Ingredient review
Yeast and Placenta Ferment
INCI: SACCHAROMYCES/HORSE PLACENTA FERMENT FILTRATE
A fermented ingredient that may support skin hydration and texture, but human research is limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.
In plain English
This ingredient is made by fermenting yeast with horse placenta extract. Fermentation breaks down large molecules into smaller ones, which may help the skin absorb them more easily. It's used in skincare to potentially improve moisture, smoothness, and overall skin feel, though much of the evidence comes from traditional use rather than large human studies.
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
Yeast and Placenta 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 Yeast and Placenta 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 created by culturing Saccharomyces (a type of yeast) with horse placenta extract. The fermentation process produces a liquid rich in amino acids, peptides, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds.
How it works
The fermentation process breaks down proteins and other large molecules into smaller peptides and amino acids, which may be more easily absorbed by the skin. These components can support the skin's natural moisture barrier and provide building blocks for skin repair, though the exact mechanisms are not fully proven in humans.
Pros
Fermentation may enhance absorption
The fermentation process breaks down large molecules into smaller ones, potentially making it easier for the skin to absorb beneficial compounds like amino acids and peptides.
May support skin hydration
The amino acids and peptides from the ferment can help attract and retain moisture in the skin, improving hydration and plumpness.
Cons and cautions
Limited human research
Most evidence for placenta-based ingredients comes from traditional use or small studies, and large-scale human trials are lacking, making it hard to confirm effectiveness.
Ethical and sourcing concerns
The use of horse placenta raises ethical questions for some consumers, and the sourcing and processing of animal-derived ingredients may not be transparent.
Best for
- Those looking for a fermented ingredient to support hydration
- People interested in traditional or placenta-based skincare ingredients
Use caution if
- Vegans and vegetarians due to animal-derived placenta
- Individuals with known allergies to yeast or animal proteins
Usage tips
Safety summary
This ingredient is considered low-risk for irritation and comedogenicity in typical concentrations. However, individuals with allergies to yeast or animal proteins should exercise caution. The main concerns are ethical rather than safety-related.
Research notes
Research on Saccharomyces/Horse Placenta Ferment Filtrate is limited. Most evidence is anecdotal or based on traditional use of placenta extracts. Fermentation is known to produce bioactive compounds, but specific human studies on this exact ingredient are scarce.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1-10% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Generally considered safe for cosmetic use in the EU and US, but specific regulations on animal-derived ingredients vary by country. No known restrictions in typical skincare concentrations.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Ampoules, Sheet masks
- Environmental note
- The environmental impact depends on the sourcing of horse placenta, which is often a byproduct of the meat industry. Sustainable and ethical sourcing is not always guaranteed.
Good to know
- Fermented ingredients are often marketed as 'biotech' or 'bio-fermented' for a modern appeal.
- The ingredient is not vegan-friendly due to the horse placenta content.
Common questions
What is Yeast and Placenta Ferment in beauty products?
This ingredient is made by fermenting yeast with horse placenta extract. Fermentation breaks down large molecules into smaller ones, which may help the skin absorb them more easily. It's used in skincare to potentially improve moisture, smoothness, and overall skin feel, though much of the evidence comes from traditional use rather than large human studies.
What does Yeast and Placenta Ferment do in a beauty product?
The fermentation process breaks down proteins and other large molecules into smaller peptides and amino acids, which may be more easily absorbed by the skin. These components can support the skin's natural moisture barrier and provide building blocks for skin repair, though the exact mechanisms are not fully proven in humans.
Is Yeast and Placenta Ferment safe for most people?
This ingredient is considered low-risk for irritation and comedogenicity in typical concentrations. However, individuals with allergies to yeast or animal proteins should exercise caution. The main concerns are ethical rather than safety-related.
Who should be careful with Yeast and Placenta Ferment?
Vegans and vegetarians due to animal-derived placenta Individuals with known allergies to yeast or animal proteins
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.