Fermented Rice Extract

Fermented Rice Extract at a glance

Fermented Rice Extract is a Korean ferment filtrate made by fermenting rice with Saccharomyces yeast and filtering the result. Its INCI is Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate. It is a clear to light yellow liquid that dissolves fully in water and has a natural pH of 4.0 to 6.5. Formulators know it under many names, from rice ferment essence and galactomyces style rice extract to fermented rice water, and it is one of the signature ingredients of Korean glow and glass skin care. The supplier gives a wide dosing range, from 0.5% in hair care up to 20% in toners and essences.

What fermentation adds

Rice on its own is rich in starch, proteins and minerals. Fermentation with yeast breaks these down into smaller molecules: amino acids, simple sugars, organic acids and other fermentation compounds. These small molecules are easy to formulate, sit well on the skin and bind water, which is why ferment filtrates feel so light yet hydrating. In cosmetic terms, Fermented Rice Extract supports moisture, gives a radiant and more even looking complexion and helps skin feel smooth and comfortable. The supplier also lists it for sensitive and dehydrated skin, for barrier support concepts and for microbiome friendly products.

Dosing by product type

The range depends on the format. Toners and essences can carry the most, from 1 up to 20%, because they are designed to be layered and to deliver a high share of the hero ingredient. Serums and sheet or wash-off masks use 1 to 10%. Creams and emulsions take 1 to 5%, since the oil phase and emulsifiers already shape the skin feel. Hair care uses 0.5 to 3%, for shine sprays, light conditioners and scalp care.

How to formulate

Water phase and pH

Add the extract to the water phase of a gel or toner, or to an emulsion at cool-down below 40 °C. Its own pH of 4.0 to 6.5 means most finished products stay in a skin friendly zone without adjustment. Check the final pH and aim for about 5 to 6 in face care.

Preservation

Ferments contain sugars and amino acids, which are food for microbes as well as for the skin. Challenge test the final formula.

Partners

The extract is compatible with peptides and with most water-soluble actives. For a glass skin essence it pairs naturally with niacinamide for an even looking tone and with trehalose for a deeper, longer lasting moisture feel. Other plant and ferment ingredients are listed in the botanical extracts section.

Product ideas

Glow toners, first essences, hydrating serums, sleeping masks, light gel creams and sheet mask essences are the classic uses. In body care it fits hydrating lotions and body glow products. In hair care it suits shine sprays, scalp essences and moisture conditioners. Spa and Asian beauty rituals often feature rice in the product name, which makes the ingredient easy to communicate.

Sample recipe: rice glow essence, 100 g

Distilled water 76.70 g, Fermented Rice Extract 15.00 g, glycerin 3.00 g, niacinamide 2.00 g, sodium hyaluronate 0.10 g, panthenol 1.00 g, preservative 1.00 g, solubilizer 0.50 g, fragrance 0.20 g, citric acid solution 0.50 g. Sprinkle sodium hyaluronate into the water and let it hydrate, add glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol, then the rice ferment, preservative and the premixed fragrance and solubilizer, and adjust to about pH 5.5.

Storage

Keep the extract tightly closed in a dry, cool place protected from light. A certificate of analysis comes with every lot.