Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, from Monday to Sunday.

Hydrolyzed Keratin

Online Inquiry
Catalog Number CI-HC-0198
Product Name Hydrolyzed Keratin
CAS 69430-36-0
Synonyms Keratins, hydrolyzates
Description Hydrolyzed Keratin is a protein substance derived from keratin, a natural protein that is the primary component of hair, feathers, hooves, and nails in animals. Hydrolyzed Keratin is produced through hydrolysis, a process that breaks down the protein molecules into smaller fragments, making them easier to absorb and use.
Hydrolyzed Keratin is used widely in the cosmetics and personal care industry as an ingredient in hair care products, skin care products, and nail treatments. It is believed to help strengthen hair, smooth frizz, increase shine, and repair damage. It can also be used as a moisturizer as it has the ability to bind moisture to the skin and hair. Additionally, Hydrolyzed Keratin can help protect hair and skin from environmental stressors.
IUPAC Name 2-bromo-2-chloroacetic acid
Canonical SMILES C(C(=O)O)(Cl)Br
InChI GEHJBWKLJVFKPS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI Key InChI=1S/C2H2BrClO2/c3-1(4)2(5)6/h1H,(H,5,6)
Appearance white to pale yellow powder or liquid
Application 1. Hair care: Hydrolyzed keratin is commonly used in hair care products due to its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, improve hair strength, and repair damage caused by heat and chemicals.
2. Skin care: Hydrolyzed keratin is also found in some skincare products due to its moisturizing and anti-aging benefits. It can help improve skin texture and elasticity by promoting collagen formation.
3. Nail care: Hydrolyzed keratin is used in some nail care products, such as nail strengtheners, to help strengthen and protect the nails.
4. Nutritional supplements: Hydrolyzed keratin is used as a source of protein in some nutritional supplements, particularly those targeted towards hair, skin, and nail health.
Features And Benefits 1. Strengthens hair fibers
2. Reduces hair breakage
3. Improves hair elasticity
4. Enhances hair shine
5. Smooths hair cuticles
6. Repairs damaged hair
7. Increases hair volume and thickness
8. Provides hydration to hair
9. Prevents hair frizz
10. Protects hair from environmental damage.
Product Overview

Hydrolyzed Keratin, a protein hydrolysate derived from the controlled hydrolysis of natural proteins, is extensively used in hair care products due to its essential characteristics and effectiveness in treating damaged hair. This ingredient, sourced from sheep's wool, offers a mix of peptides and amino acids that form a moisture-retentive film, providing a protective effect that seals and repairs the surface of hair and skin. Rich in sulfur-containing amino acids and disulfide bonds, Hydrolyzed Keratin enhances resistance against polar solvents, aids in repairing surface damage, and improves moisture retention. Its ability to stabilize foam in surfactant systems further contributes to improved hair shine and manageability. By coating hair and skin smoothly, this water-soluble component enhances overall moisturization, making it particularly beneficial for combating dryness and maintaining the natural appearance of hair, nails, and skin.

Case Study

Evaluation of Moisturizing Effect of Keratin Hydrolysates

Mokrejs, Pavel, et al. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017, 16(4), e21-e27.

Keratin hydrolysate (KH) is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, lotions and hair nourishing serums, as well as mascaras. This work evaluated the effects of keratin hydrolysate on skin hydration and barrier function improvement by adding it to ointment base (OB).
Evaluation methods and results
· Preparations with varying concentrations of keratin hydrolysates (KH) - 2%, 4%, and 6% based on the weight of the ointment were made. The specified amount of KH powder was placed into a PE container and combined with the ointment base to achieve a total weight of 50 g. The mixture was homogenized for 10 minutes at 134.16 g using an RZR 2020 agitator. The formulations were stored at 5±1°C and conditioned at room temperature for 2 hours before testing.
· The moisturizing effects of the keratin hydrolysates were evaluated by measuring skin hydration, trans-epidermal water loss, and skin pH at 1, 2, 3, 4, 24, and 48-hour intervals on 10 female participants. In terms of hydration, incorporating 2% KH into the ointment base resulted in a significant increase of 14%-23% in stratum corneum hydration. Furthermore, for reducing trans-epidermal water loss, the addition of 4% KH to the ointment base demonstrated the most favorable outcomes with a decrease of 26%-46% in water loss.
· Keratin hydrolysates were found to function as both a humectant and an occlusive agent. The low-molecular weight KH fractions can easily penetrate the stratum corneum, while the high-molecular weight fractions form a protective barrier on the skin's surface.

Custom Q&A

What is hydrolyzed keratin?

Hydrolyzed keratin is a large protein molecule that has gone through a chemical process, breaking it down to allow it to penetrate the hair cuticle.

How does hydrolyzed keratin work on the hair?

Hydrolyzed keratin fills in minor gaps in the hair shaft, strengthening the hair's structure and improving its elasticity.

What are the benefits of hydrolyzed keratin for hair?

Hydrolyzed keratin strengthens and protects the hair, reduces damage from sun exposure and styling, fights frizz, softens the hair, moisturizes it, and increases density for a fuller appearance.

What is the origin of hydrolyzed keratin?

Hydrolyzed keratin is derived from sheep's wool.

How is hydrolyzed keratin used in hair care products?

It is used in shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, and styling products to smooth and moisturize damaged hair, eliminate frizz, and improve overall hair health.

What other products can hydrolyzed keratin be found in?

Hydrolyzed keratin can also be found in creams, lotions, moisturizers, nail creams, serums, body wash, body lotion, cleansers, toners, facial moisturizers, makeup foundations, mascaras, lipsticks, and color cosmetics.

What are the safety considerations for hydrolyzed keratin?

Hydrolyzed keratin is considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.

What is the pH value of hydrolyzed keratin?

The pH value of hydrolyzed keratin is between 5.0 and 5.8.

What percentage of protein does hydrolyzed keratin contain?

Hydrolyzed keratin contains between 20-23% protein.

How is hydrolyzed keratin preserved?

It is preserved with butylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, and ethylhexlglycerin.

Online Inquiry
Verification code