SOY ISOFLAVONES

Substance information

Ingredient on the basis of soy beans (glycine soja). Flavones or flavonoids are so-called secondary plant substances.

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Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products

SKIN CONDITIONING

Maintains the skin in good condition

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Origin

synthetic/plant (Information may exclusively reflect the status at initial entry of this ingredient into the relevant INCI dictionary; technological progress may have added new manufacturing options based on substances of different origin)

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Background information on use in cosmetics

Flavones or flavonoids are so-called secondary plant substances and occur in many plants. They are, for instance, contained in fruits, vegetables and many pulses as well as nuts and wholemeal products. The name flavonoid is derived from the Latin term flavus which means yellow. Flavonoids have frequently – but not necessarily – a yellow colour. These plant colourants play an important role in the metabolism of many plants and in the human body they likewise activate many metabolic processes. In care products for the scalp flavonoids can improve the blood circulation and the nourishment of the hair roots. Other flavonoids, which protect the cell nucleus of certain plants against the consequences of strong sun radiation, are used in cosmetics because of their antioxidative protection potential. They prevent the skin from skin ageing caused by light and stimulate the cells’ own repair system.

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Why are we talking about it?

Soya isoflavones are suspected of being endocrine disruptors. The facts: Isoflavones are naturally present in soya, red clover or kudzu root (a plant of Asian origin, used in traditional Chinese medicine). They are used in food supplements for pre-menopausal or menopausal women. The safety of intakes through food and food supplements has been assessed by the EFSA (European Food Safety Agency). It considers that intakes from food or food supplements are not a cause for concern (this applies to menopausal women with no current diagnosis or history of breast or uterine cancer) (1). Concerning their use in cosmetics, European experts have decided to re-examine the potential endocrine activity of 28 substances suspected of being endocrine disruptors; two isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) are part of this re-evaluation. According to these analyses, the currently available information is not sufficient to exclude a genotoxic potential of daidzein. However, the use of genistein in cosmetic products up to a maximum concentration of 0.007 % is safe (2). Key points to take away: As exposure to isoflavones through cosmetic products is very limited compared to intake through food or supplements, the use of genistein is considered safe. Sources: (1) European Food Safety Agency (EFSA): Risk assessment for peri- and post-menopausal women taking food supplements containing isolated isoflavones, 2015: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4246 (2) Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Opinion SCCS/1641/22

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Belongs to the following substance groups

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Regulating cosmetics

Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.