What Is Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sesame Seed Oil Ferment Filtrate?
Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sesame Seed Oil Ferment Filtrate is a skin and hair care ingredient born from the age-old art of fermentation. It starts with sesame seed oil, a plant oil naturally rich in protective antioxidants and fatty acids. When this oil is placed in a controlled environment with two friendly microorganisms, the yeast Kluyveromyces and the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus, the microbes break down large oil molecules into smaller more skin-friendly fragments and release extra beneficial compounds. After fermentation the mixture is carefully filtered, leaving a lightweight liquid filtrate packed with antioxidants peptides and moisturising lipids while removing the live microbes and residue.
Fermentation has long been prized in food for improving nutrient uptake and adding new flavours. Over the past decade cosmetic chemists borrowed that same idea to create gentler yet more potent actives. By fermenting sesame oil they tap into its natural nutrients and make them easier for skin and hair to absorb without the greasy feel of raw oil.
You will most often spot Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sesame Seed Oil Ferment Filtrate in leave-on facial serums anti-aging creams daily moisturisers soothing masks lightweight facial mists scalp tonics and hair conditioners. Its multitasking nature lets formulators add antioxidant defence and a soft touch to both skin and hair products.
Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sesame Seed Oil Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is what this fermented filtrate brings to a formula:
- Antioxidant: Helps neutralise free radicals generated by UV light and pollution which supports a brighter more even-toned complexion and may slow visible signs of aging
- Hair conditioning: Coats strands with lightweight lipids and peptides that smooth frizz improve softness and add a healthy-looking shine without weighing hair down
- Skin conditioning: Supplies skin-identical fatty acids and humectants created during fermentation that reinforce the skin barrier boost hydration and leave skin feeling supple and comforted
Who Can Use Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sesame Seed Oil Ferment Filtrate
This fermented filtrate is generally suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, normal and combination skin, because it delivers lightweight hydration without a greasy after-feel. Those with very reactive or allergy-prone skin should still check the full ingredient list as sesame seed derivatives can provoke reactions in people with a known sesame allergy.
The ingredient is derived from plant oil and microorganisms, with no animal-derived inputs, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly.
No studies suggest that Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sesame Seed Oil Ferment Filtrate poses a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss any new skincare product with a healthcare professional to be safe.
It does not increase photosensitivity. In fact its antioxidant content can help defend skin against environmental stressors encountered in daylight. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sesame Seed Oil Ferment Filtrate vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential reactions, but most users will not experience these issues when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – It may trigger redness, itching or swelling in individuals allergic to sesame or sensitive to fermentation by-products.
- Temporary stinging or irritation – Very sensitive skin may feel a mild tingling sensation when the product is first applied, especially if the formula also contains strong exfoliants or acids.
- Breakouts in acne-prone skin – Although uncommon, rich supporting ingredients in the final product (not the filtrate itself) could clog pores in some users.
- Scalp sensitivity – When included in hair care, a sensitive scalp might experience mild itching or flaking if overused.
If you experience any of these reactions discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Although raw sesame oil sits around a 3 on the comedogenic scale, the fermentation and subsequent filtration step remove much of the heavier triglycerides that tend to block pores. What is left is a lightweight blend of smaller fatty acids, peptides and water-soluble antioxidants that absorb quickly and leave minimal residue.
Because of this low score it is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or congested skin, provided the rest of the formula is also low in pore-clogging ingredients.
As with any fermented derivative, final comedogenicity can vary slightly depending on how the supplier processes the filtrate and the concentration used, so product-specific testing remains important for formulators.
Summary
Kluyveromyces/Lactobacillus/Sesame Seed Oil Ferment Filtrate delivers three key benefits: it supplies antioxidant protection by furnishing skin with naturally occurring polyphenols that mop up free radicals, it conditions skin through fermented fatty acids and humectants that reinforce the moisture barrier, and it smooths hair by depositing lightweight lipids that enhance softness and shine.
Thanks to the rise of fermentation inspired by Korean beauty, this filtrate is gaining momentum but is still considered a niche active compared with long-established plant extracts and ceramides.
Current safety data and broad user experience point to a very low risk of irritation or sensitisation when used at typical cosmetic levels. Still, skin is individual so do a small patch test when trying any new product containing this ingredient to make sure it agrees with you.