What it is
Hydrolyzed pea protein is produced by hydrolyzing protein extracted from peas (Pisum sativum) into shorter-chain peptides and amino acids. In cosmetic formulas it is used for skin conditioning and to form a light surface film that can improve the feel of the product on skin. It is generally added at modest levels as a botanical functional ingredient.
Safety & warnings
Hydrolyzed pea protein is generally well tolerated on skin. Pea is a legume, so people with known legume sensitivities may prefer to patch test, though topical reactions are uncommon. It is not a fragrance allergen and is not comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Plant-derived. It is obtained by hydrolyzing the seed protein of the pea plant into lower-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids.
Questions everyone asks
Is hydrolyzed pea protein vegan?
Yes, it is plant-derived, sourced from peas, and contains no animal-origin material.
Does hydrolyzed pea protein protect against UV?
No. It is a skin-conditioning and film-forming additive and provides no sun protection by itself.