Upcycling Silk Waste into Clean Beauty: Sericin as a Green Skincare Ingredient

Sericin, a globular protein derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori, is gaining considerable attention in the cosmetic industry due to its multifunctional bioactive properties. Traditionally discarded during silk degumming, sericin has demonstrated excellent potential as an ingredient in skincare, haircare and anti-aging formulations. It possesses moisturizing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective and anti-tyrosinase activities. Additionally, its ability to form films and bind with keratin makes it valuable in cosmetic products. This review explores the extraction methods, physicochemical properties, biological effects, formulation strategies and commercial potential of sericin in cosmetics. Sericin emerges as a sustainable, biocompatible biomaterial for next-generation cosmeceuticals.