ASPERGILLUS/ALCOHOL/RICE FERMENT LEES POWDER
Safety score · 0–100
Fine
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
A fermented rice byproduct — the leftover lees from sake or rice wine production, dried and powdered — rich in amino acids, peptides, and organic acids that moisturize and condition skin.
Aspergillus/Alcohol/Rice Ferment Lees Powder is produced by fermenting rice wine or sake lees (the solid residue remaining after rice wine filtration) with Aspergillus species fungi, then drying and grinding to a fine powder. The fermentation by Aspergillus (typically A. oryzae, the safe 'koji' mold used in food fermentation) breaks down rice proteins and starches into smaller peptides, free amino acids, organic acids, and bioactive oligosaccharides. This biotransformation enriches the lees with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ferulic acid, and various enzyme-generated peptides with antioxidant and moisturizing activity. The resulting powder is rich in amino acids that serve as natural moisturizing factors (NMF) in skin, helping maintain hydration and support skin barrier function.
Function
Skin benefits
- Natural amino acids support skin hydration as NMF precursors
- Peptides generated during fermentation may stimulate collagen synthesis
- Ferulic acid provides antioxidant protection
- May support skin barrier reinforcement
Known concerns
- Aspergillus species — while A. oryzae is food-grade, some Aspergillus species produce mycotoxins; source strain must be identified and controlled
- Fermentation-derived compounds may be sensitizing in susceptible individuals
- Alcohol content from fermentation may cause drying at high concentrations
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Check your shelf
Find ASPERGILLUS/ALCOHOL/RICE FERMENT LEES POWDER in your products.
Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains ASPERGILLUS/ALCOHOL/RICE FERMENT LEES POWDER and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.
This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.