Bifida Ferment Lysate
Also known as: Bifida Ferment Lysate, Bifidobacterium Ferment Lysate, BFL
Overview
Bifida Ferment Lysate (BFL) is a probiotic-derived ingredient obtained through the fermentation and extraction of Bifidobacterium, a genus of beneficial bacteria commonly found in the gut. Primarily utilized in skincare products, BFL is designed to enhance skin health by improving barrier function, reducing inflammation, and increasing resistance to oxidative stress. It possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, contributing to overall skin well-being. Research on BFL's dermatological benefits is emerging, with studies highlighting its potential to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce oxidative stress. While promising, the current evidence base requires further comprehensive studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, to fully establish its efficacy and mechanisms in human subjects.
Benefits
Bifida Ferment Lysate (BFL) offers several evidence-based benefits for skin health. Its primary effect is strengthening the skin barrier, demonstrated by the upregulation of genes crucial for physical barrier integrity (e.g., FLG, LOR, IVL, TGM1, AQP3) and antimicrobial peptides (e.g., CAMP, hBD-2). This contributes to improved skin resilience and protection. BFL also exhibits strong antioxidant properties, effectively reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production, which helps combat oxidative stress. Furthermore, BFL has immunomodulatory effects, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion like IL-8 and TNF-α, thereby mitigating inflammation. While specific effect sizes are not extensively documented, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that a gel containing BFL, among other ingredients, reduced acne lesions in individuals with mild to moderate acne. These benefits make BFL particularly advantageous for individuals with compromised skin barriers, such as those with acne or atopic dermatitis, by improving skin function and reducing inflammatory responses.
How it works
Bifida Ferment Lysate (BFL) primarily interacts with the skin's immune and barrier systems. Its mechanism of action involves enhancing the expression of genes vital for skin barrier function, including filaggrin (FLG), loricrin (LOR), involucrin (IVL), transglutaminase 1 (TGM1), and aquaporin 3 (AQP3). It also upregulates antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) and human beta-defensin 2 (hBD-2), which bolster the skin's natural defenses. Additionally, BFL exerts immunomodulatory effects by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), thereby mitigating skin inflammation. These actions collectively contribute to improved skin barrier integrity, reduced oxidative stress, and a modulated immune response.
Side effects
Bifida Ferment Lysate (BFL) is generally considered safe for topical application in skincare products, with no significant side effects commonly reported in the available literature. There are no documented common (>5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (<1%) adverse effects associated with its use. Furthermore, no known drug interactions or contraindications have been reported. While BFL is derived from beneficial bacteria, it is a lysate and not a live probiotic, which typically reduces the risk of adverse reactions associated with live microorganisms. For special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, specific contraindications are not documented, but caution is generally advised due to limited dedicated studies in these groups. As with any skincare ingredient, individual sensitivity can vary, and it is always recommended to perform a patch test before widespread use, especially for individuals with highly sensitive skin.
Dosage
The optimal dosage range for Bifida Ferment Lysate (BFL) is not definitively established, as its efficacy often depends on the overall formulation of the skincare product. However, BFL is typically incorporated into skincare products at concentrations around 7%. There is no well-established minimum effective dose or maximum safe dose. BFL is intended for topical application, and there are no specific timing considerations beyond following the product's instructions for use. For instance, gel formulations containing BFL have shown effectiveness in clinical studies. As a topical ingredient, its absorption is expected to be localized to the skin, and no specific cofactors are documented as necessary for its efficacy. Users should adhere to the application guidelines provided by the specific skincare product containing BFL.
FAQs
Is Bifida Ferment Lysate a live probiotic?
No, Bifida Ferment Lysate is not a live probiotic. It is a lysate, meaning it's a non-viable extract obtained from the fermentation of Bifidobacterium bacteria, containing beneficial components but not live organisms.
What are the main benefits of using Bifida Ferment Lysate on the skin?
Bifida Ferment Lysate primarily helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduces oxidative stress, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can improve skin resilience and may help in managing conditions like acne.
Are there any known side effects of Bifida Ferment Lysate?
Bifida Ferment Lysate is generally considered safe for topical use, with no significant side effects, drug interactions, or contraindications commonly reported in scientific literature.
How should I use products containing Bifida Ferment Lysate?
Apply products containing Bifida Ferment Lysate topically as directed by the specific product's instructions. There are no special timing considerations, but consistent use is recommended for potential benefits.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37218728/ – This in vitro study on HaCaT cells demonstrated that Bifida Ferment Lysate (BFL) upregulates skin barrier genes (FLG, LOR, IVL, TGM1, AQP3) and antimicrobial peptides (CAMP, hBD-2). It also exhibited strong antioxidant properties by reducing intracellular ROS and MDA, and immunomodulatory effects by decreasing IL-8 and TNF-α secretion, suggesting its potential for improving skin barrier function and reducing inflammation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9357589/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentric study investigated a gel formulation containing Bifida Ferment Lysate (among other ingredients) in subjects with mild to moderate acne over two months. The study found that the gel significantly reduced acne lesions compared to the placebo, indicating the potential efficacy of formulations with BFL in acne treatment, though BFL's isolated effect could not be determined.
- https://fi-admin.bvsalud.org/document/view/5ce75 – This systematic review, while not specific to Bifida Ferment Lysate, provides a broader context for the cosmetic benefits of ferment lysates. It highlights their potential in reducing inflammation and improving skin hydration, supporting the general understanding that probiotic-derived ingredients can contribute positively to skin health and barrier function.
Supplements Containing Bifida Ferment Lysate
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