What Is Bacillus/Monascus/Borago Officinalis Seed/Soybean Ferment Filtrate?
Bacillus/Monascus/Borago Officinalis Seed/Soybean Ferment Filtrate is a skin care ingredient obtained by fermenting borage seed and soybean with two well known microorganisms, Bacillus and Monascus. The fermentation step breaks down the natural oils, proteins and sugars in the seeds into smaller, skin friendly molecules such as free fatty acids, amino acids, peptides and antioxidant compounds. These tiny molecules absorb easily and bring added activity to a formula.
Fermented plant extracts have been used for centuries in traditional foods and topical preparations across Asia. Modern cosmetic labs picked up on this heritage in the last couple of decades. By pairing nutrient rich seeds with controlled microbial fermentation, chemists discovered they could boost the seeds’ soothing and oil balancing properties while creating a stable, water-soluble filtrate suitable for creams and serums.
The manufacturing process starts with cleaned, ground borage and soybean seeds blended with water. A starter culture of Bacillus and Monascus is added and the mixture is kept at an optimal temperature until the microorganisms have digested key nutrients. The liquid is then filtered to remove solids and microorganisms, leaving a clear or slightly amber filtrate packed with active metabolites.
You will most often spot this filtrate in lightweight moisturizers, balancing toners, anti-blemish serums, antioxidant face masks, scalp treatments and soothing after-sun gels. Its multi-tasking profile makes it attractive for both daily care and targeted skin solutions.
Bacillus/Monascus/Borago Officinalis Seed/Soybean Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This fermented blend offers several complementary actions that help formulators create effective, skin friendly products.
- Anti-Sebum – helps regulate excess oil on the skin’s surface, promoting a fresher, matte look that can be especially helpful in products for oily or combination skin
- Antimicrobial – provides a mild ability to reduce the growth of blemish-causing bacteria which supports clearer looking skin and can lessen the need for stronger preservatives
- Antioxidant – supplies natural compounds that neutralize free radicals created by UV light and pollution helping defend skin from premature aging signs
- Skin Conditioning – softens and smooths the outer layer, improving overall texture and making skin feel comfortable after cleansing or exfoliation
- Emollient – delivers lightweight lipids that reinforce the skin barrier, leaving it supple without a greasy residue
Who Can Use Bacillus/Monascus/Borago Officinalis Seed/Soybean Ferment Filtrate
This filtrate is generally well suited for oily, combination and normal skin thanks to its oil balancing yet lightweight emollient nature. Dry or mature skin can also benefit when the ingredient is paired with richer moisturizers although it is not the most intensive hydrator on its own. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it because the fermentation step reduces raw plant irritants, but anyone with a known allergy to soy or borage seed should proceed with caution.
The ingredient is completely plant derived and produced via microbial fermentation so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal by products are involved in either the seed source or fermentation process.
Current data shows no specific hormonal or systemic concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should have a doctor review any product that includes the filtrate before regular use.
The filtrate does not increase photosensitivity. Normal daily sunscreen habits are sufficient. It can be used morning or night and pairs well with both water based and oil based formulas.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Bacillus/Monascus/Borago Officinalis Seed/Soybean Ferment Filtrate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is correctly formulated in a product.
- Mild redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to soy or borage seed
- Rare clogged pores if used in an overly rich formula on acne prone skin
- Interaction with leave on products containing high levels of alpha hydroxy acids which may amplify tingling
If any irritation, swelling or persistent discomfort occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
This filtrate contains only trace amounts of the original seed oils because most lipids are broken down and washed away during fermentation and filtration. What remains is largely water soluble amino acids, peptides and antioxidants that do not linger in pores. For that reason the risk of clogging is very low so the ingredient earns a rating of 1.
Suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin in most formulas.
If a product using this filtrate is paired with heavy butters or waxes the overall formula may still feel too rich for very oily skin so check the full ingredient list.
Summary
Bacillus/Monascus/Borago Officinalis Seed/Soybean Ferment Filtrate helps control excess oil, fights blemish bacteria, supplies protective antioxidants, softens the skin surface and leaves a light emollient finish. It does this by delivering small active compounds produced during the controlled fermentation of borage and soybean seeds.
While not a household name like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, the filtrate is gaining quiet popularity in K-beauty inspired toners and lightweight moisturizers that aim for a balanced healthy glow.
Available safety data shows it is well tolerated by most skin types with only a small risk for those allergic to soy or borage. As with any new cosmetic ingredient applying a small patch test first is the safest approach.