Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein

Good

Humectant

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein at a glance

  • Plant-derived hydrating ingredient
  • Promotes water-binding and skin conditioning
  • Contains skin-friendly amino acids, peptides and proteins
  • Also used in the food and hair care industries

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein description

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is a skin conditioning, water-binding ingredient used in formulas to help promote balanced hydration. Like its name implies, it’s vegetable derived (potatoes, corn, soy, legume, peas, etc.) and made up of skin-friendly amino acids, proteins and peptides. To create this ingredient, vegetable proteins must undergo hydrolysis via acid or enzyme which breaks them down into smaller “pieces.” The result? Made-for-skin (or food- these ingredients are also used in the food industry) vegetable-derived amino acids and peptides that improve hydration and help smooth the look of skin through moisture-related plumpness. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein isn’t the same thing as vegetable collagen. Vegetable collagen is a colloquial term used by ingredient suppliers to refer to blends of plant-derived, collagen-like ingredients. The ingredients that make up vegetable collagen blends vary from brand-to-brand. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is a verified INCI name and ingredient. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed hydrolyzed vegetable protein and deemed it as safe for use in cosmetics at current concentration levels (0.0%-0.0025%). Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is also used in hair care where it can help hydrate, strengthen and provide anti-static benefits.

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein references

  • International Journal of Toxicology, August 2022, pages 5S-20S
  • Nutrition Research, February 2015, pages 127-135
  • Industrial Crops and Products, March 2013, pages 469-479
  • Seifensiederzeitung (SOFW), 2012, pages 38-42

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.