Ingredient review
Maitake & Licorice Ferment
INCI: Grifola Frondosa / Licorice Root Extract Ferment Filtrate
A gentle, fermented botanical blend that may help calm skin and provide antioxidant support, though research is still emerging.
In plain English
This ingredient is made by fermenting maitake mushroom and licorice root together. Fermentation can break down plant compounds into smaller pieces that skin may absorb more easily. Maitake mushroom is known for its antioxidant content, and licorice root is traditionally used to soothe skin and even out tone. The combination is meant to offer calming and protective benefits in a single ingredient.
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
- natural
- Evidence
- emerging
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Maitake & Licorice Ferment 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 Maitake & Licorice Ferment.
- 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 fermented filtrate derived from two botanicals: Grifola frondosa (maitake mushroom) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract. The fermentation process uses beneficial microbes to transform the raw plant materials into a bioactive liquid.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, this ferment filtrate delivers a mix of antioxidants and soothing compounds. The licorice root contributes glabridin and licochalcone, which are known to help calm redness and support an even skin tone. The maitake mushroom adds beta-glucans and other polysaccharides that may help hydrate and support the skin's natural barrier. The fermentation step may also create additional peptides and amino acids that support skin health.
Pros
Gentle and soothing
Licorice root is well-known for calming redness and irritation, making this ferment a good option for sensitive skin types.
Antioxidant support
Maitake mushroom provides antioxidants that help protect skin from daily environmental damage like pollution and UV exposure.
Cons and cautions
Limited research
While the individual ingredients have some backing, there are few studies on this exact fermented blend, so its specific benefits are not fully proven.
Variable potency
The effectiveness of a ferment filtrate depends heavily on the fermentation process and the final concentration in the product, which can vary between brands.
Best for
- Anyone with sensitive or reactive skin looking for a gentle soothing ingredient
- Those interested in fermented skincare for added bioavailability
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to mushrooms or licorice
Usage tips
Safety summary
This ferment filtrate is considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or allergic reaction. As with any new ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with sensitive skin or known allergies.
Research notes
Licorice root has moderate evidence supporting its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening effects. Maitake mushroom is less studied in topical skincare but is rich in antioxidants. The specific ferment combination lacks robust clinical trials, so evidence is emerging.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1-5% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the US and EU when used at typical concentrations. No specific restrictions apply.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Toner
- Environmental note
- Maitake mushrooms are cultivated sustainably in many regions. Licorice root is a renewable plant source, though overharvesting can be a concern in some areas.
Good to know
- Fermented ingredients are often considered more bioavailable, meaning the skin may absorb them more easily.
- This ingredient is typically water-soluble and works well in water-based formulations.
Common questions
What is Maitake & Licorice Ferment in beauty products?
This ingredient is made by fermenting maitake mushroom and licorice root together. Fermentation can break down plant compounds into smaller pieces that skin may absorb more easily. Maitake mushroom is known for its antioxidant content, and licorice root is traditionally used to soothe skin and even out tone. The combination is meant to offer calming and protective benefits in a single ingredient.
What does Maitake & Licorice Ferment do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, this ferment filtrate delivers a mix of antioxidants and soothing compounds. The licorice root contributes glabridin and licochalcone, which are known to help calm redness and support an even skin tone. The maitake mushroom adds beta-glucans and other polysaccharides that may help hydrate and support the skin's natural barrier. The fermentation step may also create additional peptides and amino acids that support skin health.
Is Maitake & Licorice Ferment safe for most people?
This ferment filtrate is considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or allergic reaction. As with any new ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with sensitive skin or known allergies.
Who should be careful with Maitake & Licorice Ferment?
Individuals with a known allergy to mushrooms or licorice
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.