Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit 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 Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate?

Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate is a skin-loving ingredient created by fermenting burdock fruit extract (Arctium lappa) with maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa). During fermentation the maitake fungi break down complex plant molecules into smaller compounds and release beneficial metabolites such as amino acids, peptides, sugars and antioxidants. This bio-transformation turns the original plant extract into a lighter easier-to-absorb filtrate rich in skin-conditioning nutrients.

Burdock and maitake both have long histories in traditional wellness and food cultures, but their combination in cosmetics is relatively new. As the beauty world embraced fermentation for its ability to boost potency and skin compatibility formulators experimented with pairing various botanicals and fungi. The success of fermented rice and tea led to research on burdock’s soothing qualities plus maitake’s enzymatic activity, giving rise to this hybrid ingredient now used by several forward-thinking skincare brands.

Manufacturing starts with harvesting ripe burdock fruits which are cleaned and extracted in water or a mild solvent to obtain a concentrated plant solution. Maitake spores are then introduced under controlled temperature and pH conditions, allowing the fungi to ferment the extract for several days. After fermentation the mixture is filtered to remove solids and sterilized to ensure purity, yielding a clear or slightly amber filtrate that blends easily into water-based formulations.

You will most often see Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate in hydrating essences, lightweight serums, soothing masks, anti-aging creams and after-sun gels where it supports skin barrier health and overall softness.

Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This fermented filtrate primarily serves as a skin conditioning agent. By supplying skin-friendly sugars, amino acids and antioxidants it helps maintain moisture levels, smooth texture and improve suppleness. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for daily care products aimed at boosting comfort and resilience, giving skin a fresher more hydrated look and feel.

Who Can Use Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate

This fermented blend is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its lightweight water-based nature and lack of heavy oils make it unlikely to clog pores so even acne-prone users usually find it comfortable. Sensitive skin often benefits from its soothing amino acids and sugars but anyone with a known mushroom or burdock allergy should approach with caution.

The ingredient is derived from plants and fungi only, with no animal by-products or animal testing required for its production, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Current data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the filtrate is used topically at the low concentrations found in cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should clear any new skincare product with their healthcare provider to be extra safe.

The filtrate does not increase photosensitivity and can be used day or night without raising sunburn risk. It also plays well with most other common actives, making formulation layering straightforward.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but not expected for the average user when the ingredient is correctly formulated and preserved.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin, usually temporary
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to mushrooms, burdock or fermentation by-products
  • Itching or small hives as a rare histamine response to plant proteins
  • Breakouts if combined with other comedogenic ingredients in a formula rather than from the filtrate itself
  • Interaction with poorly balanced preservatives leading to product spoilage and subsequent irritation

If you experience any of these effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5 (non-comedogenic). Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate is a lightweight water based filtrate free of pore-clogging oils and waxes. Fermentation reduces the plant material to tiny molecules that absorb quickly and leave no occlusive film, so it does not encourage blackheads or breakouts.

Because of this it is generally a safe pick for acne-prone users. If blemishes occur while using a product containing the filtrate they are likely due to other components in the formula rather than the ferment itself.

Formulas that include this filtrate may still pair it with heavier emollients or silicones for texture, so always review the full ingredient list if you are highly clog-prone.

Summary

Grifola Frondosa/Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate conditions skin by delivering a mix of naturally generated amino acids, peptides, sugars and antioxidants that boost hydration, smoothness and barrier strength. The fermentation step turns burdock fruit compounds into smaller skin-friendly nutrients, helping them sink in and get to work.

Though not yet a household name it is quietly gaining traction in hydrating serums, essences and calming masks where gentle performance and clean sourcing are prized.

Overall safety data look solid with low risks of irritation or pore blockage, making it a comfortable choice for most skin types. Still, patch test any new product containing this ferment to make sure it meshes with your individual skin.

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