What it is
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is produced by fermenting Lactobacillus bacteria and then breaking down (lysing) the cells to release a mixture of metabolites such as peptides, amino acids, and other soluble fermentation products. In cosmetics it is used as a conditioning and skin-soothing ingredient, often featured in formulas marketed around the skin microbiome. It is water-soluble and used in the aqueous phase of serums, creams, and sun care products.
Safety & warnings
Ferment lysates are generally well tolerated and are commonly used in products aimed at sensitive or barrier-compromised skin. The lysate contains inactivated cellular material rather than live organisms. It is not considered a comedogenic oil and is not a known fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Biotechnological. It is derived from the controlled fermentation of Lactobacillus bacteria, followed by lysis of the bacterial cells to yield the active extract.
Questions everyone asks
Does Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate contain live bacteria?
No. The bacterial cells are lysed (broken down), so the ingredient delivers their components rather than living organisms.
Why is it used in sunscreen?
It is added as a conditioning and soothing ingredient to help the formula feel comfortable, not as a UV filter.