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botanical

Soybean Extract

A phytoestrogen-containing botanical used in PDRN combination serums for skin conditioning. Isoflavone content (primarily genistein and daidzein) provides the mechanism basis for anti-ageing and skin-brightening claims.

Benefits
  • Isoflavone phytoestrogens (genistein, daidzein) with ER-binding activity
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Mild skin conditioning from soy protein fraction
  • Anti-inflammatory isoflavone activity
  • Traditional skincare ingredient in East Asian beauty
Example uses
  • PDRN combination serums
  • Anti-ageing serums
  • Brightening moisturisers
  • Soy-based cleansers
  • Firming creams
Mechanism of action
Genistein inhibits tyrosinase via competitive binding and reduces UV-induced melanogenesis stimulation by blocking tyrosine kinase-mediated melanocyte activation pathways. Isoflavones bind ER-beta in fibroblasts, potentially upregulating collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis. Antioxidant activity via phenolic electron donation.
Clinical evidence · Moderate

Multiple in vitro and some clinical studies for soy isoflavone topical brightening and anti-ageing. Evidence level better than many botanical actives.

Effective concentration range
0.1–2%
Formulation notes
Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract; isoflavone content oxidation-sensitive. pH stable in cosmetic range.
Watchouts
Phytoestrogen content raises theoretical endocrine-modulation concerns in sensitive populations. Soy allergy cross-reactivity — cosmetic soy extracts should declare soy/glycine soja for allergen-sensitive individuals. Topical isoflavone estrogenic effect at cosmetic concentrations is considered negligible by most regulatory bodies but is not fully excluded.
Controversies & overclaims
Phytoestrogen concerns are theoretical at cosmetic concentrations. Soy allergen labelling is the more practically relevant consumer concern.
Market positioning
Marketed as natural skin brightener and conditioner. Isoflavone mechanism is credible; phytoestrogen concern is theoretical at cosmetic concentrations.
Comedogenicity

0 / 5

Sensitisation risk

Low

INCI & aliases

Glycine Soja Extract

glycine soja extract · soybean extract · soy extract · glycine max extract

Clean beauty perception

Mixed in clean beauty. Broadly accepted but the phytoestrogen concern is occasionally raised in ultra-clean formulation frameworks.

Related ingredients
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