Bacillus/Monascus/Caviar/Rice Bran 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Bacillus/Monascus/Caviar/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate?

Bacillus/Monascus/Caviar/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate is a skin care ingredient created when caviar and rice bran are fermented with two friendly microorganisms called Bacillus and Monascus. The mix is then carefully filtered, leaving a clear liquid rich in tiny nutrients, amino acids, peptides and moisturizing sugars drawn out during the fermentation process.

Fermented ingredients have a long history in both food and beauty, but this particular blend is fairly new. Luxury brands first explored caviar for its protein content and glow-boosting reputation, while Asian beauty traditions prized rice bran for softening the skin. By combining the two and adding modern fermentation, formulators discovered a lighter, more bio-available complex that could slot into contemporary skin care lines.

The production starts with sustainably harvested sturgeon caviar and cleaned rice bran. These are mixed in a controlled tank with selected strains of Bacillus and Monascus. Over several days the microbes break down large molecules into smaller skin-friendly ones. Once the reaction hits its peak, the mixture is filtered to remove solids and microbes, yielding the clear ferment filtrate used in cosmetics.

You will usually find this ingredient in hydrating serums, anti aging creams, sheet masks, eye creams, soothing after-sun gels and even lightweight daily moisturizers where a luxury touch is desired.

Bacillus/Monascus/Caviar/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking ferment adds several skin-loving qualities to a formula:

  • Humectant: Draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface so skin feels plumper and stays hydrated longer
  • Skin Conditioning: Supplies amino acids and vitamins that help smooth texture improve softness and support a healthy barrier
  • Emollient: Provides light surface lubrication which reduces rough patches and gives the complexion a supple well-nourished look
  • Skin Protecting: Creates a thin breathable film that shields against everyday irritants and helps reduce moisture loss throughout the day

Who Can Use Bacillus/Monascus/Caviar/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is generally suitable for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily since it offers lightweight moisture without leaving a heavy or greasy feel. Sensitive skin users often tolerate it well thanks to its gentle barrier-supporting qualities, though anyone with a known seafood allergy should proceed carefully because the ingredient is derived from caviar.

The presence of caviar means the ingredient is not appropriate for vegans or strict vegetarians. People who follow a pescatarian lifestyle may be comfortable using it but those avoiding all animal products will want to pick a different humectant.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not known to face special risks from topical use of this ferment. However this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should clear new products with a healthcare professional to be safe.

The filtrate does not increase photosensitivity so you can use it during the daytime without worrying about extra sun risk, though daily sunscreen is still recommended as part of a complete routine.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to Bacillus/Monascus/Caviar/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate can vary from person to person. The following points cover possible but uncommon issues. When the ingredient is properly formulated most users will not experience these effects.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin, usually temporary
  • Itchiness if you have an underlying seafood allergy
  • Contact dermatitis triggered by an individual sensitivity to fermentation by-products
  • Breakouts in rare cases where an emollient film traps excess oil in acne-prone skin

If any unexpected irritation or discomfort occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional if symptoms do not settle quickly.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

This ferment filtrate is mostly water with only trace lipids so it sinks in quickly instead of sitting on the surface. The small fermented molecules are unlikely to block pores which is why it earns a low rating.

Most acne-prone users should find it suitable.

If a finished product combines the filtrate with rich oils or occlusive agents the overall pore-clogging risk will depend on those extras so check the complete formula.

Summary

Bacillus/Monascus/Caviar/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate works as a humectant skin conditioner emollient and light protector. Fermentation turns caviar and rice bran nutrients into tiny amino acids peptides and sugars that draw water to the skin smooth texture soften feel and leave a breathable barrier that keeps moisture in.

Once limited to high-end creams the ingredient is now showing up in more mainstream serums masks and eye products though it is still a niche pick compared with staples like hyaluronic acid.

Overall it is considered safe with low irritation risk aside from anyone allergic to seafood. As always patch test a new product first to be on the safe side.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search