Ingredient review

Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment Filtrate

INCI: AUREOBASIDIUM PULLULANS FERMENT FILTRATE

A gentle, fermented yeast extract that helps skin hold moisture and may calm irritation.

beautyskincarehumectant

In plain English

This ingredient is made by fermenting a type of black yeast called Aureobasidium pullulans. The fermentation process creates a liquid rich in natural sugars and other compounds that can help your skin stay hydrated and feel soothed. It's a mild, non-irritating ingredient often found in serums and moisturizers for sensitive or dry skin.

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment Filtrate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment Filtrate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A fermented filtrate derived from the yeast Aureobasidium pullulans, containing polysaccharides (like pullulan), amino acids, and other bioactive metabolites.

How it works

The polysaccharides in the filtrate form a thin, flexible film on the skin's surface that helps reduce water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL). It also provides humectant properties, drawing moisture into the outer skin layers, and may support a healthy skin barrier.

Pros

Gentle hydration

Provides moisture without irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

Barrier support

Helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier by reducing water loss and soothing inflammation.

Cons and cautions

Modest evidence

Most research is lab-based or on related yeast ferments; fewer direct human trials exist for this specific ingredient.

Mild effect

Its hydrating power is generally milder than that of hyaluronic acid, so it may not be enough for very dry skin on its own.

Best for

  • People with dry or dehydrated skin
  • Those with sensitive or easily irritated skin

Use caution if

  • Individuals with a known allergy to yeast or fermented ingredients (rare)

Usage tips

Apply after cleansing and before heavier creams to maximize absorption.
Layer with other humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid for extra hydration.

Safety summary

Aureobasidium pullulans ferment filtrate is considered safe for topical use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are very rare.

Research notes

Research on Aureobasidium pullulans ferment filtrate is limited but promising. Studies on related yeast ferments (e.g., Saccharomyces) show benefits for hydration and barrier function. Direct evidence for this specific ingredient is mostly from in vitro and anecdotal reports.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–10% in leave-on products
Regulatory status
Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the US and EU; no specific restrictions.
Common uses
Serums, Moisturizers, Essences, Sheet masks
Environmental note
Produced via fermentation, which is generally considered a sustainable biotech process with lower environmental impact than some synthetic alternatives.

Good to know

  • Often found in Korean skincare products as a soothing and hydrating ingredient.
  • The fermentation process may produce additional beneficial compounds not present in the unfermented yeast.

Common questions

What is Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment Filtrate in beauty products?

This ingredient is made by fermenting a type of black yeast called Aureobasidium pullulans. The fermentation process creates a liquid rich in natural sugars and other compounds that can help your skin stay hydrated and feel soothed. It's a mild, non-irritating ingredient often found in serums and moisturizers for sensitive or dry skin.

What does Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment Filtrate do in a beauty product?

The polysaccharides in the filtrate form a thin, flexible film on the skin's surface that helps reduce water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL). It also provides humectant properties, drawing moisture into the outer skin layers, and may support a healthy skin barrier.

Is Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment Filtrate safe for most people?

Aureobasidium pullulans ferment filtrate is considered safe for topical use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are very rare.

Who should be careful with Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment Filtrate?

Individuals with a known allergy to yeast or fermented ingredients (rare)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety of Ferment FiltratesOpenPubMed - Polysaccharides from Aureobasidium pullulansOpenINCI Database - Aureobasidium Pullulans Ferment FiltrateOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.