Hydrolyzed Keratin 5 g

Conditioning Protein for Hair Care, Skincare & Cosmetic Formulations

Hydrolyzed Keratin is a protein-derived cosmetic ingredient widely used in hair-care formulations to improve the appearance, smoothness and manageability of hair.

It is produced by breaking keratin proteins into smaller peptide fragments through a controlled hydrolysis process.

This makes the material more suitable for incorporation into selected cosmetic formulations than untreated keratin protein.

Hydrolyzed Keratin is commonly used in:

• Shampoos
• Hair conditioners
• Hair masks
• Hair serums
• Leave-in conditioners
• Detangling sprays
• Hair styling products
• Selected creams and lotions
• Nail-care products
• Specialty cosmetic formulations

It is particularly valued for its hair-conditioning, film-forming and moisture-retention-supporting properties.

What Is Hydrolyzed Keratin?

Keratin is a structural protein naturally present in hair, nails and the outer layers of the skin.

In cosmetic manufacturing, keratin proteins are processed through hydrolysis to produce smaller peptides and protein fragments.

The resulting ingredient may be incorporated into water-compatible cosmetic systems.

INCI Name: Hydrolyzed Keratin
CAS Number: 69430-36-0
Ingredient Type: Hydrolyzed Protein
Primary Functions: Hair Conditioning / Skin Conditioning / Film Forming

The exact protein concentration, molecular weight and physical characteristics depend on the commercial grade.

How Does Hydrolyzed Keratin Work?

Hydrolyzed Keratin can interact with the hair surface and form a temporary conditioning film.

Depending on molecular weight and formulation, some peptide fractions may also interact with areas within the hair fiber.

Its cosmetic benefits can include:

• Improved surface smoothness
• Softer hair feel
• Easier combing
• Better manageability
• Improved shine
• Reduced rough-feeling texture
• A more conditioned appearance

These effects depend on the complete formulation and should not be confused with permanent biological regeneration.

Hydrolyzed Keratin for Hair Care

Hair-care products are one of the primary applications of Hydrolyzed Keratin.

It is frequently incorporated into formulations designed for:

• Dry-looking hair
• Chemically treated hair
• Color-treated hair
• Rough-feeling hair
• Damaged-looking hair
• Difficult-to-manage hair
• Styling-stressed hair

Its conditioning properties can complement other ingredients commonly used in professional hair care.

Hair Surface Conditioning

The hair shaft consists primarily of keratin proteins.

Repeated washing, heat styling, coloring and mechanical friction can affect the appearance and surface condition of hair.

Hydrolyzed Keratin may help temporarily improve surface smoothness through film formation and interaction with the hair fiber.

This can contribute to hair that feels:

• Smoother
• Softer
• More manageable
• Less rough
• Easier to style

Does Hydrolyzed Keratin Repair Damaged Hair?

Hydrolyzed Keratin should not be described as permanently rebuilding the natural structure of damaged hair.

Hair fibers are not living tissue and cannot biologically regenerate after emerging from the scalp.

However, hydrolyzed proteins may temporarily improve the appearance and physical feel of hair by interacting with its surface.

An appropriate cosmetic claim is:

“Helps improve the appearance and feel of damaged hair.”

Avoid guaranteeing complete structural restoration or permanent repair.

Helps Improve Hair Manageability

Hydrolyzed Keratin may support smoother hair-fiber surfaces.

This can help make the hair easier to:

• Comb
• Detangle
• Style
• Brush
• Manage after washing

The actual effect depends on the protein grade and other conditioning ingredients.

Shine & Smoothness

Hydrolyzed Keratin is commonly used in hair-care products designed to improve shine and smoothness.

A more uniform hair surface can contribute to improved light reflection and a glossier appearance.

It can be particularly useful in combination with:

• Conditioning polymers
• Fatty alcohols
• Cosmetic silicones
• Vegetable oils
• Other hydrolyzed proteins

Moisture Retention

Hydrolyzed Keratin contains peptide fragments that can interact with water.

In compatible cosmetic formulations, it may contribute to improved moisture retention and reduced dry-feeling hair texture.

However, it should not be considered a complete replacement for conventional humectants.

Ingredients such as glycerin and panthenol may complement its conditioning properties.

Use in Shampoo

Hydrolyzed Keratin can be incorporated into shampoos to support a conditioning-focused product concept.

Possible applications include:

• Conditioning shampoo
• Shampoo for dry-looking hair
• Shampoo for color-treated hair
• Smoothing shampoo
• Volumizing shampoo
• Premium hair-care shampoo

Its main function is conditioning rather than cleansing.

The surfactant system remains responsible for the primary cleansing performance.

Use in Hair Conditioners

Hydrolyzed Keratin is particularly suitable for conditioner formulations.

It can help support:

• Softness
• Slip
• Manageability
• Smoothness
• Shine
• Conditioned after-feel

It may be used alongside conventional cationic conditioning ingredients.

Use in Hair Masks

Hair masks are another common application.

Hydrolyzed Keratin may be incorporated into rich conditioning formulations containing:

• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Cationic Conditioning Agents
• Panthenol
• Glycerin
• Cosmetic Silicones
• Selected Botanical Oils

These ingredients can work together to create different textures and conditioning profiles.

Use in Leave-In Conditioners

Hydrolyzed Keratin may be incorporated into compatible leave-in products.

Possible formats include:

• Conditioning sprays
• Leave-in creams
• Detangling lotions
• Hair styling serums
• Lightweight conditioning products

Leave-in formulations require particular attention to:

• Protein concentration
• Sensory feel
• Residue
• Hair type
• Preservation
• Finished-product stability

Protein Build-Up

Adding excessive amounts of hydrolyzed protein does not necessarily improve hair-care performance.

Depending on the formula and repeated use, high levels may contribute to:

• Stiff hair feel
• Unwanted residue
• Reduced flexibility
• Less pleasant sensory properties

A balanced conditioning system is generally more useful than maximizing the protein percentage.

Hydrolyzed Keratin in Skincare

Hydrolyzed Keratin can also be used in selected skincare formulations.

Possible applications include:

• Facial creams
• Body lotions
• Hand creams
• Cosmetic serums
• Skin-conditioning emulsions

Its film-forming and water-binding properties may help support:

• Soft skin feel
• Improved smoothness
• Moisture retention
• A conditioned skin surface

It should not be marketed as treating skin diseases or permanently rebuilding the skin barrier.

Use in Nail-Care Products

Hydrolyzed Keratin may also be considered for selected nail-care formulations.

Its film-forming properties can support cosmetic products designed to improve the appearance and surface feel of nails.

However, it should not be claimed to permanently strengthen nail growth or treat nail disorders without suitable evidence.

Is Hydrolyzed Keratin Used in Soap Making?

Hydrolyzed Keratin may be evaluated in specialty cleansing products, but traditional cold process soap is generally not its preferred application.

Cold process soap exposes ingredients to:

• Strong alkalinity
• Sodium hydroxide
• Saponification chemistry
• Potential heat generation

These conditions may alter hydrolyzed protein ingredients.

Therefore, conventional soap should not automatically be marketed as providing the same keratin-conditioning benefits as a leave-on hair mask or conditioner.

Cold Process Soap

Adding Hydrolyzed Keratin directly to cold process soap does not guarantee improved hair or skin conditioning.

Potential formulation considerations include:

• Protein stability
• Odor changes
• Color changes
• High-pH compatibility
• Finished-product performance

Specialty protein ingredients are generally more suitable for carefully developed shampoo and conditioning systems.

Melt & Pour Soap

Small experimental additions may be evaluated in compatible melt and pour bases.

However, additional protein ingredients can affect:

• Transparency
• Texture
• Stability
• Appearance
• Microbiological considerations

Always follow the soap-base manufacturer’s additive recommendations.

Typical Usage Levels

Hydrolyzed Keratin is available in different commercial grades.

Recommended usage depends heavily on:

• Protein active content
• Molecular weight
• Liquid or powder form
• Finished-product category
• Rinse-off or leave-on application
• Supplier recommendations

For example, some commercial powder grades are recommended at approximately:

0.2–3%

while certain diluted liquid grades may have different recommended levels, such as:

1–5%

These values are examples of supplier-dependent formulation ranges, not universal limits.

Always follow the TDS for the exact supplied product.

Active Protein Content Matters

Two raw materials may both be labeled:

Hydrolyzed Keratin

but contain very different concentrations of active protein.

For example:

• A concentrated powder may contain a high percentage of hydrolyzed protein.
• A liquid concentrate may contain protein dissolved in water.
• A ready-to-use blend may contain glycerin, water, preservatives and a lower percentage of protein.

The required dosage must reflect the active protein concentration.

Powder vs. Liquid Hydrolyzed Keratin

Powder Grades

May offer:

• Higher active concentration
• Lower transport weight
• Convenient small-batch weighing
• Longer storage stability when properly packaged

The exact hydration and solubility behavior depends on the powder grade.

Liquid Grades

May offer:

• Easier dosing
• Convenient incorporation
• Reduced dust generation
• Faster dispersion in water-compatible systems

Some liquid grades contain preservatives or carrier ingredients.

Always verify the complete INCI declaration.

Water Solubility

Many commercial Hydrolyzed Keratin grades are designed to be water-soluble or water-dispersible.

They are generally incorporated into the water phase of a cosmetic formulation.

However, exact behavior depends on:

• Degree of hydrolysis
• Molecular weight
• Concentration
• Temperature
• Commercial grade

Always verify the supplier specifications.

How to Use Hydrolyzed Keratin

A general formulation approach for a water-compatible grade is:

1. Accurately weigh the required material.
2. Prepare the main water phase.
3. Dissolve or disperse the Hydrolyzed Keratin according to the TDS.
4. Incorporate it at the recommended manufacturing stage.
5. Avoid unnecessary high-temperature exposure.
6. Mix until homogeneous.
7. Complete final pH adjustment.
8. Evaluate the finished product’s appearance and stability.

For heat-sensitive grades, addition during the cooling stage may be preferable.

Processing Temperature

There is no universal temperature limit for every Hydrolyzed Keratin grade.

Some suppliers recommend adding their products during cooling, for example below approximately 40°C.

Other commercial forms may have different processing requirements.

Always follow the actual supplier TDS.

pH Considerations

Hydrolyzed Keratin can be used in many conventional hair-care pH ranges.

However, a fixed statement such as:

pH 4.5–7.0

should not be applied to every grade without supporting technical documentation.

The appropriate pH depends on:

• Protein composition
• Molecular weight
• Processing method
• Formulation ingredients
• Finished product

Strong alkaline conditions may negatively affect protein stability.

Is Hydrolyzed Keratin Natural?

Keratin is a naturally occurring structural protein.

However, commercial Hydrolyzed Keratin is produced through controlled processing.

The more accurate description is:

Protein-derived cosmetic ingredient

or

Hydrolyzed conditioning protein

Claims such as “100% Natural” should only be used when supported by documentation.

Animal Origin & Vegan Considerations

Commercial keratin is frequently derived from animal materials such as:

• Wool
• Feathers
• Hair
• Other keratin-containing materials

Therefore, conventional Hydrolyzed Keratin should not automatically be described as vegan.

Customers developing vegan cosmetics should verify the ingredient’s origin.

Some products marketed as “vegan keratin” are plant-protein blends that imitate certain keratin-conditioning properties rather than containing conventional animal-derived keratin.

These may have different INCI names and formulation characteristics.

Hydrolyzed Keratin vs. Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

Both ingredients are used in conditioning formulations, but their sources differ.

Hydrolyzed Keratin

• Typically animal-derived
• Obtained from keratin-rich materials
• Used for hair conditioning
• Can provide film-forming effects
• May improve hair smoothness and manageability

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

• Wheat-derived
• Plant-based source
• Used for conditioning and film formation
• Can contribute to hair body and manageability

These ingredients should not automatically be treated as identical in terms of performance, allergy considerations or labeling.

Hydrolyzed Keratin Is Not a Chemical Hair Straightener

Hydrolyzed Keratin is a cosmetic conditioning protein.

It should not be confused with professional hair-straightening products that may contain reactive chemical systems.

Hydrolyzed Keratin by itself does not permanently straighten hair.

It should also not be assumed that every product described as a “keratin treatment” contains the same ingredients or has the same safety profile.

Preservation

Hydrolyzed Keratin is not an antimicrobial preservative.

Water-containing formulations such as:

• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Hair masks
• Creams
• Lotions

require appropriate microbiological protection.

The preservative present in a commercial liquid raw material does not automatically preserve the finished product.

Professional formulations should consider preservative efficacy testing where appropriate.

Product Details

Product Name: Hydrolyzed Keratin
INCI Name: Hydrolyzed Keratin
CAS Number: 69430-36-0
Weight: 5 g
Ingredient Type: Hydrolyzed Conditioning Protein
Primary Functions: Hair Conditioning / Skin Conditioning / Film Forming
Typical Applications: Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Mask, Leave-In Products, Selected Skincare and Nail-Care Formulations
Physical Form: Refer to Product Specification
Active Protein Content: Refer to Supplier COA
Solubility: Grade-Dependent; Commonly Water-Compatible

Cosmetic Quality Documentation

For professional production, important specifications include:

• Full INCI declaration
• Protein source
• Active protein content
• Molecular weight
• Degree of hydrolysis
• Appearance
• Odor
• Water compatibility
• Recommended pH
• Microbiological specification
• Preservative content, if applicable
• SDS
• TDS
• COA

These parameters help formulators select the correct dosage and processing method.

Safety Information

Hydrolyzed Keratin is generally used in cosmetic formulations as a conditioning ingredient.

However, sensitivity or allergic reactions may occur in susceptible individuals.

Recommended precautions include:

• Avoid direct eye contact.
• Avoid inhaling fine powder if supplied in powder form.
• Do not ingest.
• Use suitable protective equipment during professional handling.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Follow supplier SDS and TDS.
• Evaluate the complete finished formulation for its intended application.

Skin & Hair Allergy Considerations

Although Hydrolyzed Keratin is used in many cosmetic formulations, no protein-derived ingredient should automatically be described as non-allergenic.

Finished products intended for sensitive consumers should undergo an appropriate safety assessment.

Individuals with known sensitivities to relevant animal-derived proteins should review the ingredient source and obtain appropriate professional advice when necessary.

Storage

Store Hydrolyzed Keratin:

• In tightly closed packaging
• In a cool and dry environment
• Away from direct sunlight
• Protected from moisture
• Away from contamination
• According to the supplier’s recommended storage conditions

Liquid protein concentrates may require additional precautions to prevent microbiological contamination.

Wholesale, Private Label & Contract Manufacturing

We supply Hydrolyzed Keratin, cosmetic proteins, conditioning agents, humectants and other formulation raw materials in wholesale quantities for cosmetic brands, laboratories, manufacturers, retailers and professional formulators.

We also offer custom cosmetic formulation development services for shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, leave-in treatments, serums and other hair-care and skincare products.

Our formulation development services can include:

• Raw-material selection
• Conditioning system development
• Formulation optimization
• Manufacturing procedures
• Technical specifications
• Quality-control recommendations
• Supporting technical documentation

Private label and contract manufacturing services are also available for selected liquid cleansing and soap products within our manufacturing capabilities.

Custom formulations can be developed with different proteins, humectants, surfactants, conditioning ingredients, botanical extracts, fragrances, textures and packaging concepts.

For bulk Hydrolyzed Keratin orders, custom formulation development, private label or contract manufacturing inquiries, please contact us with your required raw-material grade, active concentration, product concept, packaging requirements, target market and estimated quantity.