Hydrolyzed Zein
AKA “Zein hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed corn protein
Skin Conditioning
Ingredient Facts
Hydrolyzed zein
AKA: Zein hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed corn protein
Skin Conditioning · Antistatic · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
Protein hydrolyzates, zeins
CAS #
169590-58-3
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Antistatic
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Zein is a protein extracted from corn, traditionally used as a binder and protective agent in foods. Modern hydrolyzed zein was developed in the 20th century for cosmetics as a film-forming and conditioning agent.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Comedogenic
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR