Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract 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: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate?

Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate is a liquid obtained after green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) are steeped into an extract, then fermented with the friendly bacterium Lactobacillus. During fermentation the microorganisms break down larger plant molecules into smaller, more skin-friendly compounds and create new by-products like peptides and organic acids. The resulting filtrate is clarified to remove solids, leaving behind a lightweight water-based ingredient rich in antioxidants, amino acids and soothing metabolites.

Green tea has been prized in Asian skin care for centuries thanks to its polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Fermentation is a newer twist that grew popular in Korean beauty labs in the early 2000s as formulators looked for ways to make botanical extracts gentler and more bioavailable. By pairing green tea with Lactobacillus they discovered the extract became less irritating, had a softer scent and delivered more consistent antioxidant activity.

Production starts with sustainably harvested tea leaves that are extracted in water or a mild solvent. The extract is inoculated with a selected Lactobacillus strain and kept at controlled temperature and pH until fermentation markers peak, usually within 24-72 hours. The mixture is then filtered, standardized for potency and preserved for cosmetic use.

You will most often see Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate in lightweight moisturizers, soothing toners, essence lotions, sheet masks, anti-aging serums and post-sun treatments where calming and antioxidant support are key selling points.

Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ferment filtrate is valued mainly for one core role in skin care.

Skin conditioning: The fermented green tea liquid delivers a blend of antioxidants, humectants and calming compounds that help skin feel softer, look smoother and maintain a balanced moisture level. Its smaller molecules from fermentation are easily absorbed, allowing the formula to reduce the appearance of redness, support the skin barrier and provide a light protective shield against environmental stressors.

Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is gentle enough for most skin types. Oily, dry, sensitive or mature skin usually tolerate it well thanks to its lightweight texture and calming nature. Extremely reactive skin may still need to monitor how it feels, simply because any new ingredient can be unpredictable on compromised barriers.

The ingredient is plant based and produced with a probiotic culture so it is typically considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal-derived substances are involved in the extraction or fermentation process.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not known to have specific concerns with topical green tea ferments. There are no reported hormone-related interactions, but this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new products just to be safe.

Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate does not make skin more prone to sunburn and it can be used day or night without extra photosensitivity worries.

The ingredient is water based with a mild scent so it typically layers well under makeup or sunscreen and pairs nicely with most other actives.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate differ. The points below outline possible but uncommon reactions. When used as intended in a well-made product most people will not run into these problems.

  • Mild redness or tingling in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic response such as itching or small bumps in those allergic to green tea or fermentation by-products
  • Stinging when applied to freshly exfoliated, broken or razor-irritated skin
  • Breakouts or infection if a product is contaminated due to poor preservation
  • Extra dryness or sensitivity when layered with strong acids or retinoids without adequate hydration

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate is a watery filtrate with virtually no fatty acids, waxes or heavy oils that could clog pores. Its main components are water-soluble antioxidants, amino acids and lightweight humectants, none of which are known to block follicles. Because it sits lightly on the skin and absorbs quickly it earns a solid non-comedogenic score of zero.

This makes the ingredient generally safe for people prone to acne or breakouts, even when used daily.

Only in formulas that pair the ferment with rich butters or occlusive silicones could the overall product become pore-clogging, so always look at the full ingredient list rather than judging a product by one component.

Summary

Lactobacillus/Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate is a fermented green tea liquid that conditions skin by delivering easily absorbed antioxidants, calming peptides and moisture-binding amino acids. Fermentation breaks big plant molecules into smaller ones, helping the actives sink in and work harder while staying gentle.

Once a niche find in Korean essences the ingredient is now popping up in global moisturizers, toners and sheet masks as brands lean into the probiotic and fermented beauty trend. It is still less common than straight green tea extract but interest keeps climbing.

Safety profiles are strong. Most users experience no irritation and the ferment contains no known hormonal disruptors or sun-sensitizing agents. As with any new skincare addition a quick patch test is smart to rule out personal sensitivities and enjoy the soothing benefits with confidence.

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