Common Name(s): Iron-binding glycoprotein,anti-acne iron chelator,milk immune active
CAS Number: 146897-68-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides iron-chelation antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory from lactoferrin.
Why It's Used: Innate immunity antimicrobial glycoprotein — lactoferrin's iron-chelation antimicrobial mechanism provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity without conventional antibiotics, alongside anti-inflammatory and microbiome conditioning for a comprehensive immune-supportive skin care active.
How It Works: 80 kda iron-binding glycoprotein (n-lobe + c-lobe each binding one fe3+). antimicrobial: iron chelation depletes essential bacterial growth cofactor. anti-p.acnes + anti-staph + anti-candida. anti-inflammatory: nf-kb + il-6 modulation. lactoferricin (n-terminal hydrolysate): more potent antimicrobial. human colostrum: 7 g/l.
Typically Found In: Anti-acne,sensitive skin anti-inflammatory,immune-support
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No - animal-derived
Halal Status: Conditional - dairy or egg origin statement required, plus rennet and enzyme origin upstream
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: dairy or egg protein; rennet and enzyme origin upstream are undocumented. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Lactoferrin iron-chelation antimicrobial evolutionary context: human breast milk's 7 g/l lactoferrin evolved to protect neonatal gut microbiome from pathogenic bacteria by depleting available iron (most bacteria require iron for growth, catalases, and cytochromes). the same iron-deprivation antimicrobial mechanism applied topically provides skin antimicrobial without conventional antibiotic resistance concerns — a biologically elegant resistance-proof antimicrobial from innate immunity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,lactoferrin antimicrobial review