Science
Mechanism of Action
Soluble Fibroin exerts its effects through multifaceted mechanisms. It delivers moisturizing and UV protective benefits, while actively stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. This action promotes enhanced collagen deposition and re-epithelialization, thereby significantly accelerating wound healing processes. The ingredient also moderates biomarkers involved in environmental information processing, including critical cell adhesion molecules, and operates via phosphorylation kinases such as mTOR, NF-κB, IκBα, ERK1/2, JNK, and c-Jun. Furthermore, it demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic properties, and effectively enhances the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), all while providing a biomimetic three-dimensional growth environment for cells.
Research
Clinical Evidence
High confidenceN/A
Key findings
- 01 A randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled clinical trial with 71 patients observed that a silk fibroin film markedly reduced wound healing time and the incidence of adverse events when compared to commercial dressings.
- 02 Silk protein solutions (3% wt/v) formulated into gels effectively suppressed local inflammatory responses and accelerated epithelialization in third-degree burn models.
- 03 Crystalline silk fibroin solutions can be prepared at concentrations up to 5% using sonication, maintaining stability for several days to weeks, and are utilized in advanced applications like tissue regeneration and drug release.
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Silk nanofibers exhibit excellent stability across acidic conditions (pH 3) and alkaline conditions (pH ≥ 7). Fibroin films with immobilized enzymes maintained activity when immersed in buffers between pH 5.0-10.0. However, excessive temperatures (>110°C) can lead to degradation. At concentrations exceeding 0.5%, soluble fibroin may transition into a hydrogel state, necessitating careful control of conformational changes from random coil to beta-sheet structures to preserve solubility.
Conflicts
- strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid causes strong hydrolysis)
- strong alkalis (can degrade at high temperatures)
- excessive temperatures (>110°C)
- certain organic solvents (e.g., alcohol can induce beta-sheet formation and reduce water solubility if not intended for structural change)
Safety
Safety Profile
The CIR Expert Panel has concluded that 'Fibroin' and 'Hydrolyzed Fibroin' (under which Soluble Fibroin would be categorized) are safe for cosmetic use. Natural, nonabsorbable silk surgical sutures containing fibroin are FDA-approved medical devices. A GRAS Notice (GRN 001026) for partially hydrolyzed silk fibroin for food applications indicated no allergenicity or toxicity concerns upon oral consumption. A 5% hydrolyzed silk solution was classified as a non-irritant in an EpiOcularTM model assay. No SCCS opinion is currently available.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Soluble Fibroin is a highly valuable ingredient for precision skincare, offering clinically supported benefits in skin regeneration, potent anti-inflammatory action, robust moisturization, and UV protection, complemented by an excellent safety profile.
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References
Sources