Sericin (Silk protein)

Sericin (Silk protein)

Silk sericin is a natural macromolecular protein derived from silkworm Bombyx mori.

Properties
Moisturizer:
Silk sericin has resemblance with the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), help to increase hydration of epidermal cells revealed the moisturizing effect of sericin, whereas decrease in the value of transepidermal water loss, the one causes of dry skin.1

Antioxidant:
Showing suppressed in vitro lipidperoxidation2
Photoprotective effect against UVB-induced acute damage and tumor promotion by reducing oxidative stress, COX-2 and cell proliferation in mouse skin.3

Others:
Inhibit tyrosinase activity2
Anti-inflammatory
Wound healing agent: increase collagen, reduce inflammation.4

Ref:
1.Padamwar MN, et.al.Silk sericin as a moisturizer: an in vivo study.J Cosmet Dermatol.2005 Dec;4(4):250-7.
2.Kato N, et.al.Silk protein, sericin, inhibits lipid peroxidation and tyrosinase activity.Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.1998 Jan;62(1):145-7.
3.Zhaorigetu S, et.al.Inhibitory effects of silk protein, sericin on UVB-induced acute damage and tumor promotion by reducing oxidative stress in the skin of hairless mouse.J Photochem Photobiol B.2003 Oct 15;71(1-3):11-7.
4.Aramwit P, Sangcakul A.The effects of sericin cream on wound healing in rats.Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.2007 Oct;71(10):2473-7.