Lactobacillus/Rapeseed Leaf/Radish Root/Fructose 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/Rapeseed Leaf/Radish Root/Fructose Ferment Filtrate?

Lactobacillus/Rapeseed Leaf/Radish Root/Fructose Ferment Filtrate is a skin care ingredient obtained by fermenting fructose together with rapeseed leaf and radish root using the probiotic microorganism Lactobacillus. During fermentation the plant material is broken down and transformed into a liquid rich in bioactive peptides, organic acids and antioxidants, then carefully filtered to remove solids. The result is a clear water-like filtrate that carries the beneficial compounds generated in the process.

Fermentation has long been used in traditional food preservation, and the cosmetic industry adopted similar methods in the early 2000s to create gentle natural preservatives and antioxidant boosters. By harnessing Lactobacillus, formulators discovered they could produce ingredients that help keep products fresh while delivering skin benefits at the same time. This particular ferment gained popularity as brands looked for plant based alternatives to synthetic preservatives.

Production starts with washing and macerating rapeseed leaves and radish roots, then mixing them with a fructose solution. A selected strain of Lactobacillus is introduced under controlled temperature and pH, allowing it to ferment for several days. The liquid is then filtered, pasteurized and standardized for use in cosmetic labs.

You will commonly find Lactobacillus/Rapeseed Leaf/Radish Root/Fructose Ferment Filtrate in leave-on serums, lightweight moisturizers, soothing masks, balancing toners, scalp treatments and anti-aging blends where brands want a plant derived preservative boost along with added antioxidant care.

Lactobacillus/Rapeseed Leaf/Radish Root/Fructose Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking ferment supports both product stability and skin wellness

  • Antimicrobial: The organic acids and peptides created during fermentation lower the pH and disrupt the cell walls of unwanted microbes. When included at the right concentration the filtrate helps keep formulas free from spoilage-causing bacteria and fungi, allowing brands to reduce or replace traditional preservatives.
  • Antioxidant: Naturally occurring flavonoids and phenolic compounds from rapeseed and radish, enhanced by the ferment process, neutralize free radicals on the skin. Regular use can help fend off dullness and early signs of aging triggered by pollution and UV exposure, supporting a fresher, healthier looking complexion.

Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Rapeseed Leaf/Radish Root/Fructose Ferment Filtrate

This ferment is generally well tolerated by most skin types including oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin because it is lightweight, water based and low in potential irritants. People with very reactive or compromised skin should still introduce it slowly since the gentle organic acids it contains may cause a brief tingling sensation on damaged areas.

The ingredient is entirely plant derived and produced with the help of probiotic bacteria so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal sourced materials are used at any point in the process.

There are no specific reports of risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ferment is applied topically. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review new skin care products with a qualified doctor before adding them to a routine.

The filtrate does not cause photosensitivity so it can be used both morning and night without increasing the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It also plays nicely with most common actives such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid and can help support a balanced micro-environment on the skin.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Lactobacillus/Rapeseed Leaf/Radish Root/Fructose Ferment Filtrate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at recommended levels in a well-formulated product.

  • Mild stinging or warmth especially on freshly exfoliated or broken skin
  • Temporary redness due to the low pH of the ferment or individual sensitivity to organic acids
  • Itchiness or small bumps in rare cases of allergy to brassica or radish plant compounds
  • Dry patches if layered with multiple low-pH products that collectively disrupt the skin barrier
  • Contact dermatitis in very rare cases where an immune response is triggered by plant proteins or preservatives in the finished formula

If any uncomfortable reaction develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5. This filtrate is water based, contains no pore-clogging oils or waxes and is used at very low concentrations, so it does not form a film that could trap sebum or dead cells inside follicles. The organic acids created during fermentation may even help keep pores clear by lightly balancing skin pH.

Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.

Because the ingredient replaces a portion of traditional preservatives formulators sometimes pair it with humectants rather than heavier emollients, which further reduces the chance of congestion.

Summary

Lactobacillus/Rapeseed Leaf/Radish Root/Fructose Ferment Filtrate works as an antimicrobial and antioxidant. The Lactobacillus fermentation process creates organic acids and short peptides that hinder the growth of spoilage microbes while flavonoids and phenolics from rapeseed leaf and radish root scavenge skin-damaging free radicals. Together these actions help keep the finished product fresh and support a brighter more resilient complexion.

The ferment is gaining traction among clean beauty and K-beauty brands looking for plant-derived preservative boosters yet it is still considered a niche ingredient compared with mainstream synthetics. Its gentle profile broadens its appeal to sensitive skin consumers.

Overall safety data and user reports show a low risk of irritation for most people though any cosmetic can trigger a unique reaction. When trying a new formula that contains this ferment it is always wise to perform a quick patch test first so you can confirm personal compatibility.

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