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COSMETIC INGREDIENTS

Hydrolyzed Keratin
CAS:69430-36-0

Product Name Hydrolyzed Keratin 
Molecular Formula C₂H₂BrClO₂
Molecular Weight 173.39
Appearance White Powder
Package 1kg/5kg Aluminum foil bag 25kg/Drum 25kg/Carton or customized as per customer's requirements
Storage Store in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed, away from heat and light
MOQ 1 KG
Payment T/T, LC or DA
Delivery Time Ready Stock in Local Warehouse, 1-3 days
Origin China
Shipping DHL, FedEx, TNT, EMS, By Sea, By Air 

Description

Hydrolyzed Keratin is an extensively used, highly effective protein-based ingredient for skin and hair care.
The formation process of hydrolyzed keratin is that through a hydrolysis process, hydrolyzing natural keratin, such as wool, feathers, or human hair, breaks down smaller polypeptides or amino acids. Because its molecular weight is much lower than native keratin, it is easier for the human skin and hair to absorb.

Applications

Properties:
First, its small-molecular-weight structure has high permeability. Native keratin molecules are extremely large and cannot be absorbed by skin and hair. However, through enzymatic hydrolysis or acid‑alkaline hydrolysis, its molecular weight is controlled within a typical range of several hundred to several thousand daltons. As a result, hydrolyzed keratin exhibits strong penetration into the hair cortex and favourable skin affinity.
Second, in terms of zwitterionic and film-forming properties, hydrolyzed keratin contains abundant amino acids, among which cystine carries disulfide bonds. With these amino-acid groups, hydrolyzed keratin can form strong hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions with keratin on hair and skin surfaces, thereby creating a breathable, moisturizing, smooth protective film.
Third, in terms of physicochemical stability, hydrolyzed keratin is available as an amber-to-pale-yellow transparent liquid or off-white powder. It is highly water-soluble and forms clear aqueous solutions. Furthermore, it maintains good stability across the pH and temperature ranges typical of conventional cosmetic systems.
Applications:
First, for hair care and cleansing products, it is widely used in professional repair shampoos, conditioners, leave-in hair masks, and repair sprays. Its key functions include repairing the hair cortex, as well as improving tensile strength and enhancing luster of damaged, dry or chemically-treated hair.
Second, in terms of skincare products, it is widely used in premium anti-aging creams, body lotions, and dry-skin repair emulsions. Its key functions are to deliver long-lasting hydration, as well as improve skin texture and barrier function, thanks to its outstanding humectancy and film-forming properties.
Third, for special care of nails and peri-hair areas, it is widely used in nail-hardening serums, and lash-and-brow serums. Its key functions are to boost nail keratin hardness, prevent nail cracking and peeling, and nourish lash roots.
The recommended usage level of hydrolyzed keratin:
First, for daily‑use hair‑care formulations including shampoos and conditioners, the recommended usage level is 0.5% -2.0% to deliver basic conditioning, anti‑static, and cuticle‑smoothing effects.
Second, for deep-repair and salon-grade products including repair masks, and post-perm and post-color repair sprays, the recommended usage level is 2.0%-5.0% or higher. It replenishes protein lost from damaged hair to deliver instant smoothness and improved hair strength.
Third, for skincare and body-care products, the recommended usage level is 1.0%-3.0% to deliver moisturization, film-forming performance and improved skin feel.

Advantages

Produced via mild enzymatic hydrolysis, the activity of amino acids can be maximally preserved-particularly sulfur-containing amino acids such as cystine, which are critical for hair and skin repair. Moreover, amino acids do not undergo carbonization, nor do their structures undergo degradation from high-temperature or strong-acid conditions.
Supported by robust manufacturing processes, hydrolysis time, temperature and enzyme dosage are precisely controlled to obtain a targeted molecular-weight distribution.
In terms of decolorization, de-odorization and impurity control, crude keratin hydrolysates often exhibit strong odors and deep coloration. Our process adopts activated-carbon decolorization, high-efficiency ion-exchange desalting and advanced membrane filtration (ultrafiltration/nanofiltration) to eliminate impurities, odors, and residual free acids or bases. The finished product is available as a pale-yellow-to-amber liquid or high-purity powder with a mild odor, greatly improving the sensory attributes of cosmetic end-products.
In terms of microbial control and quality stability, since protein-based materials are susceptible to microbial proliferation, rigorous microfiltration combined with an effective, mild green preservative system is adopted in the post-processing of the liquid hydrolysate to ensure product stability under sealed storage and during long-distance transportation.

FAQ

Q1: Is your hydrolyzed keratin liquid or powder? What is the typical molecular weight?
A: It is available in both liquid and powder forms. The typical liquid is a pale‑yellow‑to‑amber transparent solution with 20%–30% solids content; the powder is a high‑purity, light‑colored, water‑soluble solid. Molecular‑weight profiles can be precisely tailored to customer requirements, for example, low‑molecular‑weight fractions for deep penetration into the hair cortex and high‑molecular‑weight fractions focused on surface film formation.
Q2: Are there any temperature or pH limitations to consider when used this raw material into formulas?
A: Hydrolyzed keratin is easily soluble in water and easy to use. It is recommended to add it during the formulation’s cooling stage, generally when the temperature is below 40°C–50°C to avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures that could impair protein activity. For pH value, it is stable in the range of 4.0–7.0 for typical cosmetic systems.
Q3: Could long-term use of washing-hair products containing hydrolyzed keratin lead to “protein overload” or hair stiffening?
A: When the dosage is kept within 0.5%-5.0% with scientifically designed formulations, no protein overload will occur. Furthermore, our hydrolyzed keratin features a uniform molecularweight distribution. It can precisely fill the damaged hair cortex and deliver good hydrophilic moisturizing performance, keeping hair soft and glossy without stiffness.
Q4: Can hydrolyzed keratin be fully compatible with surfactants or cationic conditioners?
A: Yes. Hydrolyzed keratin shows excellent compatibility and can coexist with common anionic, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants. Furthermore, when combined with cationic conditioning agents, it exerts synergistic effects without triggering flocculation or precipitation.
Q5: In addition to hair care products, what benefits can hydrolyzed keratin bring to skin anti-aging or moisturizing products?
A: In skincare products, hydrolyzed keratin can form a breathable, lightweight moisturizing protective layer on the skin surface through its amphoteric film‑forming properties. It reduces transepidermal water loss, improves long‑lasting hydration and delivers a silky, firmer skin feel, making it especially suitable for creams and body lotions for dry and mature skin.
Q6: If customers encounter solubility, foaming, or compatibility issues during lab sampling, can you provide technical support?
A: Yes. We provide dedicated technical support backed by our professional formulation R&D team.Therefore, should you encounter any technical challenges, such as addition order, pH compatibility or synergy with other active ingredients,please contact our technical team for support, we are ready to provide detailed formulation guidance and solutions.

Regulatory compliance

China: It is listed in the Inventory of Cosmetic Raw Materials Used (2023 edition) acted by NMPA. Besides, it is a legally conventional raw material that does not require new ingredient registration or filing.
European Union: As a conventional usable ingredient, it is not restricted or restricted-use prohibitions in Annexes to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products.
United States: It is a legally conventional raw material that does not require pre-market FDA approval. Besides, it is not a colorant nor an OTC active drug ingredient.
Japan: It is listed in the Japanese Standards of Cosmetic Ingredients (JSCI) as a conventionally permitted cosmetic ingredient.
Canada: It is not restricted by the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, making it a legally permitted conventional cosmetic ingredient.
Australia: It is listed in Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) as a legally conventional raw material.

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