Pseudanabaenaceae 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 Pseudanabaenaceae Ferment Filtrate?

Pseudanabaenaceae Ferment Filtrate comes from Pseudanabaenaceae, a family of microscopic blue green algae. When these microbes are grown in a nutrient rich broth they release a mix of peptides, amino acids, vitamins and soothing sugars into the liquid. After several days the culture is carefully filtered, leaving a clear bioactive filtrate that is then heat treated or cold sterilized to keep it stable for skin care use.

Microbial fermentation has been popular in cosmetics since the 1990s because it can unlock smaller, more skin friendly molecules compared with raw plant or algae extracts. Brands looking for gentle yet effective hydration and barrier support turned to Pseudanabaenaceae Ferment Filtrate as part of the wider rise of algae based actives and the K beauty boom, and it is now produced in closed bioreactors that allow precise temperature, pH and light control for consistent quality.

You will most often spot this ingredient in lightweight essences, hydrating serums, sheet masks, soothing after sun gels, anti aging creams and restorative night moisturizers where it helps round out formulas aimed at calming and conditioning the skin.

Pseudanabaenaceae Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This fermented filtrate is prized for its skin conditioning ability, meaning it helps keep the skin soft, smooth and healthy looking. It supplies moisture binding sugars and amino acids that attract water to the surface layers, supports the skin barrier with antioxidant peptides and leaves a rested, refreshed finish that can enhance the feel of nearly any hydrating or soothing formula.

Who Can Use Pseudanabaenaceae Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive complexions. It is lightweight and water based so it will not feel heavy on oily or acne prone skin and its soothing properties make it a gentle option for easily irritated or compromised barriers. No specific skin type is known to react poorly to the ingredient when it is included at typical cosmetic levels.

Pseudanabaenaceae are microalgae, not animals, and reputable suppliers grow them in plant derived culture media. Because no animal sourced material is involved the ingredient is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

No data points to an inherent risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when using products that contain Pseudanabaenaceae Ferment Filtrate. This information should not be taken as medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any new skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional to be on the safe side.

The filtrate does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it is not viewed as a photosensitizer. Daily sunscreen is still advised as part of a complete routine.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical Pseudanabaenaceae Ferment Filtrate can vary. The points below list potential, not guaranteed, reactions. When the ingredient is formulated and preserved correctly most users will not experience any negative effects.

  • Mild redness or warmth
  • Transient stinging on highly compromised skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in those with a specific sensitivity to algae derived proteins
  • Rare clogged pores or breakouts if used in a very rich, occlusive base
  • Interaction with leave-on acids or retinoids that may amplify irritation if layered too quickly

If irritation or any unexpected reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 – 1. Pseudanabaenaceae Ferment Filtrate is a lightweight water based liquid that contains mostly small peptides, amino acids and sugars. It has no heavy oils or waxes that tend to block pores and it is used at low percentages within formulas. Because of this it sits at the bottom of the comedogenic scale and is considered non clogging for most users.

Suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin.

Keep in mind that the overall formula still matters. If the filtrate is blended into a thick balm or rich cream the final product could still feel heavy on very oily skin even though the ferment itself is not pore blocking.

Summary

Pseudanabaenaceae Ferment Filtrate is mainly a skin conditioning agent. Its fermented mix of moisture binding sugars and amino acids helps pull water into the upper layers while antioxidant peptides soothe and support the barrier, leaving skin soft smooth and calm.

It is not yet a mainstream household name but it has gained steady popularity in K beauty style essences and modern hydrating serums that target barrier recovery.

Overall safety is high with very low risk for irritation or clogged pores. Still, when trying any new product it is wise to patch test first to make sure your skin gets along with the full formula.

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