Vitreoscilla Ferment
Lysate of the non-pathogenic bacterium Vitreoscilla filiformis. Two manufacturer-led controlled trials in atopic dermatitis exist; claims about skin oxygenation and anti-aging have no data behind them
Evidence by route
Topical application
The only clinical data concern atopic dermatitis. In a double-blind trial in 75 people, SCORAD and itch fell more with a 5% lysate cream than with the vehicle over 30 days (Gueniche 2008). Both clinical trials come from the manufacturer. Skin oxygenation, anti-aging, hydration and antioxidant effects have no supporting data
- B
Soothing
In two manufacturer-run RCTs in atopic dermatitis, the lysate outperformed the vehicle: on SCORAD and itch in 75 people over 30 days (Gueniche 2008) and on mEASI in 13 patients (Guéniche 2006)
- D
Anti-aging
There are no anti-aging studies of the lysate, either in people or in cells
- D
Antioxidant effect
There are no peer-reviewed data on antioxidant activity that this claim could rest on
- D
Moisturizing
Skin hydration was not measured; in the atopic dermatitis trial TEWL improved within the lysate group, but the abstract gives no comparison with the vehicle (Gueniche 2008)
- D
Skin oxygenation
No study of the cosmetic lysate links its action on skin to bacterial hemoglobin or oxygen supply
- Gueniche A et al. Effects of nonpathogenic gram-negative bacterium Vitreoscilla filiformis lysate on atopic dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Br J Dermatol. 2008;159(6):1357-63. PMID 18795916
- Guéniche A et al. Improvement of atopic dermatitis skin symptoms by Vitreoscilla filiformis bacterial extract. Eur J Dermatol. 2006;16(4):380-4. PMID 16935794
- Volz T et al. Nonpathogenic bacteria alleviating atopic dermatitis inflammation induce IL-10-producing dendritic cells and regulatory Tr1 cells. J Invest Dermatol. 2014;134(1):96-104. PMID 23812300
- Gueniche A et al. Vitreoscilla filiformis Extract for Topical Skin Care: A Review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021;11:747663. PMID 34976852
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Working concentrations
- Both controlled trials used 5% lysate (Gueniche 2008; Guéniche 2006); lower concentrations have not been tested in controlled human studies
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Vitreoscilla ferment is a lysate of Vitreoscilla filiformis, a non-pathogenic Gram-negative bacterium that does not photosynthesize. It contains membrane and cytoplasm fractions; researchers from the manufacturer describe it as a non-replicating probiotic fraction (Gueniche 2021). Mechanism data come from cells and mice. Through the TLR2 receptor, the lysate induced IL-10-producing dendritic cells, which then generated regulatory T cells. On the skin of NC/Nga mice, it reduced inflammation resembling atopic dermatitis (Volz 2014). Skin studies do not support claims about bacterial hemoglobin, oxygenation or mitochondria. Clinical data cover atopic dermatitis only. In a randomized double-blind trial, 75 people aged 6–70 applied a 5% lysate cream or the vehicle daily for 30 days. SCORAD (P=0.0044) and itch (P=0.0171) fell more than with the vehicle, and S. aureus colonization decreased (Gueniche 2008). In a second trial, 13 patients applied a 5% ointment to lesions on one side of the body and the vehicle to the other for 4 weeks. The mEASI score improved from week 2, but the abstract gives no figures (Guéniche 2006). The first authors of both trials work for the manufacturer. Anti-aging effects, hydration and antioxidant activity have not been studied on skin. The abstracts do not detail adverse events, and there are no independent safety data. There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vitreoscilla Ferment safe during pregnancy?
Vitreoscilla Ferment should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Vitreoscilla Ferment for?
Vitreoscilla Ferment suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Vitreoscilla Ferment and what does it do in cosmetics?
Lysate of the non-pathogenic bacterium Vitreoscilla filiformis.
What's the INCI name for Vitreoscilla Ferment?
The INCI name is Vitreoscilla Ferment. It may also appear as: Vitreoscilla Ferment Extract.
What concentration of Vitreoscilla Ferment is effective?
Both controlled trials used 5% lysate (Gueniche 2008; Guéniche 2006); lower concentrations have not been tested in controlled human studies
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