Bjerkandera Adusta 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 The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Bjerkandera Adusta Ferment Filtrate?

Bjerkandera Adusta Ferment Filtrate begins with Bjerkandera adusta, a wood-dwelling mushroom found in temperate forests. When this mushroom is placed in a controlled tank with water, glucose and helpful microbes, it ferments. During fermentation the fungus breaks down the nutrients and releases skin-friendly compounds such as amino acids, peptides, polysaccharides and natural enzymes. Once the process is complete the mixture is carefully filtered, removing any solid bits and leaving a clear liquid known as the ferment filtrate.

Interest in fermented extracts took off with Korean beauty brands in the early 2010s because fermentation can make botanical ingredients gentler and more effective. Bjerkandera adusta joined the roster as formulators looked for new sources of lightweight moisture and skin-softening agents that do not feel heavy or greasy.

Today Bjerkandera Adusta Ferment Filtrate shows up in facial moisturizers, watery lotions, soothing toners, hydrating serums, sheet masks and leave-on anti-aging products. It is prized for adding a silky finish and boosting overall skin comfort without clogging pores.

Bjerkandera Adusta Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient serves a single yet valuable purpose in skincare formulas.

Emollient: It smooths and softens the skin surface by filling in tiny cracks between dead cells. This helps reduce roughness, improves flexibility and leaves the skin feeling supple. Because it is lightweight it gives lasting comfort without an oily residue, making it suitable for everything from rich creams to quick-absorbing fluids.

Who Can Use Bjerkandera Adusta Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is gentle enough for all major skin types. Dry and mature complexions appreciate its softening effect while oily or acne-prone skin benefits from a feather-light texture that will not add extra grease. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well because fermentation breaks down potential irritants, though anyone with a known mushroom or mold allergy should approach with caution.

The ingredient is produced from a fungus and water with no animal-derived additives so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Its production does not involve animal testing in most jurisdictions, though consumers who follow cruelty-free principles should still confirm the brand’s specific stance.

No data suggest that topical Bjerkandera Adusta Ferment Filtrate poses a risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used in normal cosmetic amounts. That said this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should show any new skincare product to their healthcare provider before adding it to a routine.

The filtrate does not increase photosensitivity and can be used morning or night without raising the chance of sunburn. Standard daily sunscreen habits remain important for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to any cosmetic ingredient vary from person to person. The following points list potential but uncommon side effects associated with topical Bjerkandera Adusta Ferment Filtrate when it is properly formulated and used at typical concentrations

  • Redness or mild irritation
  • Itching or tingling immediately after application
  • Contact dermatitis in individuals with mushroom or mold allergies
  • Rare clogging of pores if blended with heavier occlusive agents in the formula

If a negative reaction occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a medical professional

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Bjerkandera Adusta Ferment Filtrate is water based and contains very little oil or wax, so it does not plug pores on its own. That places it at the bottom of the comedogenic scale.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

The only time clogged pores might become an issue is when the filtrate is combined with heavy butters or thick occlusive agents in the final product, so the full formula matters.

Summary

Bjerkandera Adusta Ferment Filtrate works mainly as a lightweight emollient. By slipping between rough surface cells it smooths, softens and leaves skin feeling supple without a greasy after-feel. The fermentation step produces amino acids, peptides and polysaccharides that boost this silky finish.

While not yet a household name, the ingredient has a steady following in Korean beauty and is starting to show up in global moisturizers, toners and serums that aim for a fresh non-oily texture.

Topical use is considered low risk for most people with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new skincare item a small patch test before full use is a smart extra step.

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