Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate 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
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 Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate Ferment Filtrate?

Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate Ferment Filtrate is a fermented blend made from mung bean seed extract and the amino acid sodium glutamate that has been processed by the friendly bacterium Lactobacillus. The result is a lightweight liquid rich in peptides, sugars and skin loving metabolites released during fermentation. Mung bean has long been valued in Asia for its soothing and nourishing qualities, while Lactobacillus ferments have gained popularity in the past decade for their ability to boost the effectiveness and gentleness of skincare formulas. To create the ingredient, mung bean seeds are soaked and extracted in water, mixed with sodium glutamate then inoculated with Lactobacillus. The mixture is left to ferment under controlled temperature until the pH and activity reach optimal levels, then it is carefully filtered to remove solids, leaving a clear or slightly hazy filtrate ready for use.

Thanks to its mild nature and versatility, you will spot this ferment filtrate in hydrating sheet masks, calming moisturizers, anti aging serums, leave in hair conditioners, scalp tonics and lightweight lotions meant for daily use.

Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ferment brings a two-pronged boost to both skin and hair care formulas:

  • Hair conditioning: The natural peptides and sugars form a light film on strands helping them feel softer, smoother and easier to detangle while adding a touch of shine without weighing hair down.
  • Skin conditioning: Fermentation breaks down the bean proteins into smaller molecules that can sit comfortably on the skin, improving softness, supporting a healthy moisture barrier and giving a fresh, soothed feel even to sensitive complexions.

Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is considered friendly for nearly every skin type, including dry, balanced, combination, oily and even sensitive or easily reactive skin. Its lightweight texture adds water based comfort without heavy oils so acne-prone complexions generally tolerate it well too.

The ingredient is produced entirely from plant sources (mung bean and the amino acid sodium glutamate) plus the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus, none of which come from animals, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

No specific warnings exist for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because the ingredient acts only on the surface of skin and hair and is not known to penetrate deeply or disrupt hormones. That said this information is not medical advice; expectant or nursing mothers should always run any new product past their healthcare provider to be on the safe side.

Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate Ferment Filtrate does not raise the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight so there is no added risk of photosensitivity. It also plays nicely with most other common skincare actives, offering formulators flexibility when building routines.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical use can differ from person to person. The issues listed below are potential outcomes and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is included at appropriate levels in a well-made product.

  • Mild redness or warmth very rare and usually short-lived if the skin is extremely sensitive to ferment-derived ingredients
  • Itching or tingling typically linked to irritation from other formula components rather than the filtrate itself but still worth noting
  • Allergic contact dermatitis a low-probability allergic reaction presenting as persistent rash or swelling in individuals who are specifically sensitized to mung bean proteins or Lactobacillus by-products
  • Scalp or hair buildup possible if a leave-in hair product containing high levels of the filtrate is not rinsed or cleansed periodically, leaving strands feeling weighed down

If you notice any uncomfortable reaction stop using the product and consult a qualified medical professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

This ferment filtrate is water based and free of heavy oils or waxes that normally clog pores. Its small peptides and sugars sit lightly on the skin and rinse away cleanly, so it carries little to no risk of trapping sebum or dead skin inside pores.

Because of that low profile it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Keep in mind the overall formula still matters. If the product pairs this ferment with thick butters or comedogenic oils, the end result could still be pore clogging.

Summary

Lactobacillus/Bean Seed Extract/Sodium Glutamate Ferment Filtrate is prized for two main jobs: it softens and smooths hair while giving skin a calm hydrated feel. Fermentation breaks mung bean proteins into tiny peptides and releases humectant sugars that form a light breathable film supporting the moisture barrier and adding slip to hair strands.

You will mostly spot this ingredient in Korean inspired toners, sheet masks and modern leave in conditioners, though it has not reached superstar status like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Its gentle nature and plant based origin keep it on the radar of formulators looking to craft mild vegan products.

Overall safety is high with very low reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new cosmetic, give your skin a chance to adjust by patch testing first and watch for any unusual reaction.

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