Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng 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: June 30, 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 Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng Ferment Filtrate?

Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng Ferment Filtrate comes from a process where the well-known medicinal herb Panax ginseng is fermented with the mushroom Schizophyllum commune. During fermentation the fungus breaks down ginseng’s bulky plant material and releases a mix of smaller, water-loving molecules such as amino acids, sugars and bioactive peptides. The resulting liquid is filtered to remove any solid residues which leaves a clear, nutrient-rich filtrate ready for skin care.

Ginseng has been prized in traditional beauty rituals in East Asia for centuries while Schizophyllum commune has a long history of use in food fermentation. Combining the two is a modern innovation driven by Korean cosmetic labs looking to boost ginseng’s skin-friendly profile and improve its absorption. The filtrate started appearing in premium K-beauty lines in the early 2010s and has since spread to global brands thanks to its gentle yet effective skin conditioning ability.

The ingredient is produced in a controlled vat where sterilized ginseng extract meets a starter culture of Schizophyllum commune. After several days of steady temperature and pH monitoring the broth is filtered, refined and preserved to meet cosmetic safety standards.

You will most often see Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng Ferment Filtrate in hydrating essences, anti-aging serums, sheet masks, lightweight moisturizers and soothing after-sun gels where it teams up with other humectants and botanical extracts.

Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ferment filtrate is valued for one clear job in skin care.

Skin conditioning: It helps the skin stay soft, smooth and balanced by topping up moisture levels and supplying naturally occurring sugars and amino acids that support a healthy surface barrier. Regular use can leave the skin looking more supple and refreshed.

Who Can Use Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng Ferment Filtrate

This ferment filtrate is generally well tolerated by normal, dry, oily and combination skin because it is water based and free of heavy oils that could clog pores. Its soothing profile also makes it a friendly option for sensitive skin, though anyone with a known mushroom or ginseng allergy should avoid it since trace proteins may remain after filtration.

The ingredient is plant and fungus derived with no animal by-products or testing required for its manufacture, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

No data suggests that topical use poses special risks during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing women should have a doctor review any skin care routine to be safe.

Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng Ferment Filtrate does not make skin more prone to sunburn so it is considered non-photosensitizing. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng Ferment Filtrate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is correctly formulated and preserved.

  • Mild redness or warmth – usually linked to individual sensitivity to ginseng metabolites
  • Itching or stinging – more likely on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Contact dermatitis – rare allergic reaction in people sensitive to mushroom proteins or ginsenosides
  • Breakouts – unlikely but possible if the finished product contains other comedogenic ingredients

If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng Ferment Filtrate is a lightweight water based liquid rich in small sugars amino acids and peptides, none of which have a tendency to clog pores. It contains no heavy oils or waxes and is normally added at low percentages in formulas aimed at hydration and soothing, so it earns a solid non comedogenic score.

That makes the ingredient generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Bear in mind the finished product’s overall recipe matters; pairing this filtrate with thick butters or silicones could change the pore clogging potential even though the ferment itself stays at 0.

Summary

Schizophyllum Commune/Panax Ginseng Ferment Filtrate is mainly a skin conditioning agent, helping skin look and feel smoother by drawing in water and supplying naturally derived nutrients that reinforce the moisture barrier. The fermentation step breaks ginseng down into smaller bioactive molecules which are more easily absorbed, so the filtrate delivers benefits without heaviness.

While it enjoys growing popularity in K-beauty essences masks and serums it remains a niche addition outside Asian skin care circles, often appearing in premium or clean beauty lines rather than mainstream drugstore products.

Topical use is considered very safe with low risk of irritation or allergy for most people. Still everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product containing this ferment filtrate before committing to full face use.

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