensitive to soy proteins – may appear as itching, redness or small hives
- Sensitivity to fungal metabolites – very rare stinging or rash if the skin reacts to residues from the fermentation microbe
- Contact dermatitis from formula preservatives rather than the ferment itself – some users may blame the ferment when the true culprit is another ingredient in the same product
- Worsening of existing eczema or rosacea – any new humectant can sometimes draw water too quickly and briefly aggravate compromised skin barriers
If you notice unusual redness, swelling or discomfort after applying a product containing this ferment stop using it immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Aspergillus/Defatted Soybean Seed Ferment Extract Filtrate is a water based liquid that contains mostly low molecular weight peptides sugars and minerals. It leaves no oily or occlusive residue on the skin so it does not block pores or trap sebum. Current literature and cosmetic lab testing show no link between this ferment and increased comedone formation.
Because of its zero rating it is generally suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin. Formulators often use it in lightweight gels and serums designed specifically for congested complexions.
One thing to keep in mind is the full formula. If the product combines the ferment with heavy butters or high levels of fatty alcohols the finished product could still be comedogenic even though the ferment itself is not.
Summary
Aspergillus/Defatted Soybean Seed Ferment Extract Filtrate acts mainly as a humectant and skin conditioning agent. Fermentation breaks soybean proteins and sugars into tiny molecules that pull water into the upper skin layers for instant hydration then leave a smooth soft finish that improves overall texture.
While not as famous as hyaluronic acid or glycerin the ingredient has a steady following thanks to K-beauty and clean beauty brands that favor fermented plant extracts for their mildness and eco friendly vibe. You will mostly see it in hydrating essences serums and sheet masks where a lightweight feel is key.
Safety reviews and real world use show the filtrate is well tolerated for most skin types with the main caution being soy or mold allergies. In general it is considered a low risk cosmetic ingredient but as always it is smart to patch test a new product before applying it all over your face.