Enterococcus Faecium/Rheum Palmatum Root Extract 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Enterococcus Faecium/Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate?

Enterococcus Faecium/Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate is a skin friendly liquid produced when the roots of Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) are fermented with the probiotic bacterium Enterococcus faecium. The plant supplies a mix of natural acids, sugars and polyphenols while the microorganism breaks these compounds down into smaller, more bio-available molecules and adds its own beneficial peptides. The resulting filtrate is then carefully separated from the solid biomass and purified, giving formulators a clear, lightweight ingredient rich in skin calming and moisturizing fractions.

Fermented plant extracts have been used in East Asian beauty rituals for centuries but large scale cosmetic use gained traction in the early 2000s with the surge of “K-beauty” products. Suppliers noticed that fermentation could boost the antioxidant potential of herbal roots like rhubarb and also create postbiotic substances that support the skin barrier. Today manufacturers cultivate Enterococcus faecium in controlled vats, introduce powdered Rheum palmatum root, allow several days of fermentation, then filter and standardize the liquid to ensure consistent activity and low odor.

You will most often spot Enterococcus Faecium/Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate in soothing sheet masks, barrier repairing creams, hydrating serums, after-sun gels and anti aging lotions where brands want a gentle yet active botanical ferment.

Enterococcus Faecium/Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ferment brings two main functions that can elevate many skincare formulas

  • Skin conditioning: The postbiotic peptides and fermented plant sugars help maintain a healthy microbiome, calm visible redness and leave skin feeling soft and balanced
  • Emollient: Lightweight lipids produced during fermentation form a thin layer on the skin surface, reducing transepidermal water loss and giving a smooth touch without greasiness

Who Can Use Enterococcus Faecium/Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate

This ferment is mild enough for most skin types. Dry and mature skin will appreciate its light emollient layer while oily or combination skin can use it thanks to its water like feel and fast absorption. Sensitive skin tends to tolerate the ingredient well because the fermentation process removes many harsh plant compounds yet anyone with a known allergy to rhubarb or probiotics should proceed carefully.

The liquid is made from a plant root and a lab grown bacterial culture so it contains no animal derived material making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Although Enterococcus species are sometimes linked to dairy products the strain used here is cultivated on plant media and the final filtrate is animal free.

No warnings are currently issued for use during pregnancy or while nursing however this is not medical advice. Expectant and breastfeeding women should show the full ingredient list of any cosmetic product to their doctor first to be on the safe side.

The ferment does not increase photosensitivity and can be worn in the daytime without raising the risk of sunburn. It is also fragrance free by nature so it rarely clashes with perfume or other scented steps in a routine.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Enterococcus Faecium/Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate differ from person to person. The points below describe what could happen in rare cases. When the ingredient is correctly processed and used at standard levels most people will never notice any of these issues.

  • Irritation or stinging on very reactive skin, especially if the barrier is already compromised
  • Redness or rash triggered by a specific allergy to rhubarb compounds or postbiotic peptides
  • Folliculitis like bumps if applied to unclean skin that already harbors excessive bacteria
  • Temporary tacky feel that some users may find uncomfortable under heavy makeup

If any of these reactions develop stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5. Enterococcus Faecium/Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate is primarily a watery, low-oil liquid. Any lipids created during fermentation are present in very small amounts and sit lightly on the skin so they are unlikely to block pores. Its postbiotic molecules may even help keep the skin’s surface balanced which further reduces the chance of congestion. Because of this, it is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone individuals.

Worth noting: formulas that pair the ferment with heavy oils, butters or silicones can raise the overall comedogenicity of the finished product even if the ferment itself is low risk.

Summary

Enterococcus Faecium/Rheum Palmatum Root Extract Ferment Filtrate works as a skin conditioner and a light emollient. The fermentation process turns rhubarb root compounds into smaller antioxidant-rich molecules while the probiotic produces peptides and humectant sugars. Together these help calm redness, support the skin barrier, add a whisper of moisture and leave the surface soft without greasiness.

The ingredient is still a niche addition compared with superstar actives like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid yet it is gaining quiet popularity in K-beauty inspired moisturizers and soothing masks because consumers are looking for gentle microbiome friendly ferments.

Overall safety is high when the filtrate is manufactured under cosmetic-grade conditions. Reports of irritation or clogged pores are rare but, as with any new skincare step, it is wise to perform a quick patch test before full face use just to be on the safe side.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search