Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein is a protein-derived cosmetic ingredient produced by hydrolyzing keratin into smaller peptides and protein fractions. Keratin is naturally associated with hair, nails and other keratinous structures, making hydrolyzed keratin a popular ingredient for premium hair care and conditioning formulations.
Its smaller protein fragments are used in cosmetic formulations to provide hair conditioning, film-forming, moisture-supporting and smoothing properties. It is particularly suitable for products designed for dry, rough, chemically treated or damaged-feeling hair.
Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein can be incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, hair serums, leave-in treatments, hair creams and professional hair-care products.
INCI Name
Hydrolyzed Keratin*
Common Names
- Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein
- Hydrolyzed Keratin
- Keratin Protein Hydrolysate
- Hydrolyzed Keratin Peptides
- Keratin Peptides
- Keratin Protein
- Hydrolyzed Protein
- Cosmetic Keratin
- Keratin Hydrolysate
- Protein-Based Hair Care Ingredient
Source
Keratin is commonly obtained from keratin-rich natural materials, with commercial sources varying by manufacturer. Common sources can include wool, feathers or other keratin-containing materials.
The exact source should always be confirmed from the supplier’s documentation.
Ingredient Type
- Cosmetic Protein
- Hair Conditioning Agent
- Film-Forming Agent
- Hair Care Functional Ingredient
- Moisture-Supporting Ingredient
- Protein-Based Cosmetic Ingredient
- Hair Smoothing Ingredient
Physical Form
Commercial Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein may be supplied as:
- White to off-white powder
- Pale yellow to amber powder
- Clear to slightly yellow liquid
The appearance depends on the source, hydrolysis level, concentration and processing method.
Solubility
Generally water soluble or water dispersible, depending on the specific commercial grade.
Key Benefits
1. Hair Conditioning
Helps improve the soft, smooth and conditioned feel of hair.
2. Smooth Hair Feel
Useful in formulations designed to improve the sensory feel of rough, dry or damaged-feeling hair.
3. Film-Forming Properties
Hydrolyzed keratin peptides can form a lightweight film on the hair surface, supporting a smoother cosmetic finish.
4. Moisture Support
Helps support moisture retention and a conditioned feel, particularly when combined with suitable humectants and conditioning ingredients.
5. Improved Manageability
Can contribute to easier combing and improved manageability in shampoos, conditioners and leave-in products.
6. Protein-Enriched Hair Care
An excellent ingredient for protein-focused hair-care products and advanced hair treatment formulations.
7. Supports Damaged-Hair Care Concepts
Particularly suitable for products formulated for hair exposed to heat styling, coloring, chemical processing or environmental stress.
8. Premium Hair Treatment Ingredient
Useful for creating professional and premium-positioned hair masks, conditioners, serums and treatment products.
Applications
Hair Care
- Shampoos
- Conditioning Shampoos
- Hair Conditioners
- Deep Conditioners
- Hair Masks
- Hair Treatments
- Hair Serums
- Leave-In Conditioners
- Hair Creams
- Hair Lotions
- Hair Smoothing Products
- Anti-Frizz Cosmetic Formulations
- Protein Hair Treatments
- Chemically Treated Hair Care
- Dry Hair Care
- Damaged-Hair Care
Skin Care
- Face Creams
- Moisturizers
- Lotions
- Facial Masks
- Body Lotions
- Body Creams
- Hand Care
- Foot Care
- Skin Conditioning Products
Professional & Personal Care
- Salon Hair Treatments
- Professional Hair Masks
- Hair Spa Products
- Hair Conditioning Treatments
- Personal Care Formulations
Recommended Usage
A general cosmetic starting range is:
0.5–5%
The optimum dosage depends on:
- Keratin concentration
- Degree of hydrolysis
- Molecular-weight distribution
- Source of keratin
- Powder or liquid grade
- Desired conditioning performance
- Finished product type
How to Use
For Liquid Grade
Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein Liquid can generally be incorporated into the water phase or cool-down phase, depending on the supplier’s processing instructions.
For Powder Grade
- Weigh the required quantity.
- Pre-disperse in a suitable amount of water.
- Mix gradually under continuous agitation.
- Allow adequate hydration or dissolution.
- Add to the main formulation.
- Check final pH, appearance and viscosity.
Avoid unnecessary prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Formulation Considerations
- Suitable for many water-based hair-care systems.
- Add gradually under continuous mixing.
- Avoid prolonged high-temperature processing unless supported by the supplier.
- Check the recommended pH range of the specific grade.
- Evaluate compatibility with surfactants, conditioning agents and preservatives.
- Protein ingredients can be affected by extreme pH and processing conditions.
- Evaluate colour and odour contribution before final production.
- Conduct stability and compatibility testing on the finished formulation.
Compatible Ingredients
Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein can be used with many common cosmetic ingredients, including:
- Glycerin
- Propanediol
- Panthenol
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
- Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein
- Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen
- Amino Acids
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Sodium PCA
- Betaine
- Aloe Vera
- Botanical Extracts
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
- Conditioning Polymers
- Cationic Guar
- Hair Conditioning Agents
Technical Information
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein |
| Standard Technical Name | Hydrolyzed Keratin |
| Typical INCI | Hydrolyzed Keratin* |
| Source | Keratin-rich natural material, grade dependent |
| Ingredient Type | Cosmetic Protein |
| Primary Function | Hair Conditioning |
| Secondary Functions | Film Formation, Smoothing & Moisture Support |
| Physical Form | Powder or Liquid, Grade Dependent |
| Appearance | White/off-white to pale yellow, grade dependent |
| Solubility | Generally water soluble/dispersible |
| Recommended Usage | Approx. 0.5–5%, grade dependent |
| Applications | Hair Care, Skin Care & Personal Care |
| Suitable Products | Shampoos, Conditioners, Masks, Serums & Treatments |
| Formulation Type | Leave-On & Rinse-Off |
Why Choose Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein?
- Premium protein-based cosmetic ingredient
- Excellent for advanced hair-care formulations
- Supports conditioned and smooth hair feel
- Helps improve hair manageability
- Provides film-forming properties
- Supports moisture retention
- Ideal for protein-focused hair treatments
- Suitable for shampoos and conditioners
- Excellent for hair masks and leave-in products
- Suitable for salon and professional formulations
- Can be combined with other cosmetic proteins
- Suitable for premium personal-care products
Storage
Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place in a tightly closed original container.
Protect from:
- Moisture
- Direct sunlight
- Excessive heat
- Contamination
- Freezing, where applicable for liquid grades
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