Pisum sativum (Pea) peptide (Pisum sativum)
Synonyms: pea peptide, pea peptide fraction, low-molecular-weight di-/tri-peptides from pea proteins
Botanical family: Fabaceae
INCI / functions: skin conditioning
Definition
Pisum sativum peptide is a plant-derived raw material obtained as a peptide fraction (mainly di- and tri-peptides) isolated from the proteins of Pisum sativum (Fabaceae) through hydrolysis and fractionation (e.g., membrane filtration). From a compositional standpoint, the ingredient primarily contains low-molecular-weight peptides, plus a share of amino acids and short peptide oligomers; depending on the commercial grade, it may be supplied in carriers such as water, glycerin, or glycols, and may include controlled trace process residues within specification.
Cosmetics: skin conditioning; frequently also used in hair/eyelash/eyebrow products as a sensorial and light film-supporting component (grade- and concept-dependent).
Industrial use: ingredient for technical formulations (cosmetics or adjacent sectors) where plant peptide fractions with good aqueous compatibility are desired.
Calories (energy value)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy value (100 g) | Not practically significant at typical use levels (functional use, not nutritional) |
| Technical note | Used for function and performance in formulation, not for energy contribution |
Identification data and specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| INCI | Pisum Sativum Peptide |
| Origin | Pisum sativum (pea) |
| Common technical description | di-/tri-peptide fraction isolated from pea proteins |
| CAS number | 90082-41-0 |
| EC number | 290-130-6 |
| Property | Indicative value |
|---|---|
| Physical form | liquid solution or powder (grade-dependent) |
| Color | colorless/pale yellow to amber (depends on assay and carrier) |
| Solubility | generally good in water (if supplied as a solution); powders require correct wetting/dispersion |
| Batch variability | linked to raw material and standardization (marker-based control is recommended) |
Key constituents
| Constituent class | Main components | Technical note |
|---|---|---|
| Peptides | di-/tri-peptides and short peptide oligomers | primary functional driver: interactions with substrates (skin/keratin) and sensorial contribution |
| Amino acids | free fraction and hydrolysis-derived fraction | supports aqueous compatibility and wetting profile |
| Carrier (grade-dependent) | water, glycerin, glycols (when supplied as a solution) | directly impacts active solids and preservative strategy |
| Controlled traces | process residues within specification | relevant for QC, not for the primary functional claim |
Functional role in formulation
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary cosmetic function (INCI) | skin conditioning |
| Typical formulation effects | supports soft feel, light film contribution, improves overall “cosmetic feel” of the aqueous phase (grade-dependent) |
| Technical levers | assay/solids (solution vs powder), compatibility with pH, ionic strength, and the preservative system |
Formulation compatibility
| System / variable | Compatibility | Control notes |
|---|---|---|
| O/W emulsions | generally good | check stability and viscosity after 24–48 h |
| Aqueous systems (toners/serums) | generally good | watch for haze with high ionic strength or complex carriers |
| Surfactant systems (rinse-off) | often compatible | verify impact on foam, odor, and clarity |
| Electrolytes/salts | to be assessed | high salinity may affect clarity and stability |
| Preservatives | to be verified | possible interactions with certain systems; run compatibility and challenge testing |
Use guidelines (indicative)
| Application | Typical range | Technical note |
|---|---|---|
| Leave-on skincare | 0.1–2.0% | dose should be aligned to assay/solids (solution vs dry) |
| Hair care (rinse-off/leave-on) | 0.2–3.0% | optimize vs sensorial profile and compatibility with polymers/cationics |
| Eyelash/eyebrow cosmetic serums | 0.1–1.0% | commonly used range in cosmetics; validate tolerance and positioning |
| Topic | Good practices |
|---|---|
| Dosing | define dosage on active solids (avoid comparing “as supplied” solutions with powders without correction) |
| Process | add in the cool-down phase when appropriate; avoid unnecessary high shear if the grade is sensitive |
| Verification | run stability, clarity, odor/color drift, and preservative challenge tests on the finished formula |
Typical applications
Serums and lotions as skin conditioning and sensorial support.
Hair products (shampoos, conditioners, masks, leave-ons) as a plant peptide component.
Eyelash/eyebrow cosmetic serums, consistent with product positioning and finished-product safety assessment.
Quality, grades and specifications
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Formats | solution (water/glycerin/glycols) or powder |
| Typical QC parameters | assay/solids, microbiological profile, trace metals (if required), pH, density (solutions), odor/color |
| Documentation | CoA and technical datasheet are essential to define “active” dosage and quality requirements |
Safety, regulation and environment
| Topic | Operational guidance |
|---|---|
| Safety profile | generally suitable for cosmetic use at typical levels; manage irritation risk in sensitive individuals via finished-product evaluation |
| Allergens | not typically classified as an allergen; verify possible residues and the grade’s carrier (glycols, etc.) |
| EU cosmetics | usable under general rules and GMP; responsibility lies with finished-product safety and claim substantiation |
| Environment | manage effluents and process residues per good practice; consider supplier carriers and preservatives |
Formulation troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible cause | Corrective actions |
|---|---|---|
| Haze/precipitates | high ionic strength, incompatibility with polymers/electrolytes, non-optimal pH | reduce electrolytes, optimize pH, switch grade (solution vs powder), apply a safety filtration step |
| Microbiological instability | high initial load or suboptimal preservation | define microbiological specs, optimize preservation and process, confirm with challenge testing |
| Strong odor/color | non-deodorized grade or batch variability | select a more “cosmetic” grade, standardize supplier and specifications |
| Viscosity loss in gels | interference with the polymer network | reduce dose, change gelling agent, optimize addition order and ionic strength |
Conclusion
Pisum sativum peptide is a plant-derived peptide fraction from pea proteins, used primarily in cosmetics as a skin conditioning ingredient and, in practice, also in hair/eyelash concepts as a functional and sensorial support component. Performance is driven mainly by assay/solids, format (solution vs powder), compatibility with pH, ionic strength, and the preservative system, as well as by supplier documentation quality (CoA and specifications).
For more information and studies: Pea (Pisum sativum)
