Lactobacillus/Arginine/Lycium Chinense 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: July 1, 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 Lactobacillus/Arginine/Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate?

Lactobacillus/Arginine/Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate is a fermented blend that starts with the fruit of Lycium chinense, better known as goji berry, and the amino acid arginine. These two materials are steeped in water, then introduced to Lactobacillus, the same friendly bacteria used in yogurt making. Over several days the bacteria break down large plant molecules and convert them into smaller skin compatible compounds. Once fermentation is complete the mixture is filtered, leaving a clear liquid rich in antioxidants, peptides and skin friendly sugars.

The use of fermented plant extracts in beauty formulas began gaining attention in East Asia during the early 2000s when brands looked for gentle yet potent alternatives to synthetic actives. Goji berry was a natural choice because of its long history in traditional wellness practices and its high level of protective nutrients. By pairing the fruit with arginine scientists found they could boost skin conditioning properties while Lactobacillus improved bioavailability.

Today this ferment filtrate appears in a variety of leave on cosmetics. You will most often spot it in lightweight anti aging serums, hydrating essences, sheet masks, daily moisturizers and soothing after sun gels. Formulators like it because it dissolves easily in water based systems and works at skin friendly pH ranges.

Lactobacillus/Arginine/Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

The key role this ingredient plays in skincare is as an antioxidant, helping products defend skin from everyday environmental stress.

Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Arginine/Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is water-light and non-greasy so it suits most skin types, including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive. Because it is not occlusive and carries a low risk of clogging pores, acne-prone users usually tolerate it well. There are no known concerns for darker skin tones or compromised skin barriers when used in a well-formulated product.

The ingredient comes from a fruit extract, the amino acid arginine and probiotic bacteria, none of which are animal-derived. That makes it generally considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

There is nothing in this ferment that is known to pose a problem for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new skincare products, just to be safe.

The filtrate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is not classed as photosensitising. Standard daily sunscreen use is still encouraged for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Lactobacillus/Arginine/Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate differ from person to person. The points below list potential, though uncommon, side effects when the ingredient is applied to skin in a cosmetic product formulated within safe limits.

  • Redness or mild stinging – usually short-lived and often linked to very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible for anyone with an allergy to goji berries or other components in the formula
  • Temporary breakouts – may occur in acne-prone users if the overall product contains other pore-clogging ingredients
  • Irritation when layered with strong acids or retinoids – the combined use can sometimes overwhelm a fragile skin barrier

If any of these effects appear and do not settle quickly stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5 (non-comedogenic)

This ferment filtrate is completely water soluble and leaves no oily residue, so it cannot harden inside pores or trap dead skin cells. The carbohydrates, peptides and antioxidants it supplies are lightweight and skin compatible, making blockage very unlikely. As a result the ingredient is generally considered safe for those who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Because the final material is used at low concentrations and usually paired with other non-greasy humectants, its comedogenic potential stays close to zero in finished products.

Summary

Lactobacillus/Arginine/Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract Ferment Filtrate delivers antioxidant defense, a mild dose of humectant hydration and gentle skin conditioning peptides. Fermentation breaks goji berry nutrients into smaller fragments so they absorb more easily and remain active longer on the skin surface.

While not yet a top mainstream player like vitamin C or niacinamide, this ferment is gaining steady popularity in K-beauty inspired serums and masks where consumers look for gentle natural boosters.

Current safety data show a very low risk of irritation or pore clogging for most users. Still, skin can react unpredictably so it is wise to patch test any new product that features this ingredient before applying it to the whole face.

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