Common Name(s): Progesterone,progesterone,prohibited steroid hormone,pharmaceutical progestogen โ not cosmetic
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Prohibited in eu cosmetics. progesterone's primary pharmacological activity is steroidal hormonal โ binding progesterone receptors (pr-a, pr-b) for reproductive and systemic hormonal effects that unambiguously classify it as a pharmaceutical drug.
Why It's Used: Progesterone's receptor pharmacology (pr kd ~1 nm โ nuclear receptor โ genomic gene regulation) constitutes primary pharmacological activity โ even at low topical concentrations, the receptor-mediated hormonal effects cannot be considered cosmetic in nature.
How It Works: Progesterone โ pr-a/pr-b nuclear receptor โ progesterone response elements โ reproductive hormone gene expression including uterine, breast, and hpa axis gene regulation. topical absorption through sc โ systemic progesterone โ measurable serum levels โ contraceptive-level hormonal activity documented at therapeutic cream concentrations.
Typically Found In: Prohibited in cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ 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: Prohibited
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ 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: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Non-hormonal progesterone alternatives: genistein (erฮฒ collagen stimulation), beta-sitosterol (membrane receptor signalling), or palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (tgf-ฮฒ pathway) provide skin collagen and anti-aging benefits within the cosmetic boundary without hormonal pharmacology.
Last Verified: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex ii,progesterone hormone prohibition review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-22