Hydrotriticum WQ (Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein) is a premium quality, cosmetic and personal care grade plant derived protein active, produced by the controlled enzymatic or acid hydrolysis of wheat gluten (Triticum aestivum) into low molecular weight peptide fragments and amino acids, supplied as a clear to pale yellow liquid for easy incorporation into water phase formulations. Hydrotriticum WQ is the Croda International trade name for their hydrolyzed wheat protein range, one of the most technically refined and widely specified hydrolyzed protein actives in professional cosmetic formulation. Wheat protein hydrolysates have been used in hair care formulations since the 1970s and represent one of the most extensively studied and clinically validated protein conditioning actives available, with a robust body of peer reviewed research documenting their substantivity to hair, film forming properties, and conditioning performance.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein's conditioning mechanism in hair care is based on the substantivity of its peptide fragments to the negatively charged surface of damaged hair: the positively charged amino groups of the peptide fragments are electrostatically attracted to the anionic sites on the hair surface created by chemical damage (bleaching, coloring, perming) and mechanical damage (heat styling, brushing), depositing a thin, flexible protein film that fills surface gaps, smooths the cuticle, and improves the hair's mechanical properties. This protein film deposition mechanism is distinct from and complementary to the conditioning mechanisms of cationic conditioning agents (electrostatic adsorption) and silicones (hydrophobic coating), making hydrolyzed wheat protein an ideal combination partner in comprehensive conditioning formulations. Its film forming properties improve hair body, volume, and manageability by adding structural support to fine or damaged hair. Its humectant amino acid content attracts and retains moisture in the hair shaft for improved hydration and elasticity. In skin care formulations, its film forming and humectant properties support skin hydration, smoothness, and a more refined skin texture.
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Substantive Protein Film Deposition peptide fragments electrostatically attracted to damaged hair surface; deposits flexible protein film that fills gaps, smooths cuticle, and improves mechanical properties
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Hair Body and Volume Enhancement protein film adds structural support to fine and damaged hair for improved body, volume, and manageability
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Humectant Amino Acid Moisture Retention amino acid content attracts and retains moisture in hair shaft for improved hydration, elasticity, and reduced brittleness
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Cuticle Smoothing and Shine Enhancement protein film smooths lifted cuticle scales for improved light reflection, shine, and silky hair feel
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Croda Hydrotriticum WQ Grade Croda International specification; one of the most technically refined and widely specified hydrolyzed wheat protein grades in professional cosmetic formulation
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Broad Formulation Compatibility water soluble liquid; compatible with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants and most cosmetic ingredients
Formulation Guidelines
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Recommended use level: 1 to 5% in shampoos and rinse off conditioners; 1 to 3% in leave in conditioners and styling products; 1 to 5% in skin care formulations
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Phase: Water phase; add at room temperature to 40 degrees C; avoid high temperature processing above 60 degrees C to preserve protein activity
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pH range: Stable at pH 4.0 to 8.0; optimal conditioning performance at pH 4.5 to 6.5
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INCI Name: Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
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Compatible with: SLES, CAPB, cationic conditioning agents (BTAC, CTAC), silicones, panthenol, niacinamide, and most cosmetic ingredients
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Applications: Shampoos, rinse off conditioners, leave in conditioners, hair styling products, hair color formulations, bath and shower products, moisturizing skin care, and soap formulations
Tip
The most effective protein conditioning shampoo combines Hydrotriticum WQ (2 to 3%) with Panthenol (1 to 2%) and a cationic conditioning agent such as Polyquaternium-10 (0.2 to 0.5%) in a SLES plus CAPB surfactant base. This three active combination delivers protein film deposition (Hydrotriticum WQ), deep humectant moisture retention (Panthenol), and electrostatic cationic conditioning (Polyquaternium-10) through three distinct and complementary mechanisms simultaneously, producing a significantly more comprehensive conditioning result than any single active alone. This is the formulation approach used in many of the most effective professional protein conditioning shampoos available.
