Streptomyces Pulveraceus 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Streptomyces Pulveraceus Ferment Filtrate?

Streptomyces Pulveraceus Ferment Filtrate comes from a friendly soil-dwelling microorganism called Streptomyces pulveraceus. When this microbe is placed in a nutrient-rich broth it breaks the nutrients down and leaves behind a liquid packed with small molecules, peptides and natural sugars. After fermentation the broth is filtered to remove the cells, leaving a clear watery filtrate that can be blended into skincare.

The idea of using fermented ingredients in beauty dates back to traditional Asian skincare where rice wine and other ferments were prized for making skin look smoother. Modern labs picked up on this trend in the early 2000s, screening many microbes for skin benefits. Streptomyces pulveraceus stood out because its ferment creates compounds that attract water and help keep skin feeling comfortable. Today the filtrate is produced in stainless-steel tanks under clean cosmetic-grade conditions, then purified, tested for safety and shipped as a concentrated liquid or powder.

You will most often see Streptomyces Pulveraceus Ferment Filtrate in hydrating toners, sheet masks, lightweight gels, anti-aging serums, eye creams and recovery treatments meant to soothe freshly exfoliated or stressed skin.

Streptomyces Pulveraceus Ferment Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ferment brings two key actions to a formula

  • Humectant – attracts water from the air and from deeper skin layers, helping the upper skin stay moist which can soften fine lines and give a plump look
  • Skin conditioning – leaves a smooth, soft finish, supports the skin barrier and can enhance the overall feel of a product so it glides on more evenly

Who Can Use Streptomyces Pulveraceus Ferment Filtrate

This lightweight ferment suits nearly every skin type including dry, normal, combination and oily skin because it hydrates without leaving a heavy or greasy film. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well thanks to its gentle water-binding nature, though those with a known allergy to fermented ingredients should stay cautious.

Because the filtrate comes from a microorganism grown in plant-based media and no animal derivatives are involved, it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic amounts. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products to their routine.

The ferment does not make skin more prone to sun sensitivity so there is no special need for additional sun precautions beyond the daily SPF experts already recommend.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to Streptomyces Pulveraceus Ferment Filtrate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that are possible yet unlikely for most users when the ingredient has been correctly formulated and preserved.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to fermentation by-products
  • Breakouts if paired with heavy occlusive ingredients that trap oil in acne-prone skin
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Streptomyces Pulveraceus Ferment Filtrate is a water light humectant with no oily or waxy residues so it does not sit in pores or create a film that could trap sebum. Current lab data and user reports show no tendency to trigger comedones when used at the low concentrations found in skincare.

Because it rates a zero it is generally a safe pick for those prone to acne or breakouts.

Keep in mind that a finished formula can still clog pores if it also contains heavy butters or occlusives so check the overall ingredient list rather than focusing on a single component.

Summary

Streptomyces Pulveraceus Ferment Filtrate works mainly as a humectant and skin conditioning agent. Its small peptides and natural sugars pull moisture toward the surface then smooth the outer layers, giving skin a plump comfortable feel while helping the barrier stay resilient.

Although not as famous as hyaluronic acid, the ferment is gaining traction in toners, serums and sheet masks, especially in K-beauty formulas that spotlight fermentation science.

Safety profiles rate it as low risk with minimal irritation potential when properly preserved. Still, every skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that features this ferment.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search