What Is Nicotiana Benthamiana R-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1?
Nicotiana Benthamiana R-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1 is a lab grown version of the famous green fluorescent protein first found in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. Scientists copied the gene that tells the jellyfish how to make this glowing protein and placed it in the leaves of the tobacco relative Nicotiana benthamiana. The plant then acts as a tiny factory, turning sunlight, water and simple nutrients into a 239-amino-acid protein that can be harvested and purified for use in cosmetics.
This recombinant method avoids taking material from wild jellyfish and allows for steady quality and supply. The finished ingredient is a single chain polypeptide made only of the 20 standard amino acids, so it fits well with the body’s natural chemistry. Because the protein naturally glows green under certain light, it can add a gentle tint or visual glow to formulas.
You will see Nicotiana Benthamiana R-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1 in products that want a built-in color effect or a novelty glow such as sheet masks, peel-off masks, illuminating primers, gel moisturizers, eye creams, bath bombs and other specialty treatments aimed at giving the skin a fun luminous look during use.
Nicotiana Benthamiana R-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In beauty formulas this ingredient serves one main job: it works as a colorant. Its natural green fluorescence can give products a fresh light green hue and a gentle glow under certain lighting. This visual effect makes the product more appealing, helps users see where they have applied it and can lend an instant brightening look while the mask or cream is on the skin.
Who Can Use Nicotiana Benthamiana R-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1
Because it acts only as a colorant and has no exfoliating acids or strong active compounds, Nicotiana Benthamiana R-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1 is generally well tolerated by dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. Those with a known allergy to proteins or plant tobacco extracts may want to be cautious, otherwise it suits most complexions.
The protein is produced completely inside a plant-based system without harvesting from live animals, so it meets the standards of most vegan and vegetarian users. Some ultra-strict vegans may still prefer to avoid it since the genetic template originated from a jellyfish, but no animal material is present in the final ingredient.
No data suggest that the protein poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically. It is a large molecule that stays on the surface instead of passing through skin barriers. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any skincare product with a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not considered photosensitising. It also plays nicely with other common skincare ingredients and does not interfere with makeup or sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Nicotiana Benthamiana R-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1 vary from person to person. The points below describe potential issues, but they remain unlikely for the average user assuming the product has been properly formulated and preserved.
- Mild skin irritation such as transient redness or tingling
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to proteins
- Itchy rash or hives in rare cases of immune response to the polypeptide
- Temporary green staining of light fabrics if the product is not fully rinsed off
- Eye irritation and watering if the formula accidentally gets into the eyes
If any unwanted reaction occurs, stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Nicotiana Benthamiana R-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1 is a large water-soluble protein that stays on the skin’s surface, cannot melt into sebum and has no oily or waxy parts that could block pores. Because it is used at low levels purely for color, it contributes virtually nothing to the overall occlusiveness of a formula. For these reasons it earns a solid 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale.
That means the ingredient is suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. The only caveat is that the rest of the product’s recipe still matters; heavy butters or oils included alongside the protein could change the pore-clogging potential of the finished product.
Summary
Nicotiana Benthamiana R-Jellyfish Polypeptide-1 is a plant-produced version of the famous green fluorescent protein that acts as a natural colorant, giving skincare and makeup a light green tint and a fun glow under certain lighting. It performs this job simply by reflecting light from its unique amino acid structure, so no chemical reaction with the skin is required.
The ingredient is still a niche novelty in beauty products, mostly seen in masks, primers and bath items aimed at a visual wow factor, but its vegan-friendly sourcing and sustainable production are helping it gain quiet momentum.
Overall safety is high: the protein is non-comedogenic, non-photosensitising and presents only a low chance of irritation or allergy for most users. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to do a small patch test first to confirm personal compatibility.