Hydrolyzed Keratin - Cosmetic Grade
Product Name: Hydrolyzed Keratin
INCI Name: Hydrolyzed Keratin
CAS Number: 69430-36-0
Synonyms: Keratin Hydrolysate, Keratin Peptides, Soluble Keratin, Hydrolyzed Wool Protein
Source: Natural wool/feather derived, enzymatic hydrolysis
Protein Content: ≥80% (dry basis)
Appearance: Light yellow to off-white fine powder
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Average Molecular Weight: 1,000 - 3,000 Da (low molecular weight peptides)
Solubility: Fully soluble in water; insoluble in oils and organic solvents
pH (1% Solution): 5.0 - 7.0
Ash Content: ≤5.0%
Moisture: ≤8.0%
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 1 kg (Sample), 25 kg (Bulk)
Packaging: 1 kg foil bag, 25 kg fiber drum
Recommended Usage Level: 0.5% - 10% (typically 1-5% in cosmetics)
Primary Applications: Hair care, skin care, nail care, personal care products
Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage conditions
Hydrolyzed Keratin, Keratin Hydrolysate, CAS 69430-36-0, keratin peptides, soluble keratin, hair repair protein, damaged hair treatment, hydrolyzed wool protein, cosmetic grade keratin, hair conditioning protein
Hydrolyzed Keratin - Hair Care Repair and Skin Conditioning Protein(CAS 69430-36-0)
Hydrolyzed Keratin is a high-performance functional protein produced through controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of natural keratin-rich sources (premium wool or feathers). Unlike whole keratin which is too large to penetrate, our hydrolyzed version breaks down into low molecular weight peptides (1,000-3,000 Da) that have strong affinity for hair and skin.
As hair is composed of approximately 90% keratin protein, this ingredient acts as a direct building block for damaged hair restoration. It binds to negatively charged sites on the hair cuticle, filling micro-cracks and gaps, while forming a protective film that reduces breakage, improves combability, and enhances shine. In skincare, it functions as an excellent humectant and film-former that supports the skin barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss, and provides a soft, smooth feel.
Widely recognized as the gold standard active ingredient for hair repair formulations, Hydrolyzed Keratin is essential in all premium damage-repair hair care systems.

Key Benefits
✅ Repairs damaged hair cuticle, fills micro-cracks and gaps
✅ Reduces hair breakage by up to 40% and improves elasticity
✅ Enhances hair shine, smoothness and manageability
✅ Forms protective film against heat and environmental damage
✅ Improves wet and dry combability, reduces tangling
✅ Excellent humectant - retains moisture in skin and hair
✅ Skin barrier support - reduces transepidermal water loss
✅ Substantive to hair - remains effective even after rinsing
✅ Strengthens nail structure and improves flexibility
✅ Natural protein source, biodegradable and sustainable
✅ Fully water soluble - easy to formulate with
Applications
Hair Care (Primary):
• Repair shampoos and conditioners: 1-5%
• Hair masks and deep treatments: 3-8%
• Leave-in serums and heat protectants: 2-5%
• Color protection shampoos: 1-3%
• Keratin smoothing and straightening treatments: 5-10%
• Curl defining products: 1-4%
Skin & Body Care:
• Moisturizing creams and lotions: 0.5-3%
• Anti-aging serums: 1-3%
• Body washes and shower gels: 0.5-2%
• Hand creams: 1-4%
Nail Care:
• Nail strengtheners and hardeners: 2-5%
• Cuticle oils and treatments: 1-3%
• Nail polish and base coats: 0.5-2%
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Specification | Result |
Product Information | ||
Product Name | Hydrolyzed Keratin | Hydrolyzed Keratin |
CAS Number | 69430-36-0 | 69430-36-0 |
Grade | Cosmetic Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
Physical & Chemical | ||
Appearance | Light yellow to off-white powder | White powder |
Odor | Mild characteristic | Conforms |
Protein Content (dry) | ≥80% | 85.2% |
Average Molecular Weight | 1,000-3,000 Da | 2,150 Da |
pH (1% Solution) | 5.0-7.0 | 6.1 |
Moisture | ≤8.0% | 4.8% |
Ash Content | ≤5.0% | 2.1% |
Solubility in Water | Clear solution | Clear, no insoluble |
Purity & Safety | ||
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <5 ppm |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm |
Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm | <0.05 ppm |
Microbiological | ||
Total Aerobic Count | ≤1,000 CFU/g | <100 CFU/g |
Yeast & Mold | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g |
E. coli, Salmonella | Negative | Negative |
Conclusion | —— | PASSED |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request
Q1: What is the difference between high molecular weight and low molecular weight Hydrolyzed Keratin?
A: Molecular weight is critical:
• <1,000 Da: Penetrates hair cortex, internal repair
• 1,000-3,000 Da: OUR GRADE - optimal balance, penetrates cuticle + surface film
• >5,000 Da: Only surface coating, no penetration
Our 1,000-3,000 Da grade is the industry standard sweet spot - provides both internal cuticle repair AND external protective film formation.
Q2: How does Hydrolyzed Keratin actually work on hair?
A: Three mechanisms working together:
1. Substantivity: Positively charged peptides bind to negatively charged damaged hair sites
2. Filling: Fills micro-cracks and gaps in the cuticle layer
3. Film-forming: Creates a continuous protective layer over hair surface
It does NOT "rebuild" hair internally (marketing myth) - it repairs the cuticle surface and provides protection, which is scientifically proven and highly effective.
Q3: Is Hydrolyzed Keratin substantive? Does it survive rinsing?
A: YES, highly substantive. Unlike many conditioning agents that wash away completely, keratin peptides have strong electrostatic affinity to hair. Approximately 30-40% remains bound to hair even after rinsing, providing long-lasting benefits. This substantivity is what makes it superior to simple proteins and amino acids.
Q4: What is the optimal pH range for formulation?
A: Hydrolyzed Keratin is stable and effective from pH 4.0-8.0. Optimal performance at pH 5.0-6.5 (skin and hair natural pH). Avoid pH <3.5 or >9.0 as this may cause peptide degradation. Compatible with all surfactants, emulsifiers, and common cosmetic ingredients.
Q5: Can Hydrolyzed Keratin be used in both rinse-off and leave-on products?
A: Excellent in BOTH.
• Rinse-off (shampoos, conditioners): 1-3% - substantivity ensures benefits remain
• Leave-on (serums, masks): 3-8% - maximum repair and protection
It is one of the few proteins effective in rinse-off applications due to its strong hair binding properties.
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