Bacillus/Royal Jelly/Green Tea/Soybean 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: June 23, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Bacillus/Royal Jelly/Green Tea/Soybean Ferment Filtrate?

Bacillus/Royal Jelly/Green Tea/Soybean Ferment Filtrate is a naturally derived cosmetic ingredient created when the probiotic microorganism Bacillus subtilis ferments a blend of royal jelly, green tea leaves and soybean seeds. During fermentation the microbe breaks down large molecules into smaller peptides, amino acids, sugars and antioxidants, then the mixture is filtered to remove solids leaving a lightweight liquid rich in skin-loving compounds.

Royal jelly contributes vitamins, proteins and trace minerals, green tea adds polyphenols like epigallocatechin gallate while soybean supplies fatty acids and isoflavones. The fermentation step increases their bioavailability, making the final filtrate easier for skin to absorb and more stable for use in formulas.

The idea of fermenting botanicals and bee products took off in Korean beauty labs in the early 2000s, inspired by traditional food fermentation that boosts nutrient content and digestibility. As research showed that fermented ingredients can soothe skin and improve moisture retention, formulators began adding them to moisturizers and anti-aging lines. Brands now use Bacillus/Royal Jelly/Green Tea/Soybean Ferment Filtrate in essences, serums, sheet masks, light lotions and leave-on treatments aimed at hydration, barrier support and a healthy glow.

Bacillus/Royal Jelly/Green Tea/Soybean Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking filtrate offers several helpful roles in skin care formulations

  • Skin conditioning: Delivers peptides, amino acids and antioxidants that help soften skin, support a smooth texture and promote a refreshed appearance
  • Emollient: Supplies light lipids from soybean that coat the surface, filling in microscopic gaps to create a silky feel and reduce transepidermal water loss
  • Skin protecting: The combination of green tea polyphenols and fermented compounds provides an antioxidant shield that helps defend against environmental stress such as pollution and UV-induced free radicals

Who Can Use Bacillus/Royal Jelly/Green Tea/Soybean Ferment Filtrate

The lightweight, water-like nature of this ferment filtrate makes it generally suitable for most skin types including normal, dry, combination and even sensitive complexions. Oily and acne-prone skin can also benefit thanks to the non-greasy finish, though those extremely prone to breakouts might prefer using it in toner or essence form rather than a richer cream.

Because the ingredient contains royal jelly, which is produced by bees, it is not considered vegan. Some vegetarians also choose to avoid bee products, so anyone following a strict plant-based or bee-free lifestyle will want to skip formulas featuring this filtrate.

No specific data indicate that the ingredient poses a risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Its components are commonly found in foods and cosmetics and are not known endocrine disruptors. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with their physician before adding a new product containing Bacillus/Royal Jelly/Green Tea/Soybean Ferment Filtrate.

The filtrate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no extra photosensitivity concern. Daily sunscreen remains important, but no special UV precautions are required beyond normal sun care.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical Bacillus/Royal Jelly/Green Tea/Soybean Ferment Filtrate vary. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for most users when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Allergic reaction in people sensitive to bee products: redness, swelling or hives can occur due to the royal jelly component
  • Soy allergy flare-up: itching or rash may develop in those with a known soybean allergy
  • Mild irritation or stinging on very reactive skin, especially if applied to compromised or freshly exfoliated areas
  • Clogged pores or breakout in users extremely prone to acne when the filtrate is delivered in a heavy cream base
  • Contact dermatitis triggered by fragrance or other co-ingredients rather than the ferment itself

If any negative reaction is noticed, stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5
This filtrate is primarily water based with low levels of residual soybean lipids that have been broken down during fermentation, so the remaining molecules are small and unlikely to clog pores. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving little occlusive residue on the skin’s surface. Because of this, most acne-prone users should tolerate it well, though extremely sensitive or congestion-prone individuals may still prefer it in lighter formulas such as toners or essences rather than rich creams. No studies or user reports suggest a meaningful tendency to cause blackheads or pustules.

Products using the ingredient can vary widely: if the filtrate is blended into a heavy butter or silicone-rich base the overall formula could still be pore-clogging, so always consider the full ingredient list rather than the ferment alone.

Summary

Bacillus/Royal Jelly/Green Tea/Soybean Ferment Filtrate acts as a skin-conditioning emollient and protective antioxidant complex. Fermentation breaks royal jelly, green tea and soybean nutrients into smaller peptides, amino acids and polyphenols that sink into skin quickly, cushion its surface and help ward off free-radical stress. While not as famous as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, it is steadily gaining traction in K-beauty inspired serums, essences and sheet masks for those seeking a gentle glow boost.

Current data and real-world use show it to be low risk for irritation in the general population, with the main cautions revolving around bee or soy allergies. Overall it is considered safe for daily use. As with any new skincare ingredient, patch testing on a small area first is a smart way to rule out personal sensitivity before applying it more broadly.

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