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Keratin, Alpha-Keratin, Beta-Keratin, Cytokeratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolytic Keratin, 8046-22-2, 68238-35-7, 169799-44-4

Keratin, Alpha-Keratin, Beta-Keratin, Cytokeratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolytic Keratin, 8046-22-2, 68238-35-7, 169799-44-4

KERATIN & HYDROLYZED KERATIN

SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTITY AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION

Parameter Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin
Product Name Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin
Synonyms Keratin (Animal), Alpha-Keratin, Beta-Keratin, Cytokeratin Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolytic Keratin, Keratin Hydrolysate
CAS Number 8046-22-2 (General Keratin) 68238-35-7 (Animal) / 169799-44-4 (Human Epidermal)
EC Number (EINECS) - 269-409-1
Chemical Class Structural Protein / Intermediate Filament Protein Hydrolyzed Protein / Peptides
Source Animal tissues (wool, feathers, horns, hooves, hair, nails, skin) Enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis of keratin
Appearance White to off-white powder, flakes or fibers White to off-white powder
Odor Characteristic; may have slight odor depending on source Slight characteristic odor
Solubility Insoluble in water (native form) Soluble in water
INCI Name Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin

SECTION 2: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Keratin Structure:

    ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
    │          Central Rod Domain          │  (α-helix, ~300 residues)
    │      (Coiled-coil structure)         │
    └─────────────────────────────────────┘
               │              │
    ┌──────────┴──────┐       │
    │    N-Terminal   │       │
    │   Head Domain   │       │
    └─────────────────┘       │
                              │
                    ┌─────────┴──────┐
                    │   C-Terminal   │
                    │   Tail Domain  │
                    └────────────────┘

Simplified Structure:

    [Type I Keratin] + [Type II Keratin] → Coiled-coil Dimer
                                              ↓
                                         Protofilament
                                              ↓
                                        Intermediate Filament

Hydrolyzed Keratin Structure:

    —[Amino Acid]—[Peptide]—[Amino Acid]—[Peptide]—
    
    Hydrolyzed Keratin
    (Small peptides, low molecular weight)
Parameter Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin
Molecular Weight 40-60 kDa (Type I/II); 6-20 kDa (matrix proteins) 0.5-10 kDa (peptides)
Structure Coiled-coil dimer; Intermediate filament Short peptide chains
Sulfur Content Hard keratin: ~5%; Soft keratin: ~1% Reduced (hydrolysis breaks disulfide bonds)
Amino Acids Cysteine, glycine, serine, proline, tyrosine Same amino acids in smaller chains
Isoelectric Point Type I: 4.9-5.4; Type II: 6.5-8.5 Variable (depends on hydrolysis)

SECTION 3: KERATIN TYPES AND CLASSIFICATION

Type Description Properties Location
Type I (Acidic) 28 types in humans (17 epithelial, 11 hair keratins) Smaller, acidic proteins (pI 4.9-5.4); low molecular weight Epithelial cells, hair, nails
Type II (Basic) 26 types in humans (20 epithelial, 6 hair keratins) Larger, neutral-basic proteins (pI 6.5-8.5) Inner epithelial cells, hair
Alpha-Keratin Found in mammals Fibrous, helical structure; forms intermediate filaments Hair, skin, nails, horns, wool
Beta-Keratin Found in birds and reptiles Parallel polypeptide sheets; hard and durable Feathers, claws, beaks, scales
Hard Keratin High sulfur content (~5%) Rich in cysteine; many disulfide bonds; rigid and insoluble Hair, horns, nails, hooves, feathers
Soft Keratin Low sulfur content (~1%) Fewer disulfide bonds; less rigid Skin (stratum corneum), internal epithelial tissues

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin
Appearance White to off-white powder/flakes White to off-white powder
Odor Characteristic; may have slight odor Slight characteristic odor
Water Solubility Insoluble (native) Soluble
Acid Solubility Relatively stable in dilute mineral acids Soluble
Alkali Solubility Soluble in pH 10-11 or higher Soluble
Organic Solvents Insoluble Insoluble
Melting Point Decomposes before melting; >200°C Decomposes before melting
Density ~1.25 – 1.30 g/cm³ Variable
Stability Stable under normal conditions; resistant to enzymes Stable under normal conditions
Hygroscopicity Low Moderate-High

SECTION 5: KERATIN vs HYDROLYZED KERATIN vs HYDROLYTIC KERATIN

Property Keratin (8046-22-2) Hydrolyzed Keratin (68238-35-7) Hydrolytic Keratin (169799-44-4)
Molecular Structure Large protein chain Small peptides Small peptides
Molecular Weight 40-60 kDa 0.5-10 kDa 0.5-10 kDa
Water Solubility Insoluble Soluble Soluble
Hair Penetration Surface only (coating) Penetrates hair shaft Penetrates hair shaft
Repair Strength Superficial, temporary Deep, lasting repair Deep, intensive repair
Moisture Retention Moderate High High
Application Shampoos, conditioners Masks, serums Professional care products
Target Audience Normal hair care Damaged hair Very damaged, color-treated hair
INCI Name Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin

SECTION 6: MECHANISM OF ACTION

Mechanism Description
Surface Protection Native keratin forms a protective film on hair and skin surfaces. Reduces moisture loss and protects against environmental damage.
Hair Penetration (Hydrolyzed) Hydrolyzed keratin, due to its small molecular weight (0.5-10 kDa), can penetrate the hair cuticle and reach the cortex. Fills gaps in damaged hair structure.
Strength and Elasticity Keratin peptides bind to hair keratin, reinforcing the hair shaft. Reduces breakage and increases tensile strength.
Moisture Retention Keratin's amino acid composition (especially serine, glycine) attracts and retains moisture. Improves hair elasticity and prevents dryness.
Film Formation Forms a protective layer on hair and skin, smoothing the surface and adding shine. Reduces frizz and improves manageability.
Repair of Damaged Hair Hydrolyzed keratin provides building blocks for damaged hair structure. Especially effective on chemically treated (bleached, permed, colored) hair.

SECTION 7: NATURAL SOURCES

Source Keratin Type Keratin Content Main Use
Wool Alpha-keratin (Type I and II) High Cosmetic ingredients, biomaterials
Human Hair Alpha-keratin (Type I and II) High Hair care products, biomaterials
Feathers Beta-keratin High Animal feed supplements, cosmetics
Hooves and Horns Hard keratin (Type I and II) High Traditional medicine, polymers
Animal Horns Hard keratin High Crafts, polymers
Nails Hard keratin High Cosmetic applications
Skin Soft keratin Moderate Cosmetic applications

SECTION 8: PRODUCTION METHODS

Keratin Extraction:

Step Description
1. Raw Material Preparation Animal tissues (wool, feathers, hair) are cleaned and cut
2. Delipidization Removal of waxes and lipids with organic solvents
3. Solubilization Reductive extraction (DTT, 2-mercaptoethanol, sodium disulfide) → Keratein (cysteines intact, can be re-crosslinked) OR Oxidative extraction (peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide) → Keratose (cysteines converted to cysteic acid, water-soluble, hygroscopic)
4. Dialysis Removal of small molecules
5. Lyophilization Powder form

Hydrolyzed Keratin Production:

Step Description
1. Keratin Extraction Keratin extracted from animal sources (same as above)
2. Hydrolysis Enzymatic (proteases) or chemical (acid/alkaline) hydrolysis
3. Peptide Size Control Controlled conditions to achieve desired molecular weight (0.5-10 kDa)
4. Purification Filtration, dialysis
5. Drying Spray drying or lyophilization

SECTION 9: COSMETIC AND PERSONAL CARE APPLICATIONS

Application Function / Benefit Typical Use Level
Hair Care Products    
Shampoos Strengthens hair, improves appearance 0.5 – 5%
Conditioners Strengthens, softens, adds shine 0.5 – 5%
Hair Masks Deep conditioning, repair 1 – 10%
Leave-in Treatments Strengthening, smoothing 0.5 – 5%
Hair Serums Adds shine, reduces frizz 0.5 – 5%
Keratin Hair Treatments    
Salon Treatments (Brazilian Blowout) Reduces frizz, adds shine and silkiness Applied by professionals
At-home Treatments Similar effects at lower concentrations Variable
Skin Care Products    
Moisturizers Skin conditioning, barrier support 0.5 – 5%
Body Lotions Improves skin texture 0.5 – 5%
Nail Care Products    
Nail Hardening Treatments Strengthens nails 0.5 – 5%
Nail Serums Improves nail health and appearance 1 – 5%
Other Personal Care    
Face Serums Strengthens skin barrier 0.5 – 2%

SECTION 10: SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

Parameter Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin
GHS Classification Not classified as hazardous Not classified as hazardous
Acute Oral Toxicity Low toxicity Low toxicity
Acute Dermal Toxicity Low toxicity Low toxicity
Skin Irritation Generally not irritant Generally not irritant
Eye Irritation May cause mild irritation May cause mild irritation
Skin Sensitization Low sensitization potential Low sensitization potential
Carcinogenicity Not classified (IARC, NTP) Not classified (IARC, NTP)
Mutagenicity Not mutagenic Not mutagenic
Reproductive Toxicity Not classified Not classified
Allergen Potential Possible in sensitive individuals Possible in sensitive individuals
Endocrine Disruption No known potential No known potential

Potential Risks of Keratin Hair Treatments:

  • Formaldehyde exposure (in some treatments): eye irritation, nose/throat irritation, allergic reactions, scalp irritation/burns, hair loss/damage

  • Long-term formaldehyde exposure may have carcinogenic effects

  • Choose formaldehyde-free treatments to avoid unnecessary risks

SECTION 11: REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin
European Union Permitted Permitted
Turkey Permitted Permitted
USA (FDA) Permitted Permitted
Japan Permitted Permitted
Canada Permitted Permitted
REACH Registered Registered
INCI Listed (Keratin) Listed (Hydrolyzed Keratin)

SECTION 12: VEGAN STATUS AND ALTERNATIVES

Parameter Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin
Source Animal (wool, hair, feathers, hooves, horns) Animal (same sources)
Vegan Suitability Not suitable for vegan products Not suitable for vegan products
Vegetarian Suitability Generally acceptable for vegetarians Generally acceptable for vegetarians

Vegan Alternatives:

Alternative Source Vegan Application
Plant Proteins Soy, wheat, rice Hair and skin care
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein Oat Hair and skin care
Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein Quinoa Hair care
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein Rice Hair and skin care
Hydrolyzed Pea Protein Pea Hair and skin care
Hydrolyzed Silk Protein Silk (animal) Hair care

SECTION 13: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin
Storage Temperature 15 – 30°C 15 – 30°C
Storage Conditions Cool, dry, well-ventilated area Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Container Requirements Closed container to prevent moisture absorption Closed container to prevent moisture absorption
Protect From Excessive heat, moisture, contamination Excessive heat, moisture, contamination
Shelf Life 24 – 36 months (proper storage) 24 – 36 months (proper storage)
Signs of Degradation Color change, odor change, caking Color change, odor change, caking
Hygroscopicity Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture)

SECTION 14: PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity / Capacity Material
Aluminum Foil Bag 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg Aluminum / PE
PE-Lined Kraft Bag 10 kg, 25 kg Kraft paper + PE liner
HDPE Drum 25 kg, 50 kg HDPE
Fiber Drum (PE Lined) 25 kg, 50 kg Fiber / PE
IBC Container 500 kg, 1000 kg HDPE

SECTION 15: TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not applicable (not classified as dangerous goods)
Hazard Class Not applicable
ADR/RID Not classified as dangerous goods
IMDG Code Not marine pollutant
IATA (Air) Not classified as dangerous goods; can be transported by air
Transport Temperature Ambient temperature; protect from moisture

SECTION 16: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question Answer
Q1: What is the difference between Keratin and Hydrolyzed Keratin? Keratin (8046-22-2) is a large protein molecule that cannot penetrate the hair shaft; it works on the surface to coat and protect. Hydrolyzed Keratin (68238-35-7) is broken down into small peptides that can penetrate the hair shaft and provide deep repair.
Q2: Can Keratin penetrate the hair shaft? Native Keratin (8046-22-2) has a large molecular weight (40-60 kDa) and cannot penetrate the hair cuticle. It forms a protective coating on the surface. Hydrolyzed Keratin (0.5-10 kDa) can penetrate the hair shaft.
Q3: Is Keratin vegan? No. Keratin is derived from animal sources (wool, hair, feathers, hooves, horns). It is not suitable for vegan products.
Q4: Is Hydrolyzed Keratin safe? Yes, hydrolyzed keratin is generally considered safe for topical application. However, keratin hair treatments may contain formaldehyde, which can cause irritation and other side effects. Choose formaldehyde-free treatments.
Q5: What is Hydrolytic Keratin (169799-44-4)? Hydrolytic Keratin is another variant of hydrolyzed keratin with similar properties. It consists of low molecular weight peptides that penetrate the hair shaft and provide intensive repair, especially for very damaged or color-treated hair.
Q6: How does Hydrolyzed Keratin work? Hydrolyzed keratin penetrates the hair cuticle and cortex, filling gaps in damaged hair structure. It provides amino acids (especially cysteine) that strengthen the hair shaft, improve elasticity, and retain moisture.
Q7: Are there vegan alternatives to Keratin? Yes. Plant-based proteins such as hydrolyzed oat, quinoa, rice, pea, and soy proteins are vegan alternatives for hair and skin care applications.

SECTION 17: SUMMARY TABLE

Property Keratin (8046-22-2) Hydrolyzed Keratin (68238-35-7) Hydrolytic Keratin (169799-44-4)
CAS Number 8046-22-2 68238-35-7 169799-44-4
Molecular Structure Large protein chain Small peptides Small peptides
Molecular Weight 40-60 kDa 0.5-10 kDa 0.5-10 kDa
Water Solubility Insoluble Soluble Soluble
Hair Penetration Surface only Penetrates Penetrates
Repair Strength Superficial, temporary Deep, lasting Deep, intensive
Moisture Retention Moderate High High
Application Shampoos, conditioners Masks, serums Professional care
Target Audience Normal hair Damaged hair Very damaged, color-treated
INCI Name Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin Hydrolyzed Keratin
Vegan No No No

SECTION 18: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  1. Keratin (8046-22-2): Does not penetrate hair shaft; works on the surface to coat and protect. Do not expect deep repair from native keratin.

  2. Hydrolyzed Keratin (68238-35-7): Can penetrate the hair shaft. Choose hydrolyzed keratin for deep repair and damaged hair.

  3. Hydrolytic Keratin (169799-44-4): Most effective for very damaged or color-treated hair. Choose this variant for intensive repair.

  4. Formaldehyde Warning: Some keratin hair treatments contain formaldehyde. Choose formaldehyde-free treatments to avoid irritation and health risks.

  5. Vegan Suitability: Keratin and hydrolyzed keratin are animal-derived; not suitable for vegan products.

  6. Allergen Potential: Possible in sensitive individuals; perform patch test before use.

  7. Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture; store in tightly closed, dry containers.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

  1. Choose Correct Form: Use native keratin (8046-22-2) for surface protection and coating; hydrolyzed keratin (68238-35-7) for deep repair; hydrolytic keratin (169799-44-4) for intensive repair of very damaged hair.

  2. Concentration: Shampoos/Conditioners: 0.5-5%; Masks/Serums: 1-10%; Professional treatments: applied by professionals.

  3. Application: For hydrolyzed keratin, leave on hair for 3-5 minutes (masks) or as directed (serums). For keratin treatments, follow professional instructions.

  4. Formaldehyde-Free: Choose formaldehyde-free keratin treatments to avoid health risks.

  5. Storage: Store in cool, dry, airtight containers; protect from moisture.

  6. Vegan Alternatives: Use hydrolyzed oat, quinoa, rice, pea, or soy proteins for vegan products.

  7. Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves and eye protection during handling of powder forms.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or guarantee. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Keratin is an animal-derived protein; not suitable for vegan products. This document does not constitute medical advice.

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