What Is Lactococcus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate?
Lactococcus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate is a skin care ingredient created when grape juice from Vitis vinifera is fermented by the friendly bacterium Lactococcus. During fermentation the microbes break down sugars and other natural compounds in the juice, forming a fluid rich in small peptides, amino acids, vitamins, organic acids and moisture-binding sugars, while preserving grape-derived polyphenols. This bio-processed mix is then filtered to remove bacterial cells, leaving a clear liquid that is stable and easy to use in formulas.
Fermented plant extracts gained attention in Korean beauty products in the early 2010s as consumers looked for milder, more skin-friendly actives. Brands soon adopted this particular filtrate because it pairs the antioxidant heritage of grapes with the smoothing feel that fermented ingredients often provide.
The filtrate is produced in controlled tanks where food-grade grape juice and a starter culture of Lactococcus are combined. After several hours to days of fermentation the mixture is filtered, standardized and preserved, ready for cosmetic labs.
Formulators add Lactococcus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate to hydrating serums, lightweight essences, sheet masks, soothing gels, daily moisturizers and anti-aging creams, especially when they want a gentle hydration booster that also brings the marketing appeal of probiotic fermentation.
Lactococcus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized mainly for one core function that translates into noticeable skin benefits.
As a humectant it attracts water from the surrounding environment and helps hold it in the upper layers of the skin. This added moisture makes skin feel softer and look plumper, which can smooth the appearance of fine lines and give a fresh, dewy finish. The lightweight nature of the filtrate allows brands to boost hydration without leaving a heavy or greasy afterfeel, making it suitable for both oilier and drier skin types.
Who Can Use Lactococcus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate
This filtrate is gentle enough for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its lightweight water-binding nature adds hydration without clogging pores or leaving residue, so even acne-prone users usually tolerate it well. Extremely reactive or allergy-prone skin should still monitor for sensitivities to grape derivatives but such reactions are uncommon.
The ingredient is sourced entirely from plant juice and a food-grade microorganism, with no animal-derived inputs, so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
No data indicate that topical use poses a specific risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any new skincare product with a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Lactococcus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate is not known to increase photosensitivity, and it plays well with common actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and mild exfoliating acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Lactococcus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate differ from person to person. The points below list potential, though uncommon, negative effects when the ingredient is included correctly in a finished formula. Most users will not notice any of these issues.
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to grapes or fermentation by-products
- Temporary tingling when applied over freshly exfoliated or compromised skin
- Product spoilage or off odor if the final formulation is poorly preserved leading to skin irritation
If any irritation or other adverse effect develops discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Lactococcus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate is a water-based humectant with no oily or waxy residues that could block pores. Its molecules are small, highly soluble in water and easily rinsed away, so they are unlikely to accumulate inside follicles. For these reasons formulators regard it as non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
As always the finished product’s overall pore-clogging potential depends on the complete formula, so check the other ingredients if congestion is a concern.
Summary
Lactococcus/Grape Juice Ferment Filtrate acts mainly as a humectant, drawing moisture into the upper layers of skin which helps improve softness, elasticity and a fresh hydrated look. The fermentation step enriches the liquid with skin-friendly amino acids and keeps grape antioxidants intact, so users often enjoy a lightweight but effective hydration boost.
While not yet as famous as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, this ferment is finding its way into more K-beauty style essences, masks and gel creams because brands appreciate its gentle feel and probiotic marketing story.
The ingredient has an excellent safety profile with low irritation and virtually zero comedogenicity, making it appropriate for most skin types including sensitive and acne prone. As with any new skincare addition, performing a quick patch test is a smart habit before committing to full-face use.