Lactobacillus/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract 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/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract Filtrate?

Lactobacillus/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract Filtrate is a fluid obtained after oats (Avena sativa) have been fermented with the friendly bacteria Lactobacillus. Fermentation breaks oat molecules into smaller pieces and enriches the mix with skin-loving by-products like amino acids, short-chain sugars and soothing beta-glucans. Once fermentation is complete the liquid is carefully filtered to remove solids, leaving a light, water-like filtrate that slips easily into creams and lotions.

Interest in fermented ingredients took off in the early 2010s when brands began looking to probiotics for their gentle balancing effect on skin. Oats have long been prized for calming dry or itchy skin, so pairing them with Lactobacillus was a natural next step. The resulting filtrate first appeared in Korean beauty masks then spread to global lines focused on sensitive skin and scalp care.

To make it, cosmetic chemists soak finely milled oats in water, add a starter culture of Lactobacillus and keep the mixture at a warm, steady temperature. The bacteria feast on the oat sugars for one to three days, producing beneficial compounds. The brew is then filtered, standardized and preserved so it stays fresh inside a product.

You’ll now find Lactobacillus/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract Filtrate in moisturizers, calming serums, overnight masks, leave-in hair conditioners, scalp soothing sprays and age-defying creams aimed at reinforcing the skin and hair barrier.

Lactobacillus/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This fermented oat filtrate pulls double duty in both skin and hair care formulas

  • Hair conditioning: Coats hair strands with lightweight sugars and proteins that make them feel softer and smoother, reducing static and easing comb-through without weighing hair down
  • Skin conditioning: Supplies calming beta-glucans, moisturizing amino acids and probiotic fractions that help soothe redness, boost hydration and support a healthy skin barrier

Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract Filtrate

Because fermented oat filtrate is gentle, water based and free of heavy oils it suits almost every skin type, from oily and combination to very dry or eczema-prone. Its soothing beta glucans make it a favorite for sensitive or easily flushed skin while its light texture keeps pores clear for those who break out. The main group that may need caution are people with a confirmed oat allergy, as even trace proteins left after filtration could trigger itching or hives.

The ingredient comes from plant material fermented with the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus, a microorganism that is not harvested from animals. No milk derivatives or animal by-products are involved, so it is considered appropriate for both vegetarians and vegans.

Current cosmetic safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this information is not medical advice. Anyone expecting or nursing should discuss new skincare products with a qualified healthcare provider to be sure they fit personal health needs.

Lactobacillus/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract Filtrate does not increase sun sensitivity, so there is no special need to change your daily SPF routine beyond the usual recommendation to wear sunscreen.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical Lactobacillus/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract Filtrate vary. The reactions listed below are rare and most users enjoy the ingredient without any problems when it is properly formulated.

  • Allergic reaction in those sensitive to oats leading to redness itching or hives
  • Mild stinging on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Contact dermatitis triggered by other ingredients in the same formula rather than the filtrate itself
  • Product spoilage if a formula is poorly preserved which can then cause irritation

If any of these effects occur stop use immediately and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Lactobacillus/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract Filtrate is a light, water based liquid that contains virtually no oils or waxes, so it does not form pore blocking films on the skin. Its small sugar and amino acid molecules are readily rinsed away or absorbed, giving it a non-comedogenic profile. In short, it is a good choice for those prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

As with any ingredient, the finished product’s overall pore-clogging potential depends on everything else in the formula, so check the full ingredient list if you are highly breakout sensitive.

Summary

Lactobacillus/Avena Sativa Ferment Extract Filtrate conditions both skin and hair by supplying calming beta glucans, moisture binding amino acids and gentle probiotic fractions that help reinforce the barrier and leave strands smoother. It is steadily growing in popularity thanks to the ongoing interest in fermented and microbiome friendly skincare, though it still pops up most often in Korean inspired lines rather than on every drugstore shelf.

Current data show the filtrate is low risk for irritation or allergy except in people sensitive to oats, and no studies link it to hormone disruption or other major safety concerns. As with any new cosmetic product a quick patch test is wise so you can make sure your skin agrees with the full formula.

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