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Common Name(s): Aspergillus ferment filtrate,aspergillus ferment filtrate,aspergillus koji ferment,kojic acid enzyme biotransformation

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides kojic acid brightening from tyrosinase cu2+ chelation, maximally biotransformed polyphenol aglycones with improved sc penetration from the most comprehensive enzyme cocktail, and conditioning skin metabolites from the comprehensive fermentation output.

Why It's Used: Aspergillus produces the most comprehensive enzyme set for botanical biotransformation โ€” protease, amylase, glucosidase, lipase, and pectinase activity simultaneously biotransforming all substrate macromolecules, providing richer metabolite profiles than any other single fermentation organism.

How It Works: Aspergillus oryzae/niger enzyme complex: beta-glucosidase cleaves botanical glycosides to aglycone forms (10-50x higher logp โ†’ improved sc penetration); protease hydrolyses botanical proteins to bioactive peptides; kojic acid (5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyranone) from glucose metabolism chelates tyrosinase cu2+ (ic50 ~10 um) โ†’ melanin synthesis inhibition.

Typically Found In: K-beauty brightening,comprehensive postbiotic,premium ferment

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient โ€“ skin microbiome support

Secondary Functions: Microbiome balance,prebiotic effect

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ€“15%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Fermentation-derived or plant-extracted.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ€“ very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ€“ non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; beneficial for sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,niacinamide,soothing actives

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Aspergillus substrate specificity: rice/soybean ferments produce highest kojic acid; botanical-rich substrates (ginseng, green tea, garlic) undergo most complete polyphenol biotransformation; multi-substrate ferments combine both outputs โ€” substrate design determines the active balance.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,aspergillus koji ferment kojic acid review