What it is
This ingredient is the liquid fraction collected after Saccharomyces yeast ferments an extract of green tea leaves. Fermentation can break down larger plant constituents and generate small metabolites such as organic acids, amino acids, and peptides, alongside the polyphenols naturally present in green tea. In sunscreen and daily-care formulas it functions mainly as a water-phase conditioning agent intended to support skin comfort and provide antioxidant character.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated as a leave-on cosmetic ingredient at typical low use levels. As a botanically derived ferment it carries the usual potential for sensitivity in individuals reactive to plant extracts, and green tea polyphenols are not common allergens. It is water-based rather than an oil, so it is not considered comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Naturally derived. It is produced by microbial fermentation of green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf extract using Saccharomyces yeast, then filtering off the cells to leave the active filtrate.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same as plain green tea extract?
No. It starts from green tea extract but is then fermented with yeast and filtered, which changes its composition compared with an unfermented extract.
Does it provide sun protection?
No. It is a conditioning and antioxidant-oriented ingredient and does not act as a UV filter; the labeled SPF comes from the product's actual sunscreen actives.