Hydrolysed Keratin Powder

Description:

Hydrolyzed Keratin Powder is a protein-based cosmetic ingredient obtained by breaking down keratin into smaller peptides and amino-acid-containing fractions through a process known as hydrolysis. Keratin is a structural protein naturally found in hair, nails, feathers, wool, and other biological materials.

In hair care formulations, Hydrolyzed Keratin is primarily used as a hair-conditioning agent that helps improve the feel, smoothness, manageability, and appearance of damaged or chemically treated hair. Its smaller protein fragments can interact with the hair surface, helping form a conditioning film that improves softness and reduces the rough feel associated with damaged hair.

It is commonly used in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, hair serums, and other hair treatment products. Depending on its source, molecular weight, and processing method, it may also be used in selected skincare and nail care formulations.

Category

• Hair-conditioning agent

• Protein-based cosmetic ingredient

• Film-forming agent

• Antistatic agent

• Skin-conditioning agent

• Hair-strengthening and repair-support ingredient

Key Benefits and Functions

1. Helps Improve Hair Smoothness

Hydrolyzed Keratin can deposit protein-derived material onto the hair surface, helping improve smoothness and reduce the rough feel of damaged hair. This can make hair feel softer and easier to manage after washing.

2. Supports the Appearance of Damaged Hair

Hair exposed to heat styling, colouring, bleaching, and frequent washing may develop a rough, porous surface. Hydrolyzed Keratin can help improve the cosmetic appearance and feel of such hair by forming a conditioning film.

It does not permanently regenerate damaged hair or restore broken keratin structures to their original condition.

3. Improves Hair Manageability

The conditioning effect can help reduce friction between hair fibres, making wet and dry hair easier to comb and manage. This may also help reduce mechanical damage associated with excessive combing and detangling.

4. Helps Reduce Static and Frizz

Hydrolyzed Keratin may help improve hair alignment and reduce flyaways by conditioning the hair surface. Its effectiveness depends on the specific grade, concentration, formulation, and the condition of the hair.

5. Enhances Hair Feel and Appearance

When used appropriately, it can contribute to a smoother, softer, and healthier-looking hair finish. It may also improve the perceived body and texture of hair, depending on the formulation.

6. Supports Hair Conditioning in Rinse-Off Products

Hydrolyzed Keratin is used in shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks to provide additional conditioning benefits. Its performance in rinse-off products depends on how well the ingredient deposits on the hair before being washed away.

7. Potential Benefits for Nails and Skin

Certain Hydrolyzed Keratin grades may be used in nail care and skincare products as conditioning or film-forming ingredients. However, its most established cosmetic application is in hair care, and the supplier's recommended applications should guide its use.

Applications in Cosmetics and Personal Care

Solubility

The solubility of Hydrolyzed Keratin Powder depends on the grade and manufacturing process.

• Water: Many cosmetic-grade hydrolyzed keratin powders are water-soluble or water-dispersible.

• Oil: Generally not soluble in oils.

• Alcohol: Solubility varies depending on the alcohol, solvent system, and grade.

• Oil-based formulations: Usually requires a suitable water-containing or specialised delivery system rather than direct incorporation into a simple oil blend.

Recommended Usage Concentration

The appropriate use level depends on the supplier's grade, protein content, molecular weight, and intended application.

 

Formulation and Processing Guidelines

1. Preparation

If the powder is water-soluble, prepare a solution in a portion of deionised or distilled water. Add the powder gradually while stirring to help prevent clumping.

Allow sufficient time for complete dissolution or hydration according to the supplier's instructions.

2. Temperature

Avoid unnecessary high-temperature exposure. If the supplier permits heated processing, follow the recommended temperature limits to minimise the risk of altering the protein material.

3. Addition to Shampoo

For a shampoo base, Hydrolyzed Keratin Powder is generally best prepared as a solution before incorporation, rather than added directly as a dry powder to a finished, viscous shampoo.

• Dissolve it in a suitable quantity of water.

• Add the prepared solution slowly to the shampoo base.

• Stir gently to minimise excessive foam.

• Recheck viscosity and pH after incorporation.

• Confirm the preservative system remains effective in the modified formulation.

Adding an aqueous solution may thin the shampoo, so account for the added water when designing the batch.

4. Addition to Conditioner

It may be incorporated into the water phase or added during cool-down, depending on the grade's heat stability and the formulation process. Confirm compatibility with the conditioning agents and emulsifier system.

5. pH Compatibility

Hydrolyzed Keratin grades can differ in their stability and performance across pH ranges. For most conventional hair-care products, the finished product is commonly formulated around mildly acidic to near-neutral pH, depending on the product type and the other ingredients.

Follow the supplier's specific pH recommendations rather than assuming every keratin powder behaves identically.

Compatibility with Other Ingredients

Hydrolyzed Keratin may be used alongside:

• Glycerin and other humectants

• Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5)

• Aloe vera preparations

• Suitable cationic conditioning agents

• Other compatible hydrolyzed proteins

• Surfactants used in shampoos and body cleansers

Compatibility should be evaluated in the complete formulation. Protein ingredients can affect clarity, viscosity, foaming, and stability, especially in concentrated surfactant systems.

Stability and Storage

• Store the powder in a tightly sealed container.

• Protect it from moisture and excessive humidity.

• Keep it away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.

• Avoid introducing moisture or contamination into the bulk powder.

• Evaluate the finished product for odour, colour, pH, viscosity, and microbial stability.

The shelf life of the powder does not automatically determine the shelf life of the finished cosmetic product.

Safety and Quality Considerations

Use a cosmetic-grade material with appropriate documentation, including its specification sheet, certificate of analysis, microbial limits, and recommended handling conditions.

As with other protein-derived cosmetic ingredients, irritation or sensitivity is possible in some users. The safety of the finished product depends on its concentration, intended use, and overall formulation.

For products marketed as vegan or plant-based, verify the ingredient's source. Conventional Hydrolyzed Keratin is usually animal-derived, although specialised alternatives based on plant proteins are available.