What Is Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate?
Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate is a skin-loving liquid created when Centella asiatica extract is fermented with the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus. Centella asiatica, also called cica or gotu kola, is a leafy herb from the parsley family known for its soothing compounds like madecassoside and asiaticoside. During fermentation Lactobacillus breaks down these plant molecules into smaller pieces and also produces its own mix of amino acids, peptides and sugars. The finished filtrate is then separated from the bacteria and purified so that only the nutrient-rich solution goes into the product.
Fermentation as a beauty process took off in Korea in the early 2000s because it was found to make botanical ingredients gentler and more bio-available. Brands soon paired Centella asiatica with Lactobacillus to create a filtrate that offers the calming power of cica along with the skin-friendly byproducts of probiotics. Today this fermented filtrate appears in lightweight serums, hydrating toners, sheet masks, barrier-repair creams, anti-aging emulsions and post-sun soothing gels.
Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued mainly for one key role in skincare formulas.
Skin conditioning: The ferment hydrates softens and helps smooth the surface of the skin. The smaller molecules created during fermentation allow Centella’s calming actives to penetrate more easily which can reduce the look of redness and dryness while supporting a healthy moisture barrier.
Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate
This ferment filtrate suits nearly every skin type including dry, oily, combination and especially sensitive skin because its molecules are small lightweight and non-greasy. Very few people find it unsuitable but anyone with a known allergy to Centella asiatica or probiotics should steer clear.
The ingredient contains no animal-derived material so it is generally considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. The Lactobacillus used in fermentation is a bacteria grown on plant media and the Centella extract is botanical.
No data links this ferment to problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It stays on the surface of the skin and is not known to be absorbed into the bloodstream but this is not medical advice so anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any new skincare product past a doctor just to be safe.
The filtrate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used day or night without raising the risk of sunburn. It also layers well with most actives including vitamin C, niacinamide and retinoids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues and are highly unlikely to be the typical user experience when the ingredient has been formulated correctly.
- Mild redness or warmth: a short-lived flush can occur in very reactive skin
- Itching or stinging: more likely if the product also contains alcohol fragrance or strong actives
- Contact dermatitis: rare allergic reaction to Centella compounds or bacterial byproducts
- Pimples or clogged pores: possible if the overall formula is heavy occlusive or poorly preserved
- Eye irritation: can happen if the product migrates into the eyes particularly in leave-on masks
If any of these effects appear stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate is a lightweight water based ferment that contains no oils or waxes that could block pores. The molecules produced during fermentation are small and easily absorbed so they rinse or wear off without leaving an occlusive film. For these reasons it sits at the very bottom of the comedogenic scale.
Because it is non-comedogenic, the ingredient is usually safe for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts. As always overall pore-clogging risk depends on the full product formula not just one ingredient.
Summary
Lactobacillus/Centella Asiatica Extract Ferment Filtrate is mainly a skin conditioning agent that hydrates, calms and helps smooth the skin surface. Fermentation breaks Centella asiatica compounds into smaller pieces and packs the liquid with probiotic-derived peptides and sugars which together support a strong moisture barrier and reduce visible redness.
First popularized in K-beauty toners, serums and masks it is now found in mainstream skincare lines around the world though it still carries a niche fermented-skincare appeal.
Current safety data and decades of Centella use show the filtrate to be low risk for most people with no known links to hormone disruption or photosensitivity. Even so skin can be unpredictable so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this ferment before applying it to the entire face.