Keratin ( Hydrolyzed Keratin )

• Hydrolyzed keratin protein from natural sources
• Strengthens damaged hair and reduces breakage
• Increases moisture retention in hair and skin
• Boosts elasticity and smoothness
• Ideal for use in serums, shampoos, masks, conditioners, and creams

Hydrolyzed Keratin is a water-soluble protein fragment obtained by breaking down natural keratin from hair, wool, or feathers into smaller molecules. These peptides penetrate the hair shaft and skin layers, restoring lost protein, reinforcing structure, and reducing signs of damage. In hair care, it repairs split ends, improves elasticity, and adds shine, while in skin care, it supports firmness and enhances hydration. This multi-tasking active is a must-have in any repair-focused formulation.

INCI Name: Hydrolyzed Keratin

CAS Number: 69430-36-0

Solubility: Water-soluble

Add Phase: Cool-down phase under 40°C

pH Stability: Stable between pH 4.5 – 7.5

Processing Temperature: < 40°C

Appearance: Clear to pale amber liquid

Odor: Slight protein scent

Molecular Formula: Variable (mixture of peptides)

Molecular Weight: 300 – 3000 Da

Flash Point: Non-flammable

Density: ~1.1 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Protein hydrolysate

Functional Groups: Amino acids, peptides

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Hair repair, skin hydration, elasticity booster

• Usage Rate: 1% – 5%
• Phase: Cool-down phase under 40°C
• Ideal For: Hair Masks, Shampoos, Serums, Creams, Leave-in Sprays

💧 Always add keratin in the cool-down phase under 40°C to preserve its structure. For hair care, pair with panthenol or silk protein to boost softness and elasticity. Best results appear after 3–5 uses in rinse-off formulas.

✔️ Ideal for dry, mature, and aging skin

✔️ Safe for daily use in low concentrations

✔️ Gentle enough for sensitive scalps

1. Keratin-Infused Hair Mask

Use 3–5% hydrolyzed keratin with panthenol and coconut oil in a cream mask to restore shine and strength to damaged hair.

2. Leave-In Repair Spray

Add 2% in a light aloe-based spray for quick strengthening between washes.

3. Skin Repair Cream

Formulate 1% keratin with niacinamide and ceramides for an anti-aging hand or face cream.

4. Anti-Breakage Shampoo

Include 1.5% in sulfate-free shampoos to gently cleanse while protecting hair protein.

5. Nail Strengthening Serum

Combine 1% keratin with biotin and glycerin to strengthen weak or brittle nails.

Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Improves firmness and hydration in face or nail serums.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds skin resilience in barrier creams.



Toners
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Can be added to protein tonics and anti-aging mists.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Strengthens and hydrates skin in wash-off masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Use in low % in cream cleansers or micellar waters.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Key ingredient in restoring damaged, dry, and bleached hair.



Deodorants
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not relevant to odor or sweat control.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Boosts elasticity and smoothness.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Strengthens hair shaft and reduces breakage.



Soaps
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – May slightly improve skin feel in cleansing bars.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Essential for repairing and smoothing hair.



Lip Balms
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not recommended.



Body Butters
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – May help with skin texture if formulated correctly.



Ointments
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Occasionally used in healing or nail serums.

Q1: What is the difference between hydrolyzed keratin and plain keratin?

A1: Hydrolyzed keratin is broken down into smaller peptides, making it water-soluble and bioavailable to hair and skin.

Q2: Can keratin repair split ends?

A2: It helps seal and smooth split ends temporarily and reduces further breakage.

Q3: Is it safe for leave-on skin care?

A3: Yes, at 1%–2% it is gentle and effective in serums and creams.

Q4: Can I mix it with oils?

A4: No, it is water-soluble and should be used in the aqueous phase.

Q5: Is it vegan?

A5: Most keratin is animal-derived (e.g., wool), but vegan options may be available upon request.