Lactobacillus/Rye Flour 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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/Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate?

Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate comes from rye flour that has been fermented by a friendly bacterium called Lactobacillus. During fermentation the bacteria break down the natural sugars and proteins in the grain and release helpful substances like amino acids, small peptides and skin soothing acids. After the mix has fully fermented it is filtered so only the clear watery part, the filtrate, remains. This liquid holds most of the useful by-products while removing the thicker grain matter.

Rye-based ferments have been used in traditional foods for centuries because they add flavor and keep foods fresh longer. When researchers noticed that people who handled fermented dough often had soft smooth hands they started to look at these ferments for skin and hair care. Over time cosmetic labs refined the process, making sure the final filtrate is clean, stable and safe for bottles and jars.

The ingredient is produced in a controlled tank where rye flour and water form a slurry. Lactobacillus cultures are added then the mix ferments for a set number of hours at warm room temperature. The liquid is then separated from solids, passed through fine filters and gently preserved.

You can find Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate in lightweight facial serums, calming sheet masks, daily moisturizers, leave-in hair conditioners, anti-aging creams and scalp soothing treatments.

Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Formulators turn to this ferment because it can improve how a product feels and how skin and hair look.

  • Hair conditioning – Helps smooth the hair shaft so strands feel softer, look shinier and are easier to detangle. It can also reduce static which keeps styles neater.
  • Skin conditioning – Supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it supple and calm. The gentle acids from fermentation can give a fresh appearance without harsh exfoliation.

Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is gentle enough for most skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin, because it is watery, low in oil and free of harsh acids. Extremely reactive skin or skin with a known allergy to cereal grains should approach with caution, as trace protein fragments from rye could be present even after filtration.

Because it comes from rye flour and a non-animal bacterium, the ingredient is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal-derived substrates are used in standard production.

Current safety data shows no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically and in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should confirm product choices with a healthcare professional.

Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate does not make skin more prone to sunburn and is not known to interfere with sunscreen performance, so photosensitivity is not an issue.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate vary from person to person. The points below list potential, though uncommon, reactions when the ingredient is used in a well-formulated cosmetic product.

  • Mild stinging or tingling during the first few uses
  • Transient redness in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with grain allergies
  • Rare bacterial contamination issues if a product is improperly preserved

If any irritation, swelling or persistent discomfort occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5 – Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate is a water-based ingredient with virtually no residual oils or waxy compounds that could clog pores. Its primary components are small peptides, amino acids and mild organic acids, all of which rinse or absorb without leaving an occlusive film.

Because it does not sit on the skin in a heavy layer this ferment filtrate is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

The only caveat is the finished formula: if the product also contains rich butters or silicones the overall comedogenicity will depend on those extras, not on the ferment itself.

Summary

Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate conditions skin and hair by delivering moisture-binding amino acids and surface-smoothing peptides created during fermentation. These micro-nutrients reinforce the skin barrier, calm sensitivity and leave hair softer and easier to manage.

While not as famous as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, this grain ferment is quietly gaining traction in niche moisturizers, serum-toners and scalp mists thanks to its light texture and gentle profile.

Current data rates it as very safe for topical use with only rare allergy concerns. As with any new cosmetic, patch testing is smart practice to rule out individual sensitivities before full-face or full-scalp application.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search