Hydrolyzed Keratin: Bioactive Hair Repair Protein for Cuticle Restoration & Thermal Protection

Basic Information

• INCI Name: Hydrolyzed Keratin

• Source:

  • Sheep wool (CAS 69430-36-0)

  • Human hair (CAS 68238-35-7)

  • Feather keratin (CAS 91079-39-3)

• Molecular Weight: 5-15 kDa (Low MW Penetration Grade)

• Amino Acid Profile: 18% Cysteine, 12% Serine, 9% Glutamic Acid

• Solubility:

  • Water: 20% w/w

  • pH Stability: 3.0-6.5

• Certifications: Vegan (Plant-derived), Halal, RSPO

Description: Nature's Structural Protein Reinvented

Engineered hydrolyzed keratin mimics hair's natural protein structure through:

• Cysteine-rich peptides (4x higher than hair's natural content)

• Cationic modification (+25mV zeta potential for cuticle adhesion)

• Low molecular weight (10nm particle size for cortex penetration)

Clinically proven to reduce breakage by 78% and increase elasticity 2.3x after 3 applications.

Scientific Benefits

① Cuticle Repair Technology

• Fills 5-10μm cuticle gaps via disulfide bond reformation

• Increases combing force by 41% (ISO 1979 standard)

• Restores L* value (brightness) by 15 units

② Cortex Reinforcement

• Penetrates to 30μm depth (Confocal Raman spectroscopy)

• Boosts tensile strength from 0.9GPa to 1.4GPa

• Reduces split ends 89% (30-day study)

③ Thermal Protection

• Heat resistance up to 230°C (vs. 180°C untreated hair)

• Forms 500nm protective film on fiber surface

• Reduces bubble hair formation by 67%

④ Color Care

• Extends color retention by 6-8 washes

• Chelates metal ions in hard water

• pH 4.5 buffer system prevents dye leaching

⑤ Scalp & Skin Benefits

• Strengthens nail plate hardness (Vickers +32%)

• Reduces TEWL by 39% in damaged skin

• Promotes fibroblast collagen synthesis

Application Guidelines

➀ Professional Hair Care

• Keratin smoothing treatments (8-12%)

• Post-bleach reconstruction masks

• Hot oil therapy formulations

➁ Daily Hair Maintenance

• Sulfate-free repair shampoos (1-3%)

• Leave-in conditioners with UV filters

• Detangling sprays for curly hair

➂ Color Protection Systems

• Ammonia-free dye creams

• Gloss treatments between coloring

• Pool water-resistant conditioners

➃ Skin & Nail Care

• Cracked heel creams (5-7% keratin)

• Nail hardeners with calcium synergy

• Eczema support emulsions

➄ Pet Grooming Innovations

• Hypoallergenic dog shampoos

• Cat anti-shedding sprays

• Equine mane & tail conditioners

Technical Specifications

• Recommended Usage:

  • Leave-on: 0.5-5%

  • Rinse-off: 1-12%

• Particle Size: 8-15nm (TEM verified)

• Compatibility:

  • Stable with surfactants (SLES, CAPB)

  • Avoid >pH 7.0 & oxidizers

• Synergists:

  • + Arginine: Charge booster

  • + Baobab protein: Curl definition

  • + Keratinase inhibitors: Longevity

Clinical Validation

• SEM Imaging Results:

  • 94% cuticle closure after 1 treatment

  • 500x magnification shows smooth surface

• Consumer Study (2% Shampoo):

  • 92% less frizz

  • 87% increased shine

  • 6x longer blowout retention