Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Blend of hydrolyzed proteins (soy, wheat, corn). Humectant and film-former. Note: contains cereal proteins – potential allergen.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Safe humectant. People with cereal/soy allergy should pay attention.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein is a mixture of short peptides and amino acids from soy, wheat, corn, or pea sources. Produced by enzymatic or acidic hydrolysis. Where applied. Shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, lotions, body products (1-5%). Acts as film-former, humectant, and conditioner – coats hair with a thin film, adds shine, eases combing. In skincare it provides surface hydration and a "firming" finish. Allergy. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is a known allergen. From the 2000s Japan and Europe recorded cases of systemic allergy (anaphylaxis) in patients using wheat-protein soaps (Hidrasoap, Cha-no-Shizuku, ~2,000 cases in Japan in 2010-2011, Chinuki 2011). Large peptides >50 kDa are responsible: they penetrate damaged skin, induce IgE, and the patient later reacts to oral wheat. Since 2013 the EU restricts wheat hydrolysate molecular weight in rinse-off products (≤3.5 kDa). Evidence base. Improvements in softness, manageability, and shine of hair are confirmed by industrial testing and publications (Bouillon 1996). The skin effect is modest, mainly surface hydration. Safety. CIR rated hydrolyzed vegetable proteins safe with molecular weight limits (2013). Soy and pea variants are preferable in patients with celiac disease or wheat allergy. Pregnancy and lactation – safe topically.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein safe during pregnancy?
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein for?
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein and what does it do in cosmetics?
Blend of hydrolyzed proteins (soy, wheat, corn).
What's the INCI name for Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein?
The INCI name is Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein. It may also appear as: Vegetable Hydrolyzed Protein.
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The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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Ingredients in the same category
Hydrolyzed Wheat Flour, Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, C12-13 Alkyl Glyceryl Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate, Fructose
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