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Soy Extract
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about soy extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Soy extract comes from soybean seeds and contains isoflavones, small proteins, and lipids. It helps even the look of skin tone and blotchiness, helps reduce the look of fine lines, and, as hydrolyzed soy protein, helps hair feel stronger. |
Verification: Supported. In a 12-week, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study of 65 women with moderate facial photodamage, a soy moisturizer improved mottled pigmentation, blotchiness, dullness, fine lines, texture, skin tone, and overall appearance compared with the vehicle. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found most soy-derived cosmetic ingredients safe as used.
Citations:
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 6(9), 917–922. https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-of-a-soy-moisturizer-in-photoaging-a-double-blind-vehicle-controlled-12-week-study-S1545961607P0917X/
- What it shows: Vehicle-controlled human study of a soy moisturizer.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of soy-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/soy062020FR.pdf
- What it shows: CIR safety conclusion for soy-derived ingredients.
- Natarelli, N., Gahoonia, N., Maloh, J., & Sivamani, R. K. (2023). Clinical efficacy of topical or oral soy supplementation in dermatology: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(12), 4171. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12124171
- What it shows: Systematic review of topical and oral soy studies in dermatology.
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 6(9), 917–922. https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-of-a-soy-moisturizer-in-photoaging-a-double-blind-vehicle-controlled-12-week-study-S1545961607P0917X/
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Soy extract is made from soybeans by water or alcohol extraction; soybean oil is pressed; hydrolyzed soy protein is made by breaking proteins into smaller pieces. Key compounds include isoflavones (genistein, daidzein), soybean trypsin inhibitor, Bowman-Birk inhibitor, fatty acids, and vitamin E. |
Verification: Supported. The composition and forms of soy ingredients are documented.
Citations:
- Paine, C., Sharlow, E., Liebel, F., Eisinger, M., Shapiro, S., & Seiberg, M. (2001). An alternative approach to depigmentation by soybean extracts via inhibition of the PAR-2 pathway. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 116(4), 587–595. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11286627/
- What it shows: Identifies soybean trypsin inhibitor and Bowman-Birk inhibitor as the tone-evening proteins.
- Burnett, C. L., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of soy proteins and peptides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231174434
- What it shows: CIR review of soy proteins and peptides used in cosmetics.
- Paine, C., Sharlow, E., Liebel, F., Eisinger, M., Shapiro, S., & Seiberg, M. (2001). An alternative approach to depigmentation by soybean extracts via inhibition of the PAR-2 pathway. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 116(4), 587–595. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11286627/
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Soy extract suits most skin types and is especially helpful for uneven-looking tone and early signs of aging. People with acne-prone skin should choose soy extract rather than soybean oil. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. The clinical study was in women with photodamaged skin. Tolerance across skin types is supported by the CIR review, which noted soy is a food allergen but that skin exposure presents low risk.
Citations:
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 6(9), 917–922. https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-of-a-soy-moisturizer-in-photoaging-a-double-blind-vehicle-controlled-12-week-study-S1545961607P0917X/
- What it shows: Human study population and results.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of soy-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/soy062020FR.pdf
- What it shows: Safety and allergy discussion.
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 6(9), 917–922. https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-of-a-soy-moisturizer-in-photoaging-a-double-blind-vehicle-controlled-12-week-study-S1545961607P0917X/
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, hydrolyzed soy protein is used in shampoos, conditioners, and masks to help hair feel stronger, softer, and more manageable. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Hydrolyzed soy protein is widely used in hair products, and the CIR reviewed its safety. We found no published clinical studies measuring its effect on hair strength. ORY® haircare products are not intended to grow hair or prevent hair loss.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of soy proteins and peptides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231174434
- What it shows: Safety review of hydrolyzed soy proteins in cosmetics, including hair products.
- Burnett, C. L., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of soy proteins and peptides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231174434
5. Benefits
Claim: Soy extract helps even the look of skin tone and blotchiness, helps reduce the look of fine lines, improves the look of skin texture, and provides antioxidant support. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Tone and texture benefits are supported by the 12-week controlled study. Lab research shows soy proteins reduce the transfer of pigment into skin cells. A systematic review found only one randomized controlled trial among 17 topical soy studies, and many tested products with other ingredients, so evidence for soy alone is limited.
Citations:
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 6(9), 917–922. https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-of-a-soy-moisturizer-in-photoaging-a-double-blind-vehicle-controlled-12-week-study-S1545961607P0917X/
- What it shows: Tone, blotchiness, texture, and fine-line results.
- Paine, C., Sharlow, E., Liebel, F., Eisinger, M., Shapiro, S., & Seiberg, M. (2001). An alternative approach to depigmentation by soybean extracts via inhibition of the PAR-2 pathway. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 116(4), 587–595. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11286627/
- What it shows: Lab and animal research on how soy proteins reduce pigment transfer.
- Natarelli, N., Gahoonia, N., Maloh, J., & Sivamani, R. K. (2023). Clinical efficacy of topical or oral soy supplementation in dermatology: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(12), 4171. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12124171
- What it shows: Assessment of evidence quality for topical soy.
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 6(9), 917–922. https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-of-a-soy-moisturizer-in-photoaging-a-double-blind-vehicle-controlled-12-week-study-S1545961607P0917X/
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Soy is used in all four ORY® product lines as an extract, an oil, or a hydrolyzed protein. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. The CIR reported soybean seed extract use at up to 2% in face and neck products. In soap, soybean oil is the functional form; we found no data on how much soy extract survives soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–5% extract; 2–10% oil | Tone-evening serums, moisturizers, night creams, masks, and face oils. |
| Haircare | 0.5–3% hydrolyzed protein; 0.5–2% extract | Shampoos, conditioners, masks, and leave-ins. |
| Handmade Soap | 10–20% of oils (soybean oil) | Soybean oil for a mild, creamy lather. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–3% | Foundations, BB/CC creams, primers, and lip balms. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of soy-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/soy062020FR.pdf
- What it shows: Reported use concentrations.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of soy-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/soy062020FR.pdf
7. Pros
Claim: Clinically studied for more even-looking tone, gentle for daily use, plant-based, and available in forms that fit every ORY® line. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Supported by one vehicle-controlled study and a systematic review, with the limits noted above.
Citations:
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 6(9), 917–922. https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-of-a-soy-moisturizer-in-photoaging-a-double-blind-vehicle-controlled-12-week-study-S1545961607P0917X/
- What it shows: Controlled human evidence.
- Natarelli, N., Gahoonia, N., Maloh, J., & Sivamani, R. K. (2023). Clinical efficacy of topical or oral soy supplementation in dermatology: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(12), 4171. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12124171
- What it shows: Evidence summary.
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 6(9), 917–922. https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-of-a-soy-moisturizer-in-photoaging-a-double-blind-vehicle-controlled-12-week-study-S1545961607P0917X/
8. Cons
Claim: Soy is a food allergen, soybean oil can clog pores, extract potency varies, and too much protein can make some hair feel stiff. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Soy allergy. Skin reactions are rare, but people with soy allergy should take care.
- Soybean oil and acne-prone skin. Choose products with soy extract instead.
- Variable potency. Non-standardized extracts vary.
- Limited evidence for soy alone. Many studies tested multi-ingredient products.
- Protein overload. Too much protein can make fine or low-porosity hair feel stiff.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of soy-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/soy062020FR.pdf
- What it shows: Allergy discussion.
- Natarelli, N., Gahoonia, N., Maloh, J., & Sivamani, R. K. (2023). Clinical efficacy of topical or oral soy supplementation in dermatology: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(12), 4171. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12124171
- What it shows: Evidence limitations.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of soy-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/soy062020FR.pdf
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use, especially if you have a soy allergy. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you have a soy allergy, ask a healthcare provider before use.
- Stop use if redness, itching, or rash occurs.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a hormone-sensitive condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of soy-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/soy062020FR.pdf
- What it shows: Safety data, including phytoestrogen discussion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of soy-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/soy062020FR.pdf
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Burnett, C. L., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of soy proteins and peptides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231174434
- Natarelli, N., Gahoonia, N., Maloh, J., & Sivamani, R. K. (2023). Clinical efficacy of topical or oral soy supplementation in dermatology: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(12), 4171. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12124171
- Paine, C., Sharlow, E., Liebel, F., Eisinger, M., Shapiro, S., & Seiberg, M. (2001). An alternative approach to depigmentation by soybean extracts via inhibition of the PAR-2 pathway. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 116(4), 587–595. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11286627/
- Wallo, W., Nebus, J., & Leyden, J. J. (2007). Efficacy of a soy moisturizer in photoaging: A double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 12-week study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 6(9), 917–922. https://jddonline.com/articles/efficacy-of-a-soy-moisturizer-in-photoaging-a-double-blind-vehicle-controlled-12-week-study-S1545961607P0917X/
Government and regulatory sources
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety assessment of soy-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics (final report). https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/soy062020FR.pdf
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap