EWG Safety Score
What Is Hydrolyzed Extensin?
Hydrolyzed extensin is a hair- and skin-conditioning ingredient used in cosmetics. It’s a plant-based derivative of extensin, hydroxyproline-rich structural glycoproteins that are found in plants’ cell walls, that’s broken down into smaller molecules through the process of hydrolysis.\n\nWhen applied to skin, hydrolyzed extensin exhibits conditioning and hydrating properties through a reduction in transepidermal water loss. Currently, there’s limited research on hydrolyzed extensin’s skin benefits.\n\nExtensin is abundant in its amino acid and polysaccharide content; however, its star compound is the amino acid hydroxyproline, which is found in mammalian collagen.\n\nHydrolyzed extensin is commonly sourced from carrots, so it’s been coined “carrot collagen,” and sometimes is referred to as “vegetable collagen.” (Note: there are many other plant-based ingredients that are also referred to as “vegetable collagen”).\n\nThe Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reports usage of hydrolyzed extensin in cosmetics in amounts between 0.01-0.13%. These usage levels were deemed safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, August 2022, pages 5S-20S International Journal of Toxicology, 2022
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Journal of Physical Chemistry, August 2019, pages 7754-7763 Journal of Physical Chemistry, 2019
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Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology, June 2012, pages 257-267 Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology, 2012
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