A pile of red acerola cherries with green leaves.

Barbados Cherry Bioferment

INCI: Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment & Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

Use: 1% - 10%

Description:

The Barbados cherry, also known as acerola cherry, is a tropical shrub or small tree with glossy evergreen leaves and pink to lavender flowers that produce a tart bright red, cherry-like drupe, about 1 inch in diameter that is exceptionally high in vitamin C.

 

Primary bioactive constituents:

Polyphenols primarily anthocyanins. Carotenoids including beta-carotene. Bioflavonoids. Vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9 (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid). Minerals ( Iron, Calcium, and Phosphorus)

Skin benefits:

Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals, protecting skin from environmental and UV damage.  

Collagen Stimulation: Inhibits enzymes (like collagenase) that break down collagen and elastin

Skin Brightening: Inhibits tyrosinase and other melanin precursors to help reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone.  

Anti-Inflammatory: Soothes irritated skin by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stabilizing capillary walls and having a mild vasoconstrictive effect.

Hydration Support: Up-regulates hyaluronic acid, ceramide and aquaporins, which are water channels in the skin that facilitate better hydration distribution.

Barrier Building: Strengthens the skin’s protective barrier by enhancing ceramide production.

Synergistic Combos:

Peptides, ferments, retinoids, vitamin E, niacinamide.

Multi-functional ingredients:

Fermentation with Lactobacillus naturally produces lactic acid in amounts sufficient to provide gentle exfoliation and hydration. It also generates skin-friendly enzymes (proteases & lipases), antimicrobial peptides & bacteriocins, short-chain fatty acids, and exopolysaccharides (EPS)—all of which contribute to anti-inflammatory, pH-balancing, and microbiome-supporting benefits. Additionally, bioactive metabolites produced during fermentation help protect against oxidative stress, strengthen the skin barrier, and support collagen synthesis for healthier, more resilient skin.

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate (used as a preservative) is a natural antimicrobial and antifungal peptide-based preservative made by fermenting Raphanus sativus (radish) roots with Leuconostoc, a lactic acid bacteria found in kimchi. Beyond preservation, it offers notable skin benefits, including pore-cleansing, skin brightening, and hydration. Additionally, its probiotic-derived compounds help support a healthier skin microbiome.