Common Name(s): Whey,whey,animal milk protein,lactoferrin casein whey complex
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides milk protein amino acid and peptide conditioning, lactoferrin antimicrobial and iron-chelating activity, lactic acid gentle exfoliation, and milk lipid barrier repair.
Why It's Used: Whey is selected for bovine milk's comprehensive bioactive protein profile โ whey proteins provide skin-identical amino acid conditioning, lactoferrin provides iron-mediated antimicrobial protection, and naturally occurring lactic acid provides gentle ph-normalising exfoliation.
How It Works: Milk protein fraction: lactalbumin/lactoglobulin โ skin conditioning amino acids; lactoferrin โ feยณโบ chelation โ antimicrobial; lactic acid โ gentle aha exfoliation; milk lipids โ barrier repair.
Typically Found In: Sensitive skin,barrier care,gentle exfoliation
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ humectant
Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No - animal-derived
Halal Status: Conditional - dairy or egg origin statement required, plus rennet and enzyme origin upstream
Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: dairy or egg protein; rennet and enzyme origin upstream are undocumented. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,barrier actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Goat and deer milk are selected over bovine for smaller casein micelle size and higher medium-chain triglyceride content โ providing improved skin penetration and more rapid barrier repair.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,whey animal milk protein skin active review