Proteins

Proteins are among the most critical substances in the body, in which they have a wide variety of functions. They are the building blocks of living organisms and are indispensable to all life processes. The many favorable properties of proteins can be utilized for cosmetic purposes. As bioactive substances,  they play a key role in many cosmetic products.

These natural polymers consist of long chains of amino acids that are good sources of essential building blocks for collagen and elastin fibers, natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), and antioxidants, protecting skin from free radicals and UV-induced damage. Proteins are used in almost all kinds of skin and hair care products. They are an indispensable component of modern formulations: Those valuable active substances, which are always relevant to contemporary trends. Furthermore, they are used to enable cosmetic products to satisfy consumer expectations and,  in particular, to ensure that they comply with desired claims of efficacy,  as explained below. Last but not least, a protein's origin, for example, keratin, almond, or wheat, is crucial to its characteristics, and its effects are essential for the development of marketing concepts.

Some proteins have beneficial effects on skin regeneration, cell renewal, and microbiota balance. Others create non-sealing films on the skin and hair, protecting them from damaging environmental factors, smoothing texture, or giving a silky shine. Vegetable-sourced proteins are steadily gaining importance. Materials of vegetable origin, such as wheat, rice, and almonds, are available, opening the door to positive associations, and providing skincare products from renewable materials, and convincing "green" concepts.