The world of fermentation-based skincare has grown rapidly, and the category now includes postbiotics, lysates, and ferment filtrates. Although these ingredients may appear similar, they deliver different biological effects and behave differently in formulation. Because of their growing importance in high-performance skincare, it is essential for formulators and brands to understand what separates them, when to use each type, and how they enhance the skin through microbiome-supporting pathways. In this guide, we break down the complete comparison between postbiotic lysate ferment filtrate systems so you can confidently choose the right biotechnology for any formula.
What Are Fermentation-Derived Actives?
Fermentation-derived skincare ingredients originate from controlled microbial fermentation, typically using bacteria or yeast. This process naturally produces metabolites, peptides, enzymes, vitamins, and bioactive compounds that strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and support a well-balanced skin ecosystem. Because fermentation breaks complex molecules into smaller, more bioavailable structures, these ingredients often penetrate more effectively and deliver faster visible results.
Although postbiotics, lysates, and ferment filtrates all come from fermentation, they are produced differently and offer distinct benefits. Understanding these differences helps chemists design smarter, more targeted formulations.
What Are Postbiotics?
Postbiotics refer to the beneficial, non-living byproducts of probiotic microorganisms. They include peptides, polysaccharides, organic acids, amino acids, cell fragments, antioxidants, and other metabolites produced during fermentation. Because postbiotics do not contain live bacteria, they offer excellent formulation stability, broader compatibility, and strong skin-barrier support without regulatory complications related to living cultures.
Additionally, postbiotics influence the skin through biological signaling pathways. They help calm irritation, reduce redness, improve comfort, and strengthen the microbiome by supporting beneficial bacteria already present on the skin. As a result, postbiotics work well in sensitive-skin formulations and barrier-repair systems, offering a gentle yet effective biotechnology option.
What Are Lysates?
Lysates are whole microorganisms that have been intentionally broken apart through lysis. This process releases the cell’s inner contents, including peptides, proteins, enzymes, and cellular fragments. Because lysates provide a broader range of biological materials compared to postbiotics alone, they often deliver more multi-dimensional benefits.
Lysates typically improve hydration, reduce visible sensitivity, and support the skin’s natural renewal cycle. Furthermore, the presence of full cellular fragments can activate skin-receptor pathways that improve resilience and encourage smoother texture. Lysates are especially useful in serums or creams designed for recovery, strengthening, or supporting stressed skin.
What Are Ferment Filtrates?
Ferment filtrates represent the liquid portion of a fermentation broth after the microorganisms have been removed through filtration. They contain water-soluble metabolites produced during fermentation, including organic acids, amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Because ferment filtrates are lighter and more refined, they integrate easily into gel serums, essences, mist formulas, and water-based emulsions.
Ferment filtrates also enhance radiance, support hydration, and boost overall skin health through gentle biological nourishment. Their lightweight nature makes them suitable for daily-use formulations, offering a simple way to incorporate fermentation benefits without altering texture.
Postbiotic vs Lysate vs Ferment Filtrate: What’s the Difference?
| Ingredient Type | What It Contains | Key Benefits | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postbiotic | Metabolites, peptides, cell fragments | Calming, barrier support, microbiome balance | Sensitive skin, recovery formulas, barrier creams |
| Lysate | Whole broken cells + intracellular content | Strengthening, hydration, renewal, resilience | Anti-aging serums, recovery systems |
| Ferment Filtrate | Filtered liquid with fermented nutrients | Radiance, hydration, lightweight nourishment | Essences, gels, mists, daily-use formulas |
How Each Ingredient Works on the Skin
Postbiotics
Postbiotics deliver targeted biological signals that encourage balance and comfort. Because they reduce environmental stress responses, postbiotics improve the skin’s ability to retain hydration and strengthen the barrier. Their soothing properties also make them ideal for formulations targeting redness or sensitivity.
Lysates
Lysates activate the skin through multiple pathways due to their complex composition. They help maintain firmness, hydration, and smoothness while reinforcing the skin’s protective structures. Since lysates supply diverse molecules, they often contribute to visibly improved resilience and texture.
Ferment Filtrates
Ferment filtrates provide lightweight nourishment and hydration. They optimize cell comfort by replenishing fermented nutrients that support everyday skin function. Because ferment filtrates improve radiance and softness, they suit brightening-focused or hydrating formulas.
How Formulators Should Choose Between Them
Formulators should choose between postbiotics, lysates, and ferment filtrates based on desired activity, product texture, and compatibility with other actives. When deeper biological support is needed, lysates offer the broadest profile. When gentle barrier support is the focus, postbiotics deliver the best calming and balancing effects. For lightweight hydration or radiance, ferment filtrates integrate seamlessly into almost any format.
Stability and Formulation Considerations
Postbiotics, lysates, and ferment filtrates are all non-living, so they maintain excellent stability, and they generally work across standard formulation pH ranges. Lysates tend to perform best around pH 5–6. Ferment filtrates tolerate broader ranges, making them flexible in water-based systems. Postbiotics also match well with sensitive-skin products that avoid harsh conditions.
Because fermentation-derived actives are compatible with most delivery systems, they integrate easily into emulsions, gels, serums, and masks. In addition, they cooperate well with barrier-support oils, biotechnological peptides, and moisture-enhancing humectant systems.
Which One Is Best for 2026 Formulations?
Each type brings unique benefits, and their value depends on the formulation’s target performance. In 2026, microbiome-supporting technologies continue rising sharply, and biotech fermentation leads formulation innovation. Therefore, many brands now incorporate all three—postbiotics, lysates, and ferment filtrates—into layered systems to achieve multi-dimensional results.
For example:
- A postbiotic base improves comfort and barrier support.
- A lysate layer enhances skin strength and renewal.
- A ferment filtrate brightens and hydrates daily.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between postbiotic lysate ferment filtrate actives allows formulators to create more effective skincare. Postbiotics deliver targeted barrier-support signals, lysates provide comprehensive cellular benefits, and ferment filtrates offer lightweight radiance and hydration. By combining the right biotech tools, brands can build high-performance, microbiome-focused formulations that meet modern consumer expectations with precision and clarity.
