Hydrolyzed Keratin vs Keratin Which is Better for Your Hair Care Formulations

Introduction: Understanding the Role of Keratin and Hydrolyzed Keratin in Hair Care

 

When it comes to hair care formulations, one of the most sought-after ingredients is keratin. It's widely known for its strength-building properties and ability to improve the overall health and appearance of hair. However, not all keratin is the same. Over the years, hydrolyzed keratin powder has become a popular alternative in many professional hair care products, thanks to its enhanced benefits in formulation applications.

 

In this article, we will delve into the key differences between hydrolyzed keratin and keratin, and discuss how each plays a role in hair care products. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision when selecting the right ingredient for your formulations.

 

By the end, you'll not only understand the science behind these two types of keratin but also how to choose the most suitable one for your products.

 

 

What is Keratin?

 

Keratin is a fibrous protein that forms the structural foundation of hair, skin, nails, and feathers. It is highly durable and provides protection and strength to cells, which is why it's essential for hair care formulations. However, keratin in its natural form is not easy to incorporate into products like shampoos and conditioners because it is insoluble in water and difficult to absorb into hair strands.

 

As an insoluble protein, keratin powder doesn't dissolve easily, which means that it stays on the surface of the hair, providing a protective coating rather than penetrating the hair shaft to deliver nutrients or hydration.

 

Keratin is excellent for its structural support properties but has limited use in certain hair care formulations due to its physical properties. For this reason, a more versatile solution is needed for more effective incorporation into a range of formulations.

 

What is Hydrolyzed Keratin?

 

Unlike regular keratin, hydrolyzed keratin is keratin that has undergone a chemical process known as hydrolysis, which breaks the protein into smaller, more water-soluble peptides. These smaller peptides are much easier to incorporate into various formulations, making hydrolyzed keratin powder highly favored for use in hair care products.

 

Hydrolyzed keratin not only dissolves easily in water but also penetrates the hair shaft more effectively than regular keratin. This enables it to deliver more targeted benefits such as repairing damaged hair, enhancing shine, and improving hair strength from the inside out.

 

The hydrolysis process essentially makes the keratin more bioavailable, meaning it can work directly on the hair fibers to restore moisture, reduce frizz, and improve the overall health and appearance of the hair.

 

Hydrolyzed Keratin vs Keratin: Key Differences and Their Impact on Hair Care Formulations

 

Characteristic	Hydrolyzed Keratin	Keratin
Molecular Weight	Low molecular weight (up to 10,000 Da)	High molecular weight (up to 100,000 Da)
Solubility	Water-soluble	Insoluble in water
Penetration Ability	Better absorption and penetration in hair	Poor absorption, stays on the surface
Functional Application	Improves hair shine, reduces frizz, strengthens strands	Provides structural support but minimal conditioning
Application in Formulations	Widely used in shampoos, conditioners, and masks	Rarely used directly in products, mainly for structural support
Effect on Hair	Smooths, strengthens, and revitalizes hair	Primarily provides structure
Hydrolysis Process	Yes, broken down into smaller peptides for easier absorption	No, large molecule, difficult to incorporate

 

As shown in the table, hydrolyzed keratin stands out in terms of molecular weight, solubility, and penetration ability compared to keratin. These differences are crucial when formulating products intended to provide deep nourishment and repair for hair.

 

Benefits of Hydrolyzed Keratin in Hair Care Formulations

 

Hydrolyzed keratin has become a key ingredient in many hair care products due to its powerful ability to enhance hair health. As a protein that is naturally found in hair, skin, and nails, keratin plays a vital role in maintaining hair's strength and integrity. When keratin undergoes hydrolysis, it is broken down into smaller peptides, making it more effective in penetrating the hair shaft. The result is stronger, healthier hair that is more resilient to damage from daily styling or environmental factors.

 

Here are the key benefits of hydrolyzed keratin in hair care formulations:

 

1. Restores Strength to Weak Hair

 

Hydrolyzed keratin is known for its ability to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, where it helps to repair damaged protein structures. The smaller peptide size of hydrolyzed keratin allows it to work more effectively, replenishing lost protein and reinforcing hair from the inside out. This added strength helps reduce breakage and improves the overall resilience of the hair, making it more resistant to future damage.

 

If your hair has been weakened by frequent styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors, hydrolyzed keratin works to restore its natural strength and protect it from further harm.

 

2. Improves Moisture Retention and Controls Frizz

 

One of the primary benefits of hydrolyzed keratin is its ability to create a protective barrier around the hair. This barrier helps to lock in moisture, which is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated hair. In addition, hydrolyzed keratin significantly reduces frizz, keeping the hair looking smooth and manageable throughout the day.

 

By improving moisture retention, hydrolyzed keratin not only helps control frizz but also enhances smoothness and shine, making hair more manageable even in humid or dry conditions.

 

3. Adds Shine and Vitality

 

Another major advantage of hydrolyzed keratin is its ability to boost shine and restore liveliness to the hair. The proteins in hydrolyzed keratin help enhance the reflective properties of the hair, giving it a natural, glossy shine. For individuals with dry, dull, or damaged hair, incorporating hydrolyzed keratin into a formulation can immediately improve the appearance of hair, making it look vibrant and full of life.

 

4. Increases Elasticity and Flexibility

 

Hydrolyzed keratin is known for improving the elasticity of the hair. As it replenishes the lost proteins, it restores the natural flexibility of the hair, allowing it to stretch and bend without breaking. This is especially important for people with brittle or fragile hair, as increased elasticity reduces the risk of breakage and helps prevent damage caused by styling.

 

The ability of hydrolyzed keratin to improve hair’s flexibility also allows it to retain its natural shape and bounce, even after styling, making it a great choice for people looking to add volume or body to their hair.

 

5. Makes Hair Easier to Manage and Style

 

One of the most noticeable benefits of using hydrolyzed keratin in hair care products is the improved manageability it provides. Hair that’s been treated with hydrolyzed keratin is significantly easier to comb and style. The smoothness it imparts helps reduce tangling and makes hair more compliant when styling. This is especially beneficial for people with thick, coarse, or curly hair.

 

In fact, hydrolyzed keratin helps in detangling hair without causing additional stress, making it ideal for those who have difficulty with daily styling or detangling.

 

6. Balances Protein Levels for Healthier Hair

 

Hydrolyzed keratin plays a crucial role in restoring the protein balance of hair. Our hair is primarily made up of keratin, and frequent exposure to styling tools, chemicals, and environmental stress can deplete this vital protein, causing hair to become weak and brittle. Hydrolyzed keratin helps replenish the proteins lost during these processes, bringing back strength, structure, and health to the hair.

 

By maintaining the right protein balance, it ensures that hair stays healthy, strong, and resilient, minimizing the risk of further damage.

 

7. Versatile and Suitable for All Hair Types

 

Whether your hair is fine, coarse, curly, or straight, hydrolyzed keratin works effectively across all hair types. Its ability to penetrate and condition hair makes it an ideal ingredient for a variety of hair care products, from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks and leave-in treatments.

 

As a versatile ingredient, hydrolyzed keratin is perfect for both professional hair care products and at-home formulations, helping to enhance texture, volume, and overall hair health, no matter the hair type.

 

How to Choose the Right Keratin for Your Hair Care Product: Hydrolyzed or Traditional?

 

Choosing the right form of keratin for your product depends on the goals of the formulation. If you are looking for a long-lasting repair effect, hydrolyzed keratin is likely the better choice. Due to its water solubility and smaller peptide size, it provides superior penetration and delivers benefits deep within the hair shaft.

 

On the other hand, if your product’s primary goal is structural support—such as in styling gels or hair sprays—keratin may be suitable, as it forms a protective layer over the hair without necessarily penetrating deeply.

 

Ultimately, the decision between hydrolyzed keratin vs keratin depends on your formulation goals and the desired effects for your target audience. Hydrolyzed keratin is generally preferred in treatment-focused products that require deeper nourishment and repair, while traditional keratin is often used in products designed to protect and add volume.

 

Sourcing High-Quality Hydrolyzed Keratin: What to Look For in a Supplier

 

When sourcing hydrolyzed keratin, it is crucial to choose a supplier who can not only meet quality standards but also ensure a reliable supply and sustainable production. The ideal manufacturer should be recognized for both consistency and traceability across their processes, from raw material sourcing to final product distribution.

 

For instance, CHEN LANG BIO TECH is a leading high-quality hydrolyzed keratin powder supplier in market. The company boasts a dedicated R&D and production management team, composed of experts in the collagen peptide industry, specifically focused on tilapia fish scale and skin collagen (peptide) production. With over a decade of experience, CHEN LANG BIO TECH has developed industry-leading proprietary technologies such as directed enzymatic cutting, acid-free online cleaning systems, filtration-based sterilization, and instant-soluble granulation. These innovations enable the production of hydrolyzed keratin with varied molecular weights and specifications, designed to meet the needs of both small-batch and large-scale manufacturers.

 

Our company’s fish collagen peptides are derived from high-quality tilapia sourced from GAP-certified and HACCP-compliant suppliers, meeting stringent FDA and EU hygiene standards. Furthermore, the entire production process at CHEN LANG BIO TECH is certified under HACCP and ISO 22000, with products regularly tested by the Hainan Provincial Quality Inspection Department and Jiangnan University to comply with both national standards and industry regulations such as SB/T 10634-2011 and QB2732-2005.

 

In addition to hydrolyzed keratin, CHEN LANG BIO TECH also manufactures a range of plant-based peptides (such as rice peptides, soybean peptides) and animal-based peptides (including type II collagen peptides, crocodile peptides). These bioactive peptides are used across industries including food, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

 

The fish-derived hydrolyzed keratin powder produced by CHEN LANG BIO TECH is a white, odorless powder that is completely water-soluble, offering high protein content, low ash levels, and superior bioavailability. These features make it highly suitable for a wide range of applications in hair care, skin care, and other personal care formulations.

 

Key Considerations When Sourcing Hydrolyzed Keratin:

 

♦Consistent Quality: Look for a manufacturer with a solid track record in producing high-quality, standardized products. CHEN LANG BIO TECH’s hydrolyzed keratin consistently meets industry standards, ensuring that formulations maintain their efficacy and performance.

 

♦Reliable Supply: Consider manufacturers that have established large-scale production capacity, as this guarantees a stable supply even for large orders. With an annual production capacity of 800 tons of fish collagen peptides, CHEN LANG BIO TECH can reliably fulfill large-scale manufacturing needs.

 

♦Certifications and Transparency: Always verify that the supplier can provide necessary documentation such as COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). This ensures product safety, traceability, and compliance with international regulatory standards.

 

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Hair Care Formulation

 

Choosing between hydrolyzed keratin vs keratin comes down to your formulation needs. For products targeting deep hair repair, hydrolyzed keratin is often the superior choice due to its enhanced absorption and ability to work within the hair structure. If the goal is hair strengthening and protection, keratin may provide adequate structural benefits.

 

At CHEN LANG BIO TECH, we are committed to providing high-quality hydrolyzed keratin powder with customized options to meet your specific needs. Whether you are looking for small-scale testing or large commercial supply, our team is here to support your formulation development.

 

For more information or to place an order, please contact us at admin@chenlangbio.com

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References

1, Zhang, Y., et al. (2020). "Hydrolysis of Keratin and its Functional Application in Cosmetics." International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

2, Anderson, R., & Thomas, L. (2018). "Solubility and Functional Characteristics of Keratin-based Ingredients." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

3, Lee, S., & Patel, V. (2019). "The Role of Hydrolyzed Keratin in Hair Repair and Strengthening." Cosmetic Ingredient Research Journal.

4, Global Cosmetic Industry, 2020. "Key Trends in Keratin and Collagen Ingredient Usage." Global Cosmetics Report.

5, Johnson, P., & Wang, M. (2017). "Formulation with Keratin and Hydrolyzed Keratin: A Comprehensive Guide." Cosmetic Formulation Handbook.

6, Harris, D., & Coleman, F. (2018). "Keratin and Its Impact on Hair Health and Structure." Journal of Hair Care Science.

7, Lee, T., et al. (2016). "Hydrolyzed Keratin: Benefits and Applications in Personal Care Products." Journal of Protein Chemistry.