INGREDIENT · NEW-AGE
Galactomyces ferment filtrate in skincare: the evidence
Galactomyces ferment filtrate is a yeast ferment with a famous origin story, from the hands of sake brewers. The evidence is a lot of lab work and a few human studies of products that contain it.
You may see it written as
- Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Where the idea came from
A 2022 review says the ingredient's use began with the observation that the hands of sake brewers, who handle yeast fermentation, stay youthful and smooth, and that products based on it are now sold around the world.1
That is the origin story, not evidence. The same review summarises lab work on skin cells: effects on a receptor that controls filaggrin, a source of the skin's natural moisturising factors, on an antioxidant switch called NRF2, and on genes tied to skin ageing.1 One of the review's four authors is an employee of a consumer-goods company, and two others have research-grant or consulting ties to it.1
Lab studies and the human evidence
Two 2026 studies from the manufacturer's research side tested it on skin cells in dishes and in lab-grown skin. One found it helped skin cells keep their mechanical strength when their internal scaffolding was disrupted.2 The other found that cells pre-treated with it coped better with oxidative stress in several tests.3 Neither tested people.2,3
The longest human study is a 2023 study of 86 women. Facial wrinkles, spots and roughness were measured in 1999 and again in 2010, and had worsened. All the women then used three products containing galactomyces ferment filtrate twice a day for 12 months. Hydration rose, water loss fell, and the three ageing measures improved cumulatively.4 Five of its six authors are employees of a consumer-goods company, and the sixth consults for it.4
There was no comparison group using a plain product, and the products also contained other ingredients, so the study cannot say how much was due to this ingredient.4
A 2021 randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 51 people with darker skin and marks left by acne tested a serum combining it with dexpanthenol and centella. The serum group did better only in some skin-type subgroups and at some time points.5
Using galactomyces ferment filtrate with other products
The 2023 study used a set of three products in sequence.4 That is one routine, with no way to separate its parts.
Galactomyces ferment filtrate in pregnancy and breastfeeding
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Evidence on cosmetic products in pregnancy is limited overall, so ask your doctor or midwife about the specific product you use.6
What you will see on the label
The names to look for are Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate. In Snifff, it reads as Low risk. For the rest of the formula, see what the score means and how to read the list.
As Snifff shows itGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Pregnancy and nursing
We found no pregnancy- or lactation-specific evidence for this ingredient.
Wording as it appears in the extension, which can change between releases.
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Common questions about galactomyces ferment filtrate
What is galactomyces ferment filtrate?
A filtrate made by fermenting with a yeast-like fungus. A 2022 review traces its use to the observation that sake brewers' hands stay youthful.1
Is there proof galactomyces ferment filtrate reverses ageing?
In a 2023 study of 86 women, wrinkles, spots and roughness improved over 12 months of using products containing it, but there was no control group and the products contained other ingredients.4
Does it work on skin cells?
Lab studies on skin cells and lab-grown skin report effects on barrier-related genes and on stress responses, but they did not test people.1,2,3
Is galactomyces ferment filtrate safe in pregnancy?
Snifff found no pregnancy-specific evidence for Galactomyces ferment filtrate. Ask your doctor or midwife about the product you use.
WHERE THIS COMES FROM
Sources
- Galactomyces ferment filtrate potentiates an anti-inflammaging system in keratinocytesYan X, Tsuji G, Hashimoto-Hachiya A, Furue M · Journal of Clinical Medicine · 2022
- Galactomyces ferment filtrate upregulates anchoring junctions and stabilizes actin to maintain the Young's modulus of skin cells in vitroCrabtree S, Jarrold BB, Kent O, et al. · International Journal of Cosmetic Science · 2026
- Pretreatment of keratinocytes with Galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF) promotes stress resiliency in an in vitro oxidative stress modelGreen LC, Reichling T, Rovito HA, et al. · International Journal of Cosmetic Science · 2026
- Significant reversal of facial wrinkle, pigmented spot and roughness by daily application of Galactomyces ferment filtrate-containing skin products for 12 months: an 11-year longitudinal skin aging rejuvenation studyMiyamoto K, Inoue Y, Yan X, Yagi S, Suda S, Furue M · Journal of Clinical Medicine · 2023
- The effectiveness of galactomyces ferment filtrate, dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica combination serum in the treatment of post-acne hyperpigmentation in subjects with skin of colorAnwar AI, et al. · Skinmed · 2021
- Cosmetic dermatology in pregnancy and lactation: a risk-benefit framework for clinical practiceKovacs T, et al. · International Journal of Dermatology · 2026
This page explains an ingredient. It is not medical advice, and it is not an assessment of any product. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist.