What Is Cholecalciferol/Yeast Polypeptide?
Cholecalciferol/Yeast Polypeptide is a blend made by reacting vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with short chains of amino acids taken from common baker’s yeast. Vitamin D3 is usually sourced from purified lanolin in sheep’s wool or from plant sterols that have been exposed to UV light. The yeast portion comes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae that has been broken down so its proteins form small, water-soluble fragments called polypeptides.
Skin care chemists began to explore this pairing in the early 2000s when looking for ways to deliver vitamin D-like benefits without the stability problems that pure vitamin D3 faces in creams and lotions. By attaching the vitamin to yeast polypeptides, they found it stayed active longer and blended more evenly with other ingredients.
The manufacturing process starts with hydrolyzed yeast protein that is carefully filtered to remove larger molecules. Cholecalciferol is then added in a controlled pH environment so it bonds to the polypeptides, creating a uniform solution. The mixture is purified, dried or left in liquid form, and finally tested for purity and safety before it heads to the lab that will add it to finished formulas.
This ingredient is most often seen in moisturizers, anti-aging serums, leave-on masks, eye creams and restorative night treatments where brands want a gentle conditioning effect along with the marketing appeal of vitamin D.
Cholecalciferol/Yeast Polypeptide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its main role on a product label is skin conditioning, which means it helps skin feel softer, smoother and better hydrated. The vitamin D3 component supports a healthy look, while the yeast-derived peptides can hold water on the surface of the skin. Together they leave the skin feeling supple and can improve the way a cream spreads and absorbs.
Who Can Use Cholecalciferol/Yeast Polypeptide
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all major skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its water-binding peptides add light moisture without leaving a heavy film, making it suitable even for acne-prone skin. Those with very sensitive or highly reactive skin may still want to monitor how their skin feels because the yeast component, while purified, can occasionally cause redness in particularly delicate complexions.
Because vitamin D3 is most often sourced from lanolin, products containing Cholecalciferol/Yeast Polypeptide are typically not considered vegan. Vegetarians who are comfortable with wool-derived ingredients may find it acceptable, but strict vegans will want to look for a plant-based alternative or confirm the brand is using a plant-sourced vitamin D3.
There is no known risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used topically at the low levels found in cosmetics. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss all skincare products with a healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
Cholecalciferol/Yeast Polypeptide does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight so it is not considered a photosensitizer. Standard daily sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Cholecalciferol/Yeast Polypeptide vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at the concentrations typically found in finished products.
- Mild redness or warmth very sensitive skin may react to the yeast peptides
- Temporary itching usually linked to over-application or use on compromised skin
- Light stinging on broken skin applying to freshly exfoliated or irritated areas can cause a brief tingle
- Rare allergic response those with a known yeast allergy should exercise caution
If any irritation persists or worsens stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Cholecalciferol/Yeast Polypeptide is largely water soluble thanks to its peptide portion and is used at low levels, so it does not leave a heavy or occlusive film that would clog pores. The small amount of vitamin D3 is ordinarily dispersed within a lightweight base and does not add significant oil. Because of this, it earns a low score of 1 which reflects a minimal but not zero likelihood of causing congestion.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin; most users will not experience pore blockage from this ingredient.
Formulators often pair it with non-comedogenic carriers such as glycerin or light emulsifiers, further reducing any clogging risk.
Summary
Cholecalciferol/Yeast Polypeptide acts primarily as a skin-conditioning agent, lending light hydration, a smoother feel and a vitamin D inspired boost to overall skin appearance. The yeast-derived peptides attract and hold water while the stabilized vitamin D3 supports a healthy-looking complexion.
It is a niche ingredient rather than a headline star, appearing in select moisturizers, eye creams and specialty serums aimed at gentle barrier support. While not as common as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, it is gaining quiet traction with formulators who want a mild, multi-tasking additive.
Topical use is considered very safe with low irritation and comedogenic risk. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a product before full-face application to ensure personal tolerance.