What Is Lactobacillus/Calendula Officinalis Leaf/Stem Ferment Filtrate?
Lactobacillus/Calendula Officinalis Leaf/Stem Ferment Filtrate is an ingredient that starts with the leaves and stems of the calendula plant, also known as pot marigold. These plant parts are mixed with Lactobacillus, a friendly bacteria often used to ferment foods like yogurt. During fermentation the bacteria break down the plant material, freeing up skin-loving compounds such as sugars, amino acids and soothing phytochemicals. The resulting liquid is filtered to remove solids, leaving a clear, lightweight filtrate that is easy to add to creams and serums.
Calendula has a long track record in folk skin care, valued for its calming and softening properties. Fermentation is a newer twist that became popular in Korean beauty labs in the early 2000s because it can make plant ingredients gentler and more bioavailable. By combining calendula with Lactobacillus, chemists created a stable ingredient that fits well into modern clean-beauty formulas.
You will commonly spot this ferment filtrate in moisturizers, soothing masks, lightweight lotions, anti-aging serums and after-sun products. Because it is water-based and not oily it blends nicely into both gel and cream textures.
Lactobacillus/Calendula Officinalis Leaf/Stem Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ferment filtrate brings mainly one key benefit to skin care formulas.
As an emollient it helps smooth and soften the skin surface by filling in tiny gaps between skin cells. This improves texture, reduces rough patches and gives products a silky glide that feels comforting on application.
Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Calendula Officinalis Leaf/Stem Ferment Filtrate
This ferment filtrate is lightweight and water based so it suits most skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry. Its emollient action adds softness without leaving a greasy film which makes it friendly for those who clog easily. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well thanks to the soothing nature of calendula though anyone with a known allergy to plants in the daisy family (ragweed, chamomile, marigold) may want to steer clear because cross-reactivity is possible.
The ingredient contains no animal derived substances. It is created from plant material and a probiotic microorganism that is grown in a lab setting, making finished products that rely on it compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
No specific warnings exist for pregnancy or breastfeeding however research on topical use during these life stages is limited. This information is not medical advice; expectant or nursing parents should show the full ingredient list of any product to their healthcare provider before use to be safe.
Lactobacillus/Calendula Officinalis Leaf/Stem Ferment Filtrate does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight so it is not considered photosensitising. Beyond the allergy caveat noted above there are no special user restrictions.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and most users who apply a well-formulated product containing Lactobacillus/Calendula Officinalis Leaf/Stem Ferment Filtrate will not notice any negatives.
- Mild skin irritation such as transient redness or itching in very reactive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to plants from the Asteraceae family
- Stinging on broken or freshly exfoliated skin because compromised barriers can let even gentle ingredients cause discomfort
- Breakouts in extremely acne-prone users though the risk is low due to its light texture
- Contamination-related reactions if a product is poorly preserved since the ingredient is water based and can support microbial growth when mishandled
If any irritation or unexpected reaction develops stop using the product immediately and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5. This ferment filtrate is water based with no heavy oils or waxes that can clog pores. Its molecules are small and mostly water loving so they sit lightly on the skin and rinse away easily. Fermentation also breaks larger plant compounds into smaller pieces that are less likely to collect inside pores.
The ingredient is therefore considered safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind the pore friendliness of a finished product still depends on the rest of the formula and each person’s unique skin chemistry.
Summary
Lactobacillus/Calendula Officinalis Leaf/Stem Ferment Filtrate acts chiefly as an emollient, smoothing rough spots and giving skin a soft supple feel. It does this by delivering water-soluble sugars, amino acids and calming calendula compounds that fill the tiny spaces between surface cells and hold moisture in place.
Although not a blockbuster name like hyaluronic acid, this gentle ferment has been gaining steady traction in Korean beauty lines and is now popping up in global indie moisturizers, masks and soothing serums.
It scores well on safety with low irritation risk and a non-clogging profile, but it is still wise to patch test any new product to be sure your own skin stays happy.