INCI Name: Hydrolyzed Keratin
Chemical Name: Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein (Keratin Hydrolysate)
CAS Number: 69430-36-0 (verify with supplier documentation)
Appearance: Clear to pale-yellow or amber liquid, or off-white powder, depending on grade.
Chemical Type: Hydrolyzed Protein, Hair Conditioning Agent, Film-Forming Agent
Suitable For:
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Shampoos
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Hair conditioners
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Hair masks and deep-conditioning treatments
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Hair serums and leave-in conditioners
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Hair repair formulations
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Selected skin-care products
Key Benefits:
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Improves hair softness and smoothness.
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Enhances hair manageability and combability.
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Helps reduce the appearance of dryness and damage.
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Improves the feel and appearance of hair.
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Helps reduce friction during combing.
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Forms a conditioning film on hair strands.
Benefits & Uses (Short):
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Hair Conditioning: Helps make hair softer, smoother, and easier to manage.
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Hair Repair Products: Improves the appearance and feel of damaged hair.
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Shampoos: Supports conditioning and improves the feel of hair after washing.
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Conditioners: Helps improve smoothness and combability.
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Hair Masks: Provides additional conditioning for dry and damaged-looking hair.
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Hair Serums: Helps improve surface smoothness and manageability.
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Leave-In Treatments: Provides conditioning benefits without rinsing, when suitable for the formulation.
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Skin Care: May be used in selected cosmetic formulations as a conditioning ingredient, depending on the grade.
Recommended Usage Level: Typically 1–5% as supplied, depending on the ingredient grade, concentration, and formulation. Always follow the supplier's technical data sheet.
How It Works (Short):
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Protein Hydrolysis: Keratin is broken down into smaller peptides that can be incorporated into cosmetic formulations.
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Surface Conditioning: The peptides can deposit onto hair strands, helping improve smoothness and manageability.
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Protective Film Formation: Helps form a thin film on the hair surface, reducing friction during combing.
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Improved Hair Feel: Helps hair feel softer and look smoother, particularly in conditioning formulations.
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Cosmetic Damage Care: Improves the appearance and feel of damaged hair but does not permanently repair the hair fibre.
FAQs:
Q1: What is Hydrolyzed Keratin used for?
It is mainly used in hair-care products to improve softness, smoothness, conditioning, and manageability.
Q2: Can Hydrolyzed Keratin be used in shampoo?
Yes, it is commonly used in shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks.
Q3: What is the recommended usage level?
A typical starting range is 1–5% of the supplied ingredient, subject to the supplier's recommendations.
Q4: Is Hydrolyzed Keratin suitable for hair serums?
Yes, provided the ingredient grade is compatible with the serum formulation.
Q5: Can Hydrolyzed Keratin permanently repair damaged hair?
No. It helps improve the appearance, feel, and manageability of damaged hair but does not permanently restore the hair fibre.
Q6: Is Hydrolyzed Keratin water-soluble?
Many cosmetic grades are water-soluble. Confirm the solubility of your specific grade with the supplier.
Q7: How should Hydrolyzed Keratin be stored?
Store in a tightly closed container and follow the supplier's recommended storage conditions and shelf life.
