Lactobacillus/Houttuynia Cordata 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/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate?

Lactobacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate starts with Houttuynia cordata, a heart-shaped herb long valued in East Asian skincare. The leaves are soaked to pull out water-soluble goodies such as flavonoids, vitamins, sugars and soothing polysaccharides. This extract is then mixed with the friendly bacterium Lactobacillus, which naturally breaks large plant molecules into smaller skin-loving fragments and produces mild organic acids. After the brew reaches the right pH and activity level it is carefully filtered, leaving a clear fluid rich in low-weight nutrients, amino acids and postbiotic compounds.

The ingredient rose to fame alongside the Korean beauty fermentation trend that looks to boost potency while keeping formulas gentle. Today it is added to sheet masks, calming toners, lightweight moisturizers, anti-blemish serums, after-sun gels and even scalp mists whenever a brand wants plant power plus probiotic know-how.

Lactobacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ferment filtrate is prized for one main role in skincare formulas.

Skin conditioning: thanks to its blend of soothing plant compounds and Lactobacillus-derived peptides it helps keep the skin’s surface soft, balanced and comfortable. The postbiotic acids support a healthy pH, the smaller sugars draw in water for light hydration and the flavonoids calm the look of redness, making the skin feel smoother and more resilient over time.

Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate

Thanks to its gentle water based nature the ferment filtrate suits most skin types. Dry and normal complexions enjoy the light hydration while the calming plant chemicals make it a welcome choice for sensitive or redness prone skin. Oily and breakout prone users usually tolerate it well because the fluid texture sinks in fast and leaves no greasy film. There are no known reasons for very dry mature or combination skin to avoid it.

The ingredient is made from a plant leaf and a lab grown probiotic culture with no animal by products so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Brands that follow a strict cruelty free policy can also use it without issue.

No research flags the filtrate as unsafe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used on intact skin. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review the full product with a doctor to be on the safe side.

The ferment does not increase photosensitivity so daytime wear is fine. It can be layered under sunscreen just like any other lightweight hydrator.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Lactobacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate vary from person to person. The points below cover potential reactions but most people will not run into them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and preserved.

  • Mild redness or warmth
  • Temporary stinging on very compromised skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in those sensitive to Houttuynia cordata or ferment by products
  • Rare breakouts if paired with heavy occlusive bases that trap oil
  • Interaction with poorly preserved formulas which could allow microbial growth

If any discomfort swelling itch or rash develops stop use at once and seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5. Lactobacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate is a water based fluid with tiny plant-derived molecules and postbiotic acids that do not form a heavy film on the skin. It contains no saturated oils or waxes typically linked to clogged pores so it earns the lowest score on the comedogenic scale.

This makes the ingredient generally suitable for people prone to acne or frequent breakouts. Only when it is blended into a very rich or poorly preserved formula could pore congestion become a concern so the overall product texture matters more than the ferment itself.

Summary

Lactobacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate is mainly a skin conditioning agent that hydrates, calms and supports a balanced pH. The fermentation step breaks down Houttuynia cordata leaf nutrients into smaller fragments, adds amino acids and gentle organic acids, then the final filtrate delivers these straight to the skin for a smoother, more comfortable feel.

Thanks to the ongoing popularity of Korean fermentation techniques the ingredient is popping up in toners, gels, sheet masks and light lotions, though it is still a niche pick compared with classics like aloe or green tea.

Current data shows it is safe for everyday use on intact skin with very low risk of irritation or pore clogging. As with any new skincare addition it is wise to patch test a product containing this ferment to rule out individual sensitivities.

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