Bacillus/Morchella Esculenta/Soybean 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 Bacillus/Morchella Esculenta/Soybean Ferment Filtrate?

Bacillus/Morchella Esculenta/Soybean Ferment Filtrate is a bio-active liquid that comes from fermenting morel mushrooms and soybeans with a friendly strain of Bacillus bacteria. During fermentation the microbe breaks down mushroom and soybean proteins and sugars into smaller peptides, amino acids and humectant molecules that skin and hair can readily use. The finished filtrate also carries vitamins, minerals and soothing polysaccharides that are naturally present in the starting plants.

Traditional Asian beauty rituals have prized fermented plant extracts for their gentle yet effective care, and modern labs have refined those ideas into this standardized filtrate. The process starts with finely milled Morchella esculenta fruiting bodies and non-GMO soybeans mixed in a nutrient broth. Bacillus is added, the mixture is held at a warm temperature for several days then passed through micro-filters to remove solids and live bacteria. The clear liquid is stabilised and sometimes blended with mild preservatives so it stays fresh in a cosmetic formula.

Thanks to its light texture and broad skin benefits the filtrate shows up in oil-free moisturizers, balancing toners, mattifying lotions, anti-age serums, soothing sheet masks, leave-in hair conditioners, scalp calming essences and post-shave or after-sun gels.

Bacillus/Morchella Esculenta/Soybean Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking ferment supports both skin and hair care products in several ways

  • Anti-Sebum: helps regulate excess oil so skin feels fresh and makeup lasts longer
  • Hair Conditioning: smooths the cuticle for softer strands and easier detangling without added weight
  • Humectant: draws water into the upper layers of skin boosting instant hydration and a plump look
  • Skin Conditioning: supplies amino acids and sugars that reinforce the skin barrier giving a supple touch
  • Emollient: adds a light, silky slip that reduces rough texture and enhances spreadability of creams or serums
  • Skin Protecting: forms a breathable film rich in antioxidants that helps shield skin from daily environmental stress

Who Can Use Bacillus/Morchella Esculenta/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

This ferment suits almost every skin type. Oily and combination skin benefit from its oil-balancing effect while dry or mature skin welcome the extra moisture and barrier support. Its light watery feel also makes it comfortable for sensitive or acne-prone complexions because it is free of heavy oils and common irritants.

The ingredient is plant and microbe derived with no animal sources so it is compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

Current safety data show no known issues for pregnant or breastfeeding users when the filtrate is used in normal cosmetic amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of a product to their doctor to be sure it fits their personal needs.

The filtrate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and has no reported impact on self-tanning products or natural pigment. It layers well with most actives including retinoids, vitamin C and acids, making it easy to slot into an existing routine.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Bacillus/Morchella Esculenta/Soybean Ferment Filtrate depend on individual sensitivity. The points below list potential effects yet most people will not notice any problems when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Allergic response: rare cases of redness, swelling or hives can occur in people allergic to mushrooms, soy or certain Bacillus enzymes
  • Mild irritation: stinging or warmth may appear when applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Contact dermatitis: very sensitive users could develop dry patches or itching after repeated use
  • Fungal acne flare: although uncommon the presence of extra amino sugars might worsen malassezia-related breakouts for a small group

If any lasting discomfort or visible reaction develops stop use, rinse the area with water and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5

The filtrate is a water-based, microbially refined liquid with virtually no residual oils or waxes that could clog pores. Its main constituents are small peptides, amino acids and humectant sugars which disperse in water, so they rinse away easily and do not sit heavily inside follicles. A trace of soybean lipids may remain after fermentation but the amount is minimal, which is why the rating is a low 1 rather than a perfect 0.

In practical terms the ingredient is considered suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts. As always the overall formula and individual skin response play a role because richer companions like butters or silicones in the same product could raise the total pore-clogging potential.

Summary

Bacillus/Morchella Esculenta/Soybean Ferment Filtrate acts as a multitasker delivering hydration, oil balance, barrier reinforcement, light emollience and antioxidant protection. Fermentation breaks mushroom and soybean nutrients into tiny molecules that bind water, calm irritation and form a breathable veil on skin or hair. The same bio-processing smooths hair cuticles so strands feel softer and look shinier without weight.

While not as famous as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide the ingredient is gaining traction in K-beauty and niche clean formulas where gentle ferment actives are spotlighted. You will mostly find it in lightweight lotions, toners and scalp essences aimed at combination or sensitive users.

Current safety assessments classify the filtrate as low risk with very few reports of irritation or allergy. Still, every skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that features this ferment before applying it more broadly.

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