Bifida/Paecilomyces Japonica Mycelium/Panax Ginseng Root 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 publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Bifida/Paecilomyces Japonica Mycelium/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate?

Bifida/Paecilomyces Japonica Mycelium/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate is a fermented blend created when the probiotic bacterium Bifida digests two natural raw materials: the mycelium of the Paecilomyces japonica mushroom and the roots of Panax ginseng. The result is a watery filtrate rich in small peptides, amino acids, sugars and antioxidant compounds that are more easily absorbed by skin than the original plant parts. Fermentation has long been used in Korean beauty traditions to boost the potency of herbs and mushrooms, and this particular filtrate emerged from that heritage in the early 2000s as brands searched for gentler yet effective alternatives to synthetic actives. The production process starts with carefully cleaned ginseng roots and cultured mushroom mycelium that are combined in a nutrient solution, inoculated with Bifida then kept at controlled temperature and pH for several days. After fermentation, the mixture is filtered to remove solids, leaving a clear liquid that is sterilized and stabilized for use in cosmetics. You will typically spot this ingredient in hydrating essences, anti-aging serums, sheet masks, lightweight moisturizers and soothing after-sun treatments where it supports a healthy skin barrier and adds a subtle comforting feel.

Bifida/Paecilomyces Japonica Mycelium/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ferment filtrate offers one primary benefit in skincare formulas.

Skin conditioning: The mix of fermented peptides, minerals and sugars helps attract moisture to the surface of the skin, softens rough patches and supports the barrier that keeps irritants out. Over time it can leave the complexion looking smoother and more resilient while adding a lightweight, non-greasy feel to the product.

Who Can Use Bifida/Paecilomyces Japonica Mycelium/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is generally suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive because its main role is gentle skin conditioning and barrier support. Extremely reactive or fungal-acne-prone skin may want to proceed cautiously since the ingredient is derived from fermented mushroom material that could, in rare cases, aggravate an existing Malassezia imbalance.

The raw materials are plant based and the fermentation process does not involve any animal-derived additives, making the ingredient appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.

No specific data indicate a risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the filtrate is used topically at the low percentages found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should consult their physician before adding new products to their routine to be safe.

The filtrate is not known to increase sun sensitivity so it can be used day or night without special photo-protection considerations, though daily sunscreen is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Bifida/Paecilomyces Japonica Mycelium/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects some users could experience, though most people will not encounter any of these when the ingredient is properly formulated in a finished product.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Itching or small bumps if allergic to mushrooms, ginseng or fermentation by-products
  • Contact dermatitis triggered by other formula components that are paired with the filtrate, not by the filtrate itself
  • Worsening of fungal acne in rare cases due to its mushroom origin

If irritation, rash or any unexpected reaction occurs discontinue use immediately and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

This ferment filtrate is a lightweight water-based ingredient with no heavy oils or waxes, so it is highly unlikely to clog pores. Its main components are small peptides, sugars and minerals that dissolve readily in water and rinse away cleanly. A rating of 1 instead of 0 is assigned only because any bio-fermented extract could, in very rare cases, leave trace residues that might mix with other richer formula ingredients and sit on the skin longer.

Overall it is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

Because comedogenicity can change with the other ingredients in a product, the finished formula matters more than the single raw material.

Summary

Bifida/Paecilomyces Japonica Mycelium/Panax Ginseng Root Ferment Filtrate is used in skincare for one key job: skin conditioning. Fermentation breaks the mushroom and ginseng material down into smaller peptides, amino acids and antioxidants that draw water into the outer layer of skin and reinforce the barrier, leaving the surface smoother, softer and more resilient. Thanks to those moisture-binding molecules it can add a comfortable, hydrated feel without weight or grease.

The ingredient enjoys moderate popularity, especially in Korean and indie clean beauty lines that favor fermented botanicals, but it is still a niche choice compared with classic hydrators like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

Current research and user reports point to a very low risk of irritation or pore clogging, making it a safe addition to most routines. Still, every formula and skin type is different so it is smart to patch test any new product containing this ferment filtrate before applying it to the whole face.

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