Prior to the high level consumer recognition of prion diseases such as BSE (Mad Cow Disease) high molecular weight proteins such as soluble collagen (~ 300 kD) were building blocks of quality cosmetics. However, the threat of BSE combined with the ever-broadening support for animal rights has all but eliminated incorporation of animal proteins in new cosmetic formulations. A luxurious feeling film, binding moisture to the skin was the principle reason for collagen’s popularity. The problem remains, how do you duplicate the aesthetics and efficacy of mammalian collagen without encountering the problems now associated with animal products? Interestingly, on a cellular level yeast contain many of the same processes found in humans. In fact, some strains of yeast have been used as vectors to produce human collagen in culture. By lysing yeast cells, and isolating the hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins through the use of molecular sieves, we produce a product called AC Phytocoll PF. AC Phytocoll PF duplicates the aesthetics of mammalian collagen while delivering enhanced levels of moisture to the skin or hair without the associated issues of using an animal base product. This enhanced level of moisture binding ability can be attributed to the presence of the sugars, which are typically absent of mammalian collagens. AC Photocoll PF may be formulated as a direct 1:1 replacement for animal derived collagen products.