Personal care compositions comprising a modified soy protein as an active ingredient are described. The modified soy proteins of the instant invention include soy proteins modified by treatment with a reducing agent and subsequently reacted with a carboxylic acid anhydride; soy proteins modified by treatment with a reducing agent, reacted with a carboxylic acid anhydride and subsequently oxidized; soy proteins modified by reaction with a hydroxy alkyl acrylate; soy proteins modified with ionic monomers such as epoxide, acrylate, and chlorohydrin; and soy proteins modified by reaction with an alkyl acrylimidoglycolate. The compositions may be in the form of skin care, skin cleansing, or anti-wrinkle products, shampoos, make-up, conditioners, lotions, aerosols, gels, mousses, dyes, or bleaches.