Hydrolyzed Extensin

Plant-derived protein rich in amino acids

Exhibits hydrating properties

Reduces transepidermal water loss

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed safe for use in cosmetics

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.

When 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.

Extensin is abundant in its amino acid and polysaccharide content; however, its star compound is the amino acid hydroxyproline, which is found in mammalian collagen.

Hydrolyzed 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”).

The 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.

See: Hydrolyzed Collagen, Amino Acids