What Is Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate?
Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate is a skincare ingredient that starts with horse fat, a rich source of fatty acids similar to those found in our own skin. The fat is mixed with the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus, which feeds on the lipids and breaks them down during a controlled fermentation process. After fermentation the mixture is filtered, leaving behind a clear liquid packed with smaller fatty acid fragments, peptides and water-binding sugars.
Horse oil has been used for centuries in some Asian cultures as a traditional skin salve. Modern skincare brands picked up on its soothing and moisturizing traits in the early 2000s. By adding a fermentation step scientists found they could boost absorption and reduce the heavy feel of raw horse fat. The resulting filtrate slips easily into lightweight formulas.
Manufacturers collect purified horse fat, inoculate it with a selected Lactobacillus strain, allow it to ferment for several days, then filter out solids and sterilize the liquid. The gentle process keeps most bioactive parts intact while removing odor and greasiness.
You will usually see Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate in hydrating face creams, nourishing masks, after-sun gels, anti-aging serums and hand lotions where long-lasting moisture is a key selling point.
Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized for one main job in skincare.
As a humectant, Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate draws water from the environment and from deeper skin layers to the surface. This constant pull of moisture helps keep skin soft, plump and comfortable. In a formula it boosts overall hydration, improves spreadability and can reduce the need for heavier occlusive oils, giving products a lighter feel without sacrificing moisture.
Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate
This ferment filtrate is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Its humectant nature benefits dry and combination skin that craves water, while the light texture works for oily complexions that dislike heavy creams. Sensitive skin usually handles it well because fermentation reduces many irritating compounds found in raw animal fat. People with a true allergy to horse-derived ingredients or animal lipids should avoid it.
The ingredient is sourced from horse fat so it is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians who avoid animal-derived materials. Those following an animal-free lifestyle may wish to choose plant-based humectants like glycerin or aloe instead.
No data indicates that Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate poses special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show the full product ingredient list to a healthcare professional before use.
The filtrate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known interactions with UV exposure. It is also fragrance neutral, making it easy to layer with other actives or sunscreen without altering their performance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that could occur, although they are uncommon when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Redness or mild irritation in those allergic to animal proteins
- Contact dermatitis triggered by residual fermentation by-products
- Clogged pores for individuals extremely prone to breakouts when using lipid-rich products
- Rare bacterial contamination if a product has been improperly preserved
If any uncomfortable reaction develops stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Most of the heavy triglycerides found in raw horse fat are broken down or filtered out during fermentation, leaving a watery solution rich in small fatty acids and humectant sugars that do not readily clog pores. For this reason the filtrate is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Formulas that pair it with thicker oils, waxes or silicones could raise the overall comedogenic load, so always consider the full ingredient list.
Summary
Lactobacillus/Horse Fat Ferment Filtrate acts primarily as a humectant, pulling moisture into the upper layers of skin to keep it hydrated, comfortable and supple. Fermentation reduces molecular size and removes greasiness so the ingredient can deliver water without a heavy feel. While still a niche component seen most often in Korean and Japanese products, its gentle moisturizing ability and skin-friendly texture have earned it a small but loyal following in hydration-focused formulas.
Topically it is regarded as safe for the vast majority of users, with only rare reports of irritation or clogging. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to perform a quick patch test before applying a product broadly, just to be certain your skin agrees with it.