Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum 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 27, 2025
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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 Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate?

Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate is a liquid ingredient obtained when horse chestnut seed extract (Aesculus hippocastanum) is fermented with the friendly yeast Endomyces. During fermentation the yeast breaks down large plant molecules into smaller skin-friendly compounds, creating a cocktail of amino acids, peptides, sugars, vitamins, antioxidants, flavonoids and saponins. These smaller components are more easily absorbed by skin and often carry soothing and protective properties.

Horse chestnut has been used for generations in folk remedies to calm swelling and boost circulation, while cosmetic chemists have long valued fermentation for its ability to amplify the benefits of botanical extracts. Marrying the two began in the early 2000s when Korean beauty brands explored fermented plant actives for gentler yet more effective skin care. Today the filtrate is produced in a controlled setting: the chestnut extract is inoculated with Endomyces, allowed to ferment under set temperature and pH, then carefully filtered to remove yeast cells and impurities before a final sterilisation step. The result is a clear or slightly amber liquid that slips easily into modern formulas.

You will most often see Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate in hydrating serums, calming masks, anti-aging creams, eye gels, after-sun treatments, lightweight moisturisers and even scalp or hair-strengthening tonics.

Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care formulations Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate is prized for its skin conditioning ability, meaning it helps keep skin soft, smooth and healthy-looking. The mix of fermented nutrients attracts and binds moisture, supports the skin barrier, soothes temporary redness and leaves a supple comfortable finish that enhances the overall feel of a product.

Who Can Use Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate

This fermented horse chestnut filtrate is gentle enough for most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and even sensitive skin thanks to its lightweight texture and soothing profile. The only clear exceptions are people with a known allergy to horse chestnut, yeast or related plants as they could react to trace compounds left after fermentation.

The ingredient is derived entirely from plant material fermented with a microorganism so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are involved in the standard manufacturing process but certification can vary by brand so strict lifestyle followers may want to double-check with the manufacturer.

No studies indicate a specific risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the filtrate is used topically at cosmetic levels. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all skincare products past their healthcare provider just to be safe.

Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate does not increase photosensitivity. It even supplies a touch of antioxidant support, yet daily sunscreen is still essential for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate can vary from person to person. The issues listed below are possible, not probable, and most users will enjoy the ingredient without any trouble when it is formulated correctly.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis such as redness, itching or swelling in people sensitive to horse chestnut or yeast
  • Mild stinging or warmth on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Rare cross-reactivity in individuals with nut or latex allergies due to similar plant proteins
  • Formula instability that can lead to off-odors or color changes if the product is stored improperly, though this affects the experience more than the skin itself

If you notice any persistent irritation or discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0-1. Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate is a water-based ferment rich in small humectant molecules and antioxidants, not heavy oils or waxes that normally clog pores. Most formulations use it at modest percentages so it sits light on skin and rinses clean without leaving an occlusive film. For these reasons it is generally non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

The only caveat is the rest of the formula. If the product pairs the filtrate with thick butters or comedogenic oils, pore-clogging potential rises, but that is due to those companions rather than the ferment itself.

Summary

Endomyces/Aesculus Hippocastanum Ferment Filtrate is mainly a skin-conditioning agent. Fermentation turns horse chestnut nutrients into smaller amino acids, sugars and saponins that attract moisture, soothe redness and offer mild antioxidant defense, leaving skin feeling soft and balanced.

It is still a niche ingredient compared with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, but its presence is growing in K-beauty style serums, calming gels and modern after-sun products because formulators like its gentle botanical profile and light texture.

Overall safety is high with low irritation or allergy rates, provided you are not sensitive to horse chestnut or yeast. As with any new skincare product it is wise to patch test first to rule out personal reactions before full-face use.

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