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Glycoprotein

Lactoferrin

A milk-derived iron-binding glycoprotein with potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties — increasingly studied for acne, eczema, and skin aging.

AntimicrobialAnti-inflammatoryBarrier supportAcne treatment
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Lactoferrin is extracted from bovine milk whey, purified to ≥90% protein content. It's a single-chain glycoprotein of approximately 80 kDa with two iron-binding lobes. In skincare it's used as a whole protein or as lactoferrin hydrolysate (smaller peptides with potentially better skin penetration).

Acne treatment, anti-inflammatory, skin barrier support, anti-aging via MMP inhibition, antimicrobial.

Key Benefits

✦
Anti-Acne Evidence
Clinical studies show lactoferrin supplementation (oral) reduces acne lesion count significantly. Topical lactoferrin provides direct antimicrobial activity against C. acnes and reduces the iron availability that supports bacterial growth.
◈
Lactoferricin Antimicrobial Peptides
Hydrolysis of lactoferrin generates lactoferricin — a potent antimicrobial peptide with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses through membrane disruption.
✧
NF-κB Inhibition
Lactoferrin directly inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production — addressing the inflammatory component of acne, eczema, and reactive skin.
◉
Keratinocyte Stimulation
Lactoferrin promotes keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, supporting barrier repair and wound healing.

Suitable for

Acne-prone skinInflamed and reactive skinEczema-prone skinAll skin typesMature skin

Main Actions

✓ Antimicrobial✓ Anti-inflammatory (NF-κB)✓ Barrier support✓ Anti-acne
Molecular size limits penetration

Full-size lactoferrin (80 kDa) has limited skin penetration. Lactoferrin hydrolysate or lactoferricin peptides penetrate more effectively. Products specifying 'hydrolyzed lactoferrin' or listing lactoferricin peptides separately are likely more efficacious for deep skin benefits than whole lactoferrin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lactoferrin do for skin?
Acne treatment, anti-inflammatory, skin barrier support, anti-aging via MMP inhibition, antimicrobial.
Who should use Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is suitable for: Acne-prone skin, Inflamed and reactive skin, Eczema-prone skin, All skin types, Mature skin.
Are there any warnings about Lactoferrin?
Full-size lactoferrin (80 kDa) has limited skin penetration. Lactoferrin hydrolysate or lactoferricin peptides penetrate more effectively. Products specifying 'hydrolyzed lactoferrin' or listing lactoferricin peptides separately are likely more efficacious for deep skin benefits

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