What Is Bacillus/Monascus/Psilotum Nudum Leaf/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate?
Bacillus/Monascus/Psilotum Nudum Leaf/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate is a bio-active liquid obtained after fermenting Psilotum nudum leaves and nutrient-rich rice bran with two well known microorganisms, Bacillus subtilis and Monascus purpureus. Fermentation breaks down the plant material and bran into smaller molecules such as amino acids, peptides, natural moisturising sugars, antioxidant polyphenols and skin-loving fatty acids, then the mixture is filtered to remove solids leaving a clear to amber water-like filtrate packed with these skin-friendly compounds.
The idea of blending traditional Asian fermentation practices with modern skincare needs gained traction in the early 2000s when K-beauty brands began exploring rice and red yeast derivatives for their brightening and sebum-balancing effects. Adding the ancient fern Psilotum nudum, prized in folk remedies for its soothing properties, created a multi-functional ingredient that quickly found favour with formulators looking for gentle plant-based actives.
Manufacturing starts by steaming and sterilising rice bran, mixing it with cleaned Psilotum leaves, then inoculating the batch with selected strains of Bacillus and Monascus. The culture is kept at controlled temperature and humidity for several days to weeks. Once fermentation reaches its peak, the liquid is pressed out and passed through fine filters to ensure clarity and microbiological safety. The result is an odour-light, water-soluble filtrate suitable for cosmetic use.
Thanks to its mild nature and broad activity range, the filtrate appears in facial masks, lightweight gel moisturisers, mattifying lotions, leave-on toners, anti-blemish serums, scalp tonics and even natural toothpastes and mouthwashes targeting plaque build-up.
Bacillus/Monascus/Psilotum Nudum Leaf/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ferment contributes several helpful actions when blended into skincare or oral care formulas
- Anti-Sebum: Helps regulate excess oil so skin feels fresher and makeup lasts longer making it ideal for combination and oily complexions
- Antiplaque: In oral care products the bioactive peptides can hinder plaque-forming bacteria supporting a cleaner mouth and brighter smile
- Oral Care: Offers a gentle, naturally derived alternative to harsher mouthwash additives while soothing gum tissue
- Emollient: Supplies lightweight conditioning agents that soften and smooth skin without a greasy residue enhancing overall texture
- Skin Protecting: Antioxidant polyphenols and amino acids form a breathable shield that helps defend against environmental stress and dehydration
Who Can Use Bacillus/Monascus/Psilotum Nudum Leaf/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate
This ferment filtrate suits most skin types. Its oil balancing action makes it especially helpful for oily and combination skin while the lightweight emollients give normal and slightly dry skin a smooth feel. Very dry or eczema-prone complexions may need a richer occlusive on top because the filtrate itself does not provide heavy sealing moisture. Thanks to its gentle nature and absence of strong acids or retinoids it tends to agree with sensitive skin as well.
The ingredient is produced from plant leaves rice bran and microorganisms with no animal derived materials so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the filtrate is used topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. That said this information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a qualified health professional before use just to be safe.
The filtrate does not increase photosensitivity so it can be used day or night without making skin more prone to sunburn. It also works well alongside common actives such as niacinamide panthenol and mild exfoliating acids without causing known incompatibilities.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Bacillus/Monascus/Psilotum Nudum Leaf/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate differ from person to person. The points below describe potential reactions yet most users experience none of them when using a well-formulated product.
- Skin irritation – mild redness or stinging may occur in those highly reactive to new ingredients
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible if someone is allergic to rice derivatives or fermentation by-products
- Breakouts – individuals who are extremely acne prone could notice clogged pores if the overall formula contains heavy oils alongside the filtrate
- Yeast sensitivity flare – users with conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that react to certain yeasts might experience a temporary worsening
Discontinue use and seek medical advice if any persistent or severe reaction develops after applying the ingredient or products containing it.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 – the filtrate is water soluble and made up of low-molecular-weight amino acids, peptides and polyphenols with only trace amounts of lipids, so it rarely lingers on the skin surface or plugs pores.
With such a low score it is normally a good choice for people who break out easily or have acne prone skin.
Comedogenicity can climb if the filtrate is blended into a very rich cream, so always judge the full formula rather than the ingredient in isolation.
Summary
Bacillus/Monascus/Psilotum Nudum Leaf/Rice Bran Ferment Filtrate delivers five key actions: it tempers sebum, softens skin, guards against moisture loss, supplies antioxidants and helps curb oral plaque. Fermentation unlocks amino acids and peptides that calm oil glands, antioxidant polyphenols that shield cells from stress and light emollients that smooth texture.
The ingredient is still a niche player compared with household names like hyaluronic acid but interest is climbing thanks to K-beauty brands that spotlight fermented botanicals.
Overall safety is high; it is vegan friendly, gentle and non photosensitising with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new cosmetic active it is wise to perform a quick patch test before adding a product containing this ferment to your routine.