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Soybean Extract

Suitable Skin Types

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Normal Skin


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Dry Skin


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Combination Skin


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Sensitive Skin

Highlights of Soybean Extract

  • High antioxidant content, especially vitamin E and isoflavones
  • Rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids
  • Improves moisture retention and reinforces moisture barriers
  • Anti inflammatory
  • Known to brighten and balance uneven skin tones
  • Great for dry and sensitive skin
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What is Soybean Extract?

Soybeans (glycine max or glycine soja) are a common agricultural crop, particularly in China and Southeast Asia. While most associate them with tofu and other food products, soybeans are increasingly finding their way into the world of skincare. For centuries, traditional Asian medicine has utilised soy for its various health benefits, including those for the skin. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that soybean extract truly hit mainstream cosmetics. This rise in popularity can be attributed to the unique properties soybeans possess.

The secret lies in their rich composition. Soybeans are a natural source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps the skin retain moisture and maintain a healthy barrier. They also boast high levels of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that combats free radical damage, a major contributor to wrinkles and premature ageing. These valuable components make soybean extract a highly sought-after ingredient in modern skincare formulations.

What can Soybean Extract do for your skin? 

Soybean extract has emerged as a valuable ingredient for dry and sensitive skin types. Its popularity stems from its multifaceted benefits:

Intense Hydration: Rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, soybean extract helps strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This barrier keeps dry skin hydrated and supple by preventing moisture loss.1

Antioxidant Power: Soybean extract is packed with antioxidants like isoflavones and vitamin E. These antioxidants help combat free radicals, harmful molecules that contribute to premature ageing. By neutralising these free radicals, soybean extract can help protect the skin and maintain a youthful appearance.2

Brighter and Even Skin Tone: Isoflavones offer an additional benefit – they can help brighten and even out skin tone. This is achieved by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production.3

Soothing Relief: Soybean extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it beneficial for calming redness and irritation, a common concern for those with sensitive skin.2

Can you use Soybean Extract when you’re pregnant?

While topical application of soybean extract is generally considered safe, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals may want to exercise caution before incorporating it into their skincare routine. This is due to the presence of isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen with weak oestrogen-like effects.

Pregnancy is a time of significant hormonal changes, and some individuals may prefer to avoid products containing ingredients that mimic or interact with oestrogen in the body. Although the amount of isoflavones absorbed through topical application is typically low, consulting a healthcare provider before using soybean extract during pregnancy is highly recommended.
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How do you use Soybean Extract?

Due to its gentle and versatile nature, soybean extract has become a popular ingredient in a wide variety of skincare products. These include toners, cleansers, moisturisers, serums, and eye creams. It readily integrates with most other active ingredients, known to work well with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C in formulations. This allows for the creation of targeted skincare solutions with combined benefits.

Soybean extract boasts a great safety profile (EWG rating of 1), making it suitable for most skin types. However, some with oily or acne-prone skin might experience intolerance due to its slightly higher comedogenic rating. Remember, everyone’s skin reacts differently, so a patch test is crucial. Unlike many actives, soybean extract is a morning-and-night friend – it’s not photosensitive.4

Now that we know more about soybean extract, let’s treat your skin from head to toe! Depuff and hydrate your eyes with Sandawha’s Intensive Eye Contour Cream. Deeply cleanse your skin without sacrificing moisture with Skinjuice’s Drench. Finally, achieve the coveted Korean “glass skin” with Mixsoon’s award-winning Bean Essence – no wonder it’s gone viral!

Sources

1 Michalak, Monika, Monika Pierzak, Beata Kręcisz, and Edyta Suliga. 2021. “Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review” Nutrients 13, no. 1: 203. Link

2 Waqas MK, Akhtar N, Mustafa R, Jamshaid M, Khan HM, Murtaza G. Acta Pol Pharm. 2015 Jan-Feb;72(1):3-11. PMID: 25850195. Dermatological and cosmeceutical benefits of Glycine max (soybean) and its active components. Link

3 Bodurlar, Y. et al. (2022). Molecular Biology Reports. Inhibitory activity of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Cell Culture Extract on tyrosinase activity and melanin formation in alpha-melanocyte stimulating Hormone-Induced B16-F10 melanoma cells. Link

4 Park, N. H et al. (2012). International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Vol 35, issue 2, pages 136-142. Soybean extract showed modulation of retinoic acid-related gene expression of skin and photo-protective effects in keratinocytes. Link
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