What it is
This ingredient is produced by fermenting pumpkin (Cucurbita) material with Lactobacillus bacteria and preparing an extract from the result. Fermentation breaks pumpkin constituents into smaller, more readily usable molecules and generates metabolites such as organic acids, sugars, and peptides. It is used in the water phase of leave-on products as a conditioning, antioxidant-associated active and is sometimes featured in probiotic- or ferment-themed formulas.
Safety & warnings
Pumpkin ferment extracts are generally well tolerated in leave-on skincare. As with other botanical ferments, occasional sensitivity is possible, and overall tolerability is governed by the finished formula.
Origin & sourcing
Biotechnological: lactic-acid bacterial fermentation of pumpkin plant material, followed by extraction.
Questions everyone asks
What is this made from?
It is an extract prepared from pumpkin that has been fermented with Lactobacillus bacteria.
Does it provide sun protection?
No, it is a conditioning ferment active and is not a UV filter.