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Polyepsilon-Lysine

What Polyepsilon-Lysine is & what it does

Polyepsilon-Lysine (epsilon-polylysine) is a naturally derived polymer of the amino acid lysine, typically produced by fermentation. It is commonly used as an antimicrobial and preservative-boosting agent, helping to protect formulas from microbial growth, and it can also act as a skin-conditioning ingredient. Because it is biodegradable and gentle, it appears in products aiming for milder preservative systems. No specific concerns are flagged for this ingredient.

What is Polyepsilon-Lysine?

Polyepsilon-Lysine, or epsilon-polylysine, is a naturally derived polymer of the amino acid lysine, usually produced by fermentation. It is used in cosmetics mainly to help protect formulas from microbial growth.

What does Polyepsilon-Lysine do in a formula?

It works as an antimicrobial and preservative-boosting agent and can also act as a skin-conditioning ingredient. Because it is biodegradable and gentle, it appears in products aiming for milder preservative systems.

Is Polyepsilon-Lysine safe?

It is generally regarded as a gentle, well-tolerated ingredient, and no specific concerns are flagged for it here. Tolerance, as always, can vary by individual.

Sunscreens with Polyepsilon-Lysine

We rate 4 sunscreens that contain it:

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