Whey – Cosmetic Uses in Skin Conditioning

What Is Whey?

Whey is the water-dispersible portion of milk separated from the curd during cheese production. It is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained and is therefore a natural by-product of cheese or casein manufacture.

Two main types are commonly distinguished:

• Sweet whey, produced during the manufacture of rennet-type hard cheeses such as cheddar and Swiss cheese.
• Acid whey, also known as sour whey, obtained during the production of acid cheeses such as cottage cheese.

Composition of Whey

Liquid whey contains lactose, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, together with small amounts of fat. Dried whey is particularly rich in lactose and commonly contains more than 70% lactose.

Its composition makes whey a naturally derived ingredient that can be incorporated into cosmetic formulations where a milk-derived ingredient and skin-conditioning properties are desired.

Cosmetic Applications

In cosmetics, whey is primarily used as a skin-conditioning ingredient. It can be incorporated into formulations where the sensory and conditioning properties of milk-derived ingredients are desirable.

Because whey naturally contains lactose and milk proteins, the source material and its suitability for the intended formulation should be considered during product development.

Ingredient Information

INCI: Whey
CAS: 92129-90-3
EINECS/EC: Not specified in the original source
Function: Skin Conditioning

Source

Dweck, Anthony. Handbook of Natural Ingredients (Dweck Books 4) . Dweck Data. Kindle Edition.