Ingredient review
Borage Seed Ferment Filtrate
INCI: SACCHAROMYCES/BORAGO OFFICINALIS SEED OIL/GLYCERIN FERMENT FILTRATE
A gentle fermented ingredient that helps condition and soothe the skin, especially beneficial for dry or sensitive types.
In plain English
This ingredient is made by fermenting borage seed oil and glycerin with yeast. The fermentation process breaks down the oil into smaller, more skin-friendly components that can help moisturize and calm the skin without feeling heavy or greasy.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is still emerging, so marketing claims deserve extra caution.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- biotech
- Evidence
- emerging
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Borage Seed 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Borage Seed Ferment Filtrate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
emergingThe ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.
What it is
A post-fermentation filtrate created by fermenting borage seed oil (rich in gamma-linolenic acid) and glycerin with Saccharomyces yeast, then filtering out the solids to retain the beneficial liquid.
How it works
During fermentation, yeast enzymes break down borage oil and glycerin into smaller molecules like peptides, amino acids, and fatty acids. These can more easily penetrate the skin's surface, helping to reinforce the moisture barrier, reduce water loss, and calm irritation.
Pros
Gentle barrier support
The fermentation process makes the borage oil's fatty acids more bioavailable, helping to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier without irritation.
Soothing properties
This ferment filtrate is known for its calming effect, making it a good choice for sensitive or reactive skin types.
Cons and cautions
Limited research
While fermentation is a well-known technique, there are few peer-reviewed studies specifically on this borage seed ferment blend, so evidence is mostly anecdotal or based on similar ferments.
Potential allergen
Because it is yeast-derived, individuals with yeast allergies or sensitivities may experience a reaction, though this is rare.
Best for
- People with dry or dehydrated skin looking for gentle barrier support
- Those with sensitive or easily irritated skin who want a soothing, non-irritating ingredient
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to yeast or fermented ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
This ingredient is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. The fermentation process reduces the risk of irritation compared to raw borage oil. As with any new ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with sensitive skin or yeast allergies.
Research notes
Research on borage seed oil itself supports its anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair benefits. However, specific studies on the Saccharomyces/borage ferment filtrate are limited, and most evidence comes from broader fermentation research and anecdotal reports.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use; no specific restrictions in the US or EU.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Essences, Face masks
- Environmental note
- Borage is a sustainable crop that requires minimal water and pesticides. The fermentation process is low-energy and produces minimal waste.
Good to know
- Borage seed oil is naturally rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fermented ingredients are often used in K-beauty routines for their gentle, skin-conditioning effects.
Common questions
What is Borage Seed Ferment Filtrate in beauty products?
This ingredient is made by fermenting borage seed oil and glycerin with yeast. The fermentation process breaks down the oil into smaller, more skin-friendly components that can help moisturize and calm the skin without feeling heavy or greasy.
What does Borage Seed Ferment Filtrate do in a beauty product?
During fermentation, yeast enzymes break down borage oil and glycerin into smaller molecules like peptides, amino acids, and fatty acids. These can more easily penetrate the skin's surface, helping to reinforce the moisture barrier, reduce water loss, and calm irritation.
Is Borage Seed Ferment Filtrate safe for most people?
This ingredient is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics. The fermentation process reduces the risk of irritation compared to raw borage oil. As with any new ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with sensitive skin or yeast allergies.
Who should be careful with Borage Seed Ferment Filtrate?
Individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to yeast or fermented ingredients
Research sources
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.