Hydrolyzed Proteins (Ingredient Encyclopedia)
- taralee
- Jul 31, 2024
- 4 min read
Hydrolyzed Proteins - This is a category of ingredients made up of a number of different proteins derived from either Animal or Vegetable sources. These all are commonly found in Skin care and Hair Care Products. Made by a process that breaks down proteins called hydrolization. These ingredients can condition, moisturize, help prevent trans epidermal water loss, and many other benefits like help with fizz and soften hair and skin.
Benefits of some common Hydrolyzed Proteins;
(A lot of these hydrolyzed protein description are taken from the book titled “Milady Skin Care And Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary 4th Edition” & lotioncrafter.com"
Hydrolyzed Baobab Protein - provides anti aging treatment such as damage recovery, protection from damage, nourishment, strengthening, and conditioning effect. Baobab protein has been tested on African, Brazilian and Caucasian hair and all have shown positive results. It helps skin defend from UV stress and helps maintain healthy supple skin nursing it with amino acids.
Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein - helps protect hair strands and hair color. Helps increase barrier function and overall health. Improves color uptake of heart and provides styling benefits, increase shine and appearance of hair. Is a film former and helps moisturize hair just like other proteins.
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein - film former, and helps reduce trans epidermal water loss.
Hydrolyzed Golden Pea Protein - is a film former and has a high tyrosine content. “Tyrosine is said to play a big role in stimulating cell growth, and is an integral component of tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin formation. Some say it is the best replacement for hydrolyzed animal protein. “
Hydrolyzed Hemp Protein - helps promote vibrant healthy skin, enhance hydration, softens skin and helps reduce flakiness. Can help strengthen hair and increase elasticity and help keep hair more resilient and smooth after chemical damage - lotioncrafter
Hydrolyzed Keratin - The main protein that makes up your hair skin and nails. Keratin is not vegan, but you can find vegan alternatives to keratin. Keratin can help strengthen hair, protect hair, and enhance elasticity.
Hydrolyzed Lupin Protein - said to help promote syntheses of epidermal proteins and lipids. Also said to help prevent trans epidermal water loss. Said to strengthen the barrier function of the skin. Is rich in Glutamine peptides and oligosaccharides, it is generally incorporated into repairing, regenerating, and hydrating products. - “Milady Skin Care And Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary”
Hydrolyzed Milk Protein - film former and helps skin retain moisture.
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein - helps soften and cushion skin, feels velvety smooth on skin. said to have anti-itching benefits, a skin protectant, and soothing ingredients for sensitive skin. Moisturizes skin and hair
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein - said to increase volume in hair by 32%. Helps increase shine and highlights in hair. Increase moisture and flexibility. Is an anti-irritant and leaves a smooth dry feel on skin.. - lotioncrafter.com
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein - conditioning, moisturizing, film former, helps retain moisture, and is a common replacement for animal protein.
Disclaimer - These are just a few examples of hydrolyzed proteins and mainly plant derived examples.
What products to use it in - Any aqueous product
Why you would use in a product - to add film forming benefits, prevents trans epidermal water loss, moisturize, de frizz hair, conditioner hair and skin, soften hair and skin, strengthen hair and skin, soothe hair and skin, etc.
Solubility - Water Soluble
Usage Rate - 1% - 5% or 1% - 10% (Check with Supplier)
Charge - Cationic, but it can be used with Anionic Surfactants
HLB - This ingredient does not have an HLB
Must know! - Aly hydrolyzed proteins help moisturize, condition, and help retina skin moisture, but they each have unique qualities. Pea Protein, Quinoa Protein, Baobab Protein, Rice Protein, Oat Protein, and Vegetable Keratin are my favorite.
How to Formulate with it - Add into the water phase. If formula is being heated, add into the cool down phase.
pH it’s stable in - follow the formulating guidelines of the hydrolyzed protein you use, but should be fine to use in any pH your product is in.
Appearance - depends on which on you use, but they can vary from clear liquid to yellow, to amber or dark brown,
Shelf Life - (check with your supplier) 12 months
Heat Sensitive? - Yes.
Vegan? - Yes & No (if it’s Milk protein, Silk Protein, Keratin Protein(unless specified to be vegan) or any other animal derived ingredient like Egg it is not Vegan. Collagen is also not vegan unless it specifies it is.)
Ecocert? - Yes it can be used in products that can be approved as ecocert.
Cosmos? - Yes t can be used in products that can be approved as Cosmos.
Natural? - Yes
Emulsions - add your hydrolyzed protein into the cool down phase.
Watery Solutions (Toners, Essences, Serums, Cleansers/Washes) - add at anytime during the formulating process.
Personal Opinion - Love hydrolyzed proteins. I always have a few on hand. I find myself using Oat Protein, Pea Protein & Baobab Protein in skincare products and I use Quinoa Protein, Rice Protein, and Vegetable Keratin in hair care products.
Substitutions - You could add in botanical extracts but it’s not the same.
Known Irritations or Side Effects - Irritation can occur if you have an allergy to the ingredients it’s derived from. Always do a patch test before trying a new ingredient.
FDA Regulations - There are no regulations for this ingredient. Just use it within the safe amount.
How it’s Sourced - According to Wikipedia “by breaking down proteins into amino acids and peptides through a process called hydrolysis”
Where to purchase Hydrolyzed Proteins;
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