Ingredient review
Recombinant Silk Polypeptide-47
INCI: TRANSGENIC SILKWORM RH-POLYPEPTIDE-47
A lab-made silk protein that may help skin feel smoother and more hydrated, but human studies are limited.
In plain English
This ingredient is a tiny piece of silk protein made in a lab using silkworms that have been genetically modified. In skincare, it's used to form a light, invisible film on your skin that helps hold in moisture and makes the surface feel softer. Think of it like a very gentle, breathable glove for your face.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is still emerging, so marketing claims deserve extra caution.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- biotech
- Evidence
- emerging
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Recombinant Silk Polypeptide-47 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Recombinant Silk Polypeptide-47.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
emergingThe ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.
What it is
A recombinant (lab-created) polypeptide derived from silk fibroin, produced by transgenic silkworms. It is a specific fragment of the larger silk protein, designed for cosmetic use.
How it works
When applied, it dries down to form a thin, flexible film on the skin's surface. This film reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and gives a temporary smoothing effect by filling in fine lines and uneven texture. It also has humectant properties, meaning it attracts water to the skin.
Pros
Gentle film former
Creates a light, breathable layer that helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy or sticky.
Smooths temporarily
Can make skin feel softer and look smoother by filling in fine lines, similar to a primer.
Cons and cautions
Limited evidence
Most benefits are based on lab studies or ingredient properties, not large human trials. The long-term anti-aging effects are not well-documented.
Animal origin concern
Even though it's made in a lab, it uses genetically modified silkworms, which may not appeal to vegans or those avoiding animal products.
Best for
- People looking for a temporary smoothing effect
- Those with dry or dehydrated skin who want extra moisture retention
Use caution if
- Individuals strictly avoiding any animal-derived ingredients, even from biotech processes
- Those seeking proven anti-aging results from clinical studies
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally considered safe for topical use. Irritation and allergy risks are low, but as with any new ingredient, a patch test is recommended. There are no known toxicity concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Research notes
Research is primarily from ingredient suppliers and lab studies. There are few independent, peer-reviewed human studies on this specific polypeptide. Evidence for its efficacy is emerging but not yet strong.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 2%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for cosmetic use in most regions, including the EU and US, as a skin conditioning agent. No specific restrictions noted.
- Common uses
- Anti-aging serums, Moisturizers, Sheet masks
- Environmental note
- The production uses transgenic silkworms, which raises ethical and environmental questions about genetic modification, though it may be more sustainable than harvesting silk from cocoons.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed under its full INCI name, which can be confusing. Look for 'rh-Polypeptide-47' or 'Recombinant Silk' on labels.
- It is different from traditional silk proteins because it is a specific, lab-designed fragment, not a whole protein.
Common questions
What is Recombinant Silk Polypeptide-47 in beauty products?
This ingredient is a tiny piece of silk protein made in a lab using silkworms that have been genetically modified. In skincare, it's used to form a light, invisible film on your skin that helps hold in moisture and makes the surface feel softer. Think of it like a very gentle, breathable glove for your face.
What does Recombinant Silk Polypeptide-47 do in a beauty product?
When applied, it dries down to form a thin, flexible film on the skin's surface. This film reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and gives a temporary smoothing effect by filling in fine lines and uneven texture. It also has humectant properties, meaning it attracts water to the skin.
Is Recombinant Silk Polypeptide-47 safe for most people?
Generally considered safe for topical use. Irritation and allergy risks are low, but as with any new ingredient, a patch test is recommended. There are no known toxicity concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Who should be careful with Recombinant Silk Polypeptide-47?
Individuals strictly avoiding any animal-derived ingredients, even from biotech processes Those seeking proven anti-aging results from clinical studies
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.