What Is Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf/Soybean Ferment Filtrate?
Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf/Soybean Ferment Filtrate is a plant-based ferment created by allowing Bacillus bacteria to work on the leaves of Houttuynia cordata (a heart-shaped herb often called chameleon plant) and soybeans. During fermentation the bacteria break large plant compounds into smaller ones that can be more readily absorbed by skin and hair. The process also produces enzymes, peptides and antioxidants that give the finished filtrate its cosmetic value.
Houttuynia cordata has long been used in East Asian skincare for its calming properties, while fermented soy has a rich history in both food and beauty rituals. Combining the two through modern biotech opened the door for a single ingredient that can brighten skin, protect against environmental stress and soften hair. To make it, cosmetic chemists blend cleaned plant material with a Bacillus culture in a controlled tank, keep the mixture at a warm temperature for several days, then filter out solids to leave a clear, lightweight liquid concentrate.
Because the filtrate is water-soluble, formulators drop it into serums, sheet masks, toners, daily moisturizers, brightening spot treatments and gentle hair conditioners. It is prized for adding potency without a heavy feel, making it a fit for both leave-on and rinse-off products.
Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf/Soybean Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ferment offers a trio of perks that boost the performance of many personal care formulas.
- Bleaching: Helps fade the look of dark spots and uneven tone by slowing the formation of excess pigment, leading to a brighter complexion over time
- Hair Conditioning: Smooths the hair cuticle, adds lightweight moisture and reduces static, leaving strands softer and easier to manage
- Skin Protecting: Supplies antioxidants and soothing molecules that form a gentle shield against pollution and daily stress, supporting a healthier skin barrier
Who Can Use Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf/Soybean Ferment Filtrate
This ferment is generally well tolerated by all major skin types. Its lightweight water base makes it comfortable for oily and combination skin while the softening peptides and antioxidants offer extra support for dry or mature skin. The calming compounds from Houttuynia cordata also make it a friendly option for easily irritated or redness-prone complexions. The only group that may need caution is anyone with a known allergy to soy or to the chameleon plant because topical exposure could trigger a reaction.
The ingredient is produced from plants and a naturally occurring soil bacterium with no animal-derived processing aids, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian preferences.
No studies have flagged the filtrate as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding when used on intact skin. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full product ingredient list to a healthcare professional before adding it to a routine just to be sure.
The ferment does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health. The filtrate is pH flexible and plays nicely with common actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and mild exfoliating acids, making it easy to slot into most regimens.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf/Soybean Ferment Filtrate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and applied.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – itching, redness or swelling in people sensitive to soy, Houttuynia cordata or fermentation by-products
- Mild stinging or warmth – usually short-lived as skin adjusts to the product
- Rash or hives – very rare but possible if the immune system reacts to plant proteins
- Eye irritation – tearing or burning if the liquid accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5. This ferment filtrate is water based, contains no heavy oils or waxes and is made up of small peptides, antioxidants and sugars that rinse or absorb cleanly without clogging pores. There is no record of it worsening blackheads or acne in studies or user reports. For that reason it is considered suitable for those who are prone to breakouts. If a product pairing this ferment with richer emollients breaks you out the culprit is almost always the added oils, not the filtrate itself.
Summary
Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf/Soybean Ferment Filtrate brightens skin, shields it from daily stress and leaves hair softer. Fermentation turns bulky plant compounds into tiny skin friendly molecules that can gently slow excess pigment, deliver antioxidants and smooth the hair cuticle. Though not yet a household name the ingredient is popping up more often in Korean inspired serums, toners and lightweight conditioners thanks to its multitasking nature and vegan profile. Overall safety data and real world use show it to be low risk for irritation or clogged pores, however as with any new cosmetic it is smart to patch test first to make sure your skin plays nicely with the full formula.