Ingredient: Soy

Soybean Oil is the extracted oil from the soybean, Glycine Soja. It consists primarily of triglycerides of oleic, linoleic and linolenic, saturated acids and Vitamin E. These ingredients are often listed this way and, if you are allergic to soy, you may have to do some research to find out if these acids are obtained from soy rather than another source.

Vitamin-rich soybean oil has a small molecular structure that enables it to penetrate the epidermis - the top layer of your skin. Soy can nestle into the cellular structure and stimulate the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and other proteins. Its properties are important for cell growth and regeneration by reversing abnormal cell formations.

Soy compounds prevent melanin pigments from adhering to skin cells, which is why genistein is used in skin-brightening creams and lotions. It seems to be most effective with hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. Genistein does not work for melasma, though, because melasma is fueled by estrogen, and genistein is a phytoestrogen.

Soy is not the only antioxidant and collagen booster around, though, which is fortunate, since some people are violently allergic to it and should not use anything containing a soy-derived ingredient. For these people, products containing retinols or growth factors may be a better option.