Silkworm Oligopeptide-2
A cosmetic ingredient used as emulsion stabilising, film forming, humectant in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Silkworm Oligopeptide-2 is a single chain peptide, containing 14 amino acids consisting of alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, isoleucine, lysine, serine, threonine and valine, obtained from the silkworm. The starting gene codes for Fibroin Heavy Chain, found in the silkworm. The parent protein contains a maximum of 5263 amino acids which may contain disulfide bonds and/or glycosylation, and consists of the proper sequence of the 20 standard amino acids.
What does it do?
Silkworm Oligopeptide-2 is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Emulsion stabilising
stabilises emulsions of oil and water, preventing separation over time
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Film forming
forms a thin continuous film on skin, hair, or nails — used in long-wear makeup, sunscreens, and hairsprays
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Humectant
draws moisture from the air or deeper skin layers to the surface, helping skin retain water
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Skin protecting
helps shield skin from external environmental factors
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Skin conditioning - humectant
increases skin moisture by attracting water
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Skin conditioning - miscellaneous
improves skin condition through mechanisms not classified under the more specific emollient or humectant subcategories
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Surfactant
lowers surface tension, allowing oil and water to mix — the cleansing core of soaps and shampoos
EU regulatory status
Silkworm Oligopeptide-2 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Silkworm Oligopeptide-2?
Silkworm Oligopeptide-2 is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Silkworm Oligopeptide-2 is a single chain peptide, containing 14 amino acids consisting of alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, isoleucine, lysine, serine, threonine and valine, obtained from the silkworm. The starting gene codes for Fibroin Heavy Chain, found in the silkworm. The parent protein contains a maximum of 5263 amino acids which may contain disulfide bonds and/or glycosylation, and consists of the proper sequence of the 20 standard amino acids.
Is Silkworm Oligopeptide-2 allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Silkworm Oligopeptide-2 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Silkworm Oligopeptide-2 do in cosmetic products?
Silkworm Oligopeptide-2 is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: emulsion stabilising, film forming, humectant, skin protecting, skin conditioning - humectant, skin conditioning - miscellaneous, surfactant.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 07/08/2024