Bifida/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Ferment Lysate Extract 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 Bifida/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate?

Bifida/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate is a skin care ingredient born from the fermentation of Scutellaria baicalensis root extract with Bifida bacteria. Scutellaria baicalensis, also called Chinese skullcap, has been valued in traditional beauty rituals for its soothing and antioxidant properties. When the root extract is fermented, Bifida breaks down large plant molecules into smaller fragments that are easier for skin to absorb. After fermentation the mixture is lysed to release all the helpful cellular material, then filtered to remove solids, leaving a clear liquid rich in bioactive compounds such as amino acids, sugars, and antioxidants.

This ingredient gained popularity as Korean beauty brands explored probiotic ferment technology to boost skin resilience. Today it is made in controlled vats where temperature, pH and time are carefully monitored. The finished filtrate is deodorized and stabilized so it blends smoothly into formulas.

You will most often see it in leave-on products like anti-aging serums, soothing essences, moisturizers and sheet masks. It also appears in eye creams and barrier-strengthening ampoules where a light texture and fast absorption are prized.

Bifida/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Its main role in skin care is skin conditioning, meaning it helps keep skin feeling soft, balanced and comfortable. The ferment delivers moisture binding sugars and amino acids that smooth the surface, while antioxidant plant compounds from Scutellaria help defend against daily environmental stress. Together these actions support a healthy skin barrier which can translate to a calmer appearance and improved radiance.

Who Can Use Bifida/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate

This probiotic ferment is gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, normal, combination and sensitive skin thanks to its soothing and barrier-supportive nature. Oily and acne-prone users typically tolerate it well too because the filtrate itself is lightweight and non-occlusive. There are no known reasons it would be unsuitable for any particular skin type unless an individual has a specific sensitivity to fermented ingredients or to Scutellaria baicalensis.

The ingredient is produced from a plant extract and a probiotic microorganism, with no animal-derived substances employed, so products featuring it are generally considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full ingredient list of a finished product to confirm there are no additional animal-based additives.

No data suggest that topical use poses a problem for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should discuss all skincare choices with a qualified healthcare provider before use.

Bifida/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is not regarded as photosensitizing. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Bifida/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate vary from one person to another. The following is a list of potential side effects, but they are uncommon and most users will not encounter them when the ingredient has been properly formulated and preserved.

  • Mild transient stinging or tingling on application
  • Temporary redness or warmth, especially on very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis marked by persistent itching or rash
  • Breakout or congestion if the overall formula is too rich for an acne-prone complexion
  • Irritation when layered with other active ingredients that compromise the skin barrier

Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any adverse reaction occurs.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 out of 5. This filtrate is a watery, oil-free ingredient that soaks in quickly without leaving a film that could clog pores. It is made up of small molecules like amino acids and sugars rather than heavy lipids, so it has virtually no potential to block follicles. As a result it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

Formulators typically pair the ferment with lightweight humectants and soothing agents, further lowering any clogging risk. Only the overall product texture and accompanying ingredients would change its pore-friendliness.

Summary

Bifida/Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Ferment Lysate Extract Filtrate is used mainly for skin conditioning: it tops up moisture with humectant sugars, supplies antioxidants from the skullcap root and helps reinforce the skin barrier with probiotic-derived metabolites. These combined actions leave skin feeling smoother, calmer and more resilient.

The ferment sits comfortably within the growing trend of K-beauty probiotic ingredients, though it is still less common than classic ferments like galactomyces. Brands looking for a gentle antioxidant boost and a marketing story around “microbiome care” are gradually adopting it.

Current data and real-world use point to a high safety profile, with low risk of irritation or pore clogging. Even so, individual sensitivities vary; perform a simple patch test when trying any new product that features this ingredient to be on the safe side.

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