What it is
This ingredient is the filtered liquid produced when Lactobacillus bacteria ferment Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) flower material. Fermentation breaks down botanical components and generates metabolites such as organic acids and small peptides, and the filtrate is used in skincare as a skin-conditioning ingredient that can also support hydration. In sunscreens it is typically a supporting ingredient added for its conditioning qualities.
Safety & warnings
Ferment filtrates are generally well tolerated in cosmetic use. As with other botanically derived ferments, individuals with sensitive skin may wish to patch test.
Origin & sourcing
It is a biotechnology-derived ingredient produced by lactic-acid fermentation of hibiscus flower material, then filtered to remove the microbial biomass.
Questions everyone asks
How is this ferment filtrate made?
Lactobacillus bacteria are used to ferment hibiscus flower material, and the resulting liquid is filtered to remove the microbes, leaving the active filtrate.
What does it do in skincare?
It acts as a skin-conditioning ingredient and can help support hydration.