A storage protein from maize, used as a film-forming and conditioning ingredient.
What it is
Zein is a protein obtained from maize (corn), Zea mays, of the grass family (Poaceae). It belongs to the prolamins, the storage proteins of cereal grains. CosIng lists it as a film-forming, hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
Functions
- Film forming
- Producing (upon application) a continuous film on the skin, hair or nails.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.