Lactobacillus/Royal Jelly 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
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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/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate?

Lactobacillus/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate comes from royal jelly, the nutrient-rich substance bees make to feed their queen. Cosmetic chemists ferment this royal jelly with a friendly bacterium called Lactobacillus then filter out the solids, leaving behind a lightweight liquid loaded with the soluble goodies produced during fermentation. The process concentrates vitamins, amino acids and small peptides from the royal jelly while adding skin-friendly metabolites created by the bacteria.

Although royal jelly has been prized in traditional beauty rituals for centuries, the fermented version is a newer innovation that gained popularity in Korean skin care labs looking for gentler yet more potent bee-derived ingredients. Fermentation helps break large molecules into smaller ones that penetrate the skin more easily and lowers the pH to a level the skin likes, which makes the ingredient more effective and less irritating.

You will most often see Lactobacillus/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate in hydrating sheet masks, soothing serums, lightweight gel moisturizers and anti-aging or “skin barrier repair” treatments. Formulators like it because it brings the cachet of a natural bee ingredient but with the improved stability and skin compatibility that fermentation offers.

Lactobacillus/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

The main role of this ingredient in skincare formulas is skin conditioning, meaning it helps keep the skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy. By delivering moisture-binding sugars, nourishing proteins and calming bioactive compounds, the filtrate supports a balanced skin barrier which can translate to plumper texture and a more radiant look.

Who Can Use Lactobacillus/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is generally gentle enough for dry, oily and combination skin types thanks to its light texture and barrier-supporting nutrients. Sensitive skin often tolerates it well because the fermentation step lowers the pH to a skin-friendly level, yet anyone with a known allergy to bee products should steer clear since the base material is royal jelly. Acne-prone users usually do not run into problems because the ingredient itself is non-oily, though the overall formula it appears in will matter.

Because royal jelly is an animal-derived substance, products containing this filtrate are not suitable for vegans and are also avoided by strict vegetarians who prefer to exclude bee ingredients from their routines.

Current research shows no specific risks associated with topical use of this ferment during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, but formal safety studies are limited. This information does not replace medical advice, so anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a doctor review their complete skin care lineup before use just to be safe.

The filtrate is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Still, daily sunscreen remains a smart habit when using any active skin care. No other special usage restrictions are noted.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to Lactobacillus/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, yet these outcomes are uncommon when the ingredient is correctly formulated and applied.

  • Allergic response – itching, hives or swelling in individuals sensitive to bee products
  • Contact dermatitis – redness or rash if the skin barrier is already compromised
  • Mild stinging or tingling – possible on very reactive skin due to the slightly acidic pH
  • Breakouts – rare clogged pores if the finished product pairs the filtrate with heavy oils or waxes
  • Microbial contamination issues – extremely rare but possible if a do-it-yourself formula lacks proper preservation

If you experience any of the above effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1 out of 5. Lactobacillus/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate is a water-based, lightweight liquid that contains no heavy oils, waxes or fatty acids known to clog pores. Its molecules are mostly amino acids, peptides and sugars that dissolve readily in water, so they sit on the skin without blocking follicles. Because of this profile, it is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts as long as the overall formula is similarly low in pore-clogging ingredients. Only finished products that mix the filtrate with rich emollients could raise the risk.

Summary

Lactobacillus/Royal Jelly Ferment Filtrate acts mainly as a skin-conditioning agent, hydrating, soothing and supporting the skin barrier. Fermentation breaks down royal jelly into smaller peptides and sugars while adding probiotic metabolites, allowing the filtrate to draw moisture to the skin and calm irritation more effectively than raw royal jelly.

The ingredient enjoys moderate popularity, especially in Korean beauty and niche barrier-repair serums, but it has not yet become as mainstream as ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.

Topically it is considered low risk for most users, with the main caution being bee product allergies. As with any new skincare ingredient, patch testing a small area first is a smart way to rule out individual sensitivities before full-face use.

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