What it is
Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Ferment Extract Filtrate is produced by fermenting Houttuynia cordata (fish mint or chameleon plant) extract with Bacillus bacteria and filtering the resulting product. Fermentation enhances the bioavailability of the plant's active compounds, including flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, hyperin, and kaempferol, as well as polyphenols like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. These constituents contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. In cosmetic formulations, the ingredient functions primarily as a skin conditioner, supporting skin barrier health and helping to calm sensitive or blemish-prone skin. It is commonly found in toners, serums, and mists, particularly in Korean skincare products marketed for sebum control and pore care. Bacillus fermentation is a well-established biotechnological process in cosmetics that can increase efficacy and stability of botanical extracts.
Safety & warnings
Generally considered safe for topical cosmetic use. Houttuynia cordata is consumed as food across Southeast Asia, supporting a favorable safety profile. Some individuals may experience sensitivity; patch testing is advisable for reactive skin. Injectable forms of the plant extract have been associated with allergic reactions, but this route is not relevant to topical cosmetic use. Aristolactam alkaloids present in the plant have raised concerns at high oral doses; however, at cosmetic use levels in a topical filtrate, no significant risk has been identified. No established comedogenicity concerns.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from Houttuynia cordata (family Saururaceae), a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and surrounding regions. The plant's leaves are the primary source material. Bacillus bacteria ferment the plant extract; the mixture is then filtered to yield the final ingredient. This biotechnological process is used to enhance the concentration and bioavailability of the plant's bioactive compounds compared to simple solvent extraction.
History
Houttuynia cordata has a long history in traditional East Asian medicine, used in China, Japan, and Korea to treat respiratory infections, skin conditions, and inflammation. Known as 'dokudami' in Japan and 'eoseongcho' in Korea, it has been consumed as herbal tea and used topically for centuries. Its incorporation into modern fermented cosmetic ingredients reflects the broader Korean beauty industry trend of combining traditional botanical knowledge with biotechnology to create high-performance skincare actives.
Questions everyone asks
What does Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Ferment Extract Filtrate do for skin?
It functions as a skin conditioner with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, derived from fermenting Houttuynia cordata with Bacillus bacteria. It is used to help soothe irritated skin, support the skin barrier, and address blemish-prone skin.
Why is Houttuynia cordata fermented instead of used as a plain extract?
Fermentation with Bacillus bacteria can increase the bioavailability and concentration of the plant's active compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, potentially enhancing efficacy compared to standard solvent extraction.
Is this ingredient suitable for sensitive skin?
It is generally considered gentle and is often formulated into products targeting sensitive or reactive skin. As with any botanical ingredient, patch testing is recommended for individuals prone to allergies.
What plant is the source of this ingredient?
The source plant is Houttuynia cordata, also known as fish mint or chameleon plant, a perennial herb widely used in East and Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine.