What Is Lactobacillus/Honey/Matricaria Chamomilla Flower Ferment Filtrate?
Lactobacillus/Honey/Matricaria Chamomilla Flower Ferment Filtrate is the clear liquid that remains after chamomile flowers and honey have been fermented with the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus and then carefully filtered. The fermentation process breaks down the plant and honey compounds into smaller, skin-friendly molecules such as amino acids, simple sugars, and polyphenols from chamomile. These lightweight components can be more easily absorbed by the skin, giving the filtrate its prized hydrating and calming qualities.
Fermented botanical extracts became popular in East Asian skincare during the early 2000s as brands looked for gentler ways to deliver antioxidants and moisture. Chamomile, long known for its soothing effect, joined honey and Lactobacillus to create a trio that appealed to formulators searching for natural, multifunctional actives.
To make the filtrate, manufacturers steep fresh or dried Matricaria chamomilla flowers in a honey solution, inoculate the mix with a carefully selected Lactobacillus strain, and let it ferment under controlled temperature and pH. After several days the mixture is pressed, filtered, and sometimes gently pasteurized, leaving a translucent, slightly sweet-smelling liquid ready for cosmetic use.
You will often see this ingredient in hydrating sheet masks, calming toners, lightweight moisturizers, after-sun gels, anti-aging serums, and soothing face mists where brands want a natural humectant that also conditions sensitive or redness-prone skin.
Lactobacillus/Honey/Matricaria Chamomilla Flower Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This fermented filtrate lends two key benefits to skincare formulas
- Humectant: Draws water from the environment and the deeper layers of skin to the surface, boosting immediate and long-term hydration, plumping fine lines, and helping products spread more evenly.
- Skin conditioning: The broken-down chamomile flavonoids and honey sugars soothe irritation, soften rough patches, and support a healthy skin barrier, leaving the complexion smooth and comfortable.
Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Honey/Matricaria Chamomilla Flower Ferment Filtrate
This ferment filtrate is generally suitable for dry, normal, combination and sensitive skin because its humectant action supplies lightweight hydration while the chamomile compounds calm the surface. Oily skin can also benefit, though extremely oily or acne-prone users may prefer it in low concentrations or rinse-off formats to avoid any feeling of residue from the honey fraction.
The ingredient is derived from honey so it is not considered vegan. Most vegetarians are comfortable using bee products, yet strict vegetarians who avoid all animal-derived substances will want to skip it.
No studies indicate that topical use poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to their healthcare provider before use.
The filtrate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be applied morning or night without special sun precautions beyond the usual daily SPF.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Lactobacillus/Honey/Matricaria Chamomilla Flower Ferment Filtrate differ from person to person. The following points list potential reactions that are uncommon in the average user when the ingredient has been properly formulated and preserved
- Allergic reaction in people sensitive to chamomile or other plants in the ragweed family
- Allergy to bee products resulting in itching swelling or hives
- Mild redness or stinging on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Contact dermatitis if the formula contains additional irritants or the preservative system fails
- Breakouts in highly acne-prone individuals if the finished product is heavy or occlusive
If any of these effects appear discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. This ferment filtrate is a lightweight water-like liquid made mainly of small sugars, amino acids and polyphenols that dissolve easily in water rather than oil. It leaves minimal residue so there is little chance it will clog pores. The tiny bit of honey derivative left after fermentation can feel slightly tacky but is present at low levels and is balanced by the predominately aqueous base.
Most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing this ingredient without concern, provided the overall formula is also light and non-greasy.
As with any humectant, the risk of congestion depends more on the other ingredients in the product such as heavy oils or butters than on the ferment itself.
Summary
Lactobacillus/Honey/Matricaria Chamomilla Flower Ferment Filtrate is a dual-action humectant and skin-conditioning agent. The fermentation process converts chamomile flavonoids and honey sugars into smaller molecules that pull water into the skin, relieve redness and support a strong barrier. This gives formulas an instant hydration boost while calming sensitivity.
Although not a blockbuster additive like hyaluronic acid, it enjoys steady popularity within K-beauty inspired toners, masks and gels where gentle plant fermentation is a selling point.
Topical use is considered very safe with low allergy rates outside known chamomile or bee product sensitivities. Still, skin is personal, so it is wise to patch test any new product that features this ferment before adding it to a daily routine.