Vegan Keratin - Oil Soluble • Hydrating • Moisturizing

Vegan Keratin OS offers a biomimetic (that is, responsibly engineered to behave as found in nature) and vegan alternative to hydrolyzed keratin protein. The selective combination of quinoa, lentil, and chickpea peptides in an apricot oil base provides a
plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free functional equivalent to oil-soluble hydrolyzed keratin of animal origin. Vegan Keratin OS effectively increases hair hydration and smooths hair to reduce frizz and dullness. Perfect for emulsions, hair oils, conditioners, masks, and dry shampoos, Vegan Keratin OS is an elegant response to the demand for eco-conscious beauty with integrity and ingredient transparency.

BACKGROUND, SCIENCE, AND BENEFITS:

Keratin is a family of proteins that make up the basic building blocks of the complex composition of hair, skin, nails, and outer tissue layers of the internal organs and glands. As such, it performs as a protective barrier substance of epithelial (surface) skin cells and hair structure, requiring it to be tough, resilient, and insoluble, with excellent mechanical properties designed to meet physiological stressors. Along with ceramides, essential fatty acids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and water, keratin helps to shield an essential hydro-lipid film, keeping each hair strand moisturized, and in the case of the skin’s
superficial layers, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). ​
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Keratin comprises more than 90% of the hair follicle and is rich in cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, and functions at the hair cuticle to protect the inner cortex of the hair from damage caused by factors including thermal styling and heat treatments, chemical processing, shampooing/dry shampooing, washing, and daily maintenance wear-and-tear. Unfortunately, hair keratin is particularly vulnerable to these harsh challenges. In turn, the moisture and lipids essential to hair health are compromised by being stripped. Enter the therapeutic benefits of high-quality keratin treatments!
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However, in its intact natural form, keratin’s large molecular weight (40-60 kDA), as well as its insolubility, renders it ineffective as a direct application to hair and skin. Keratin protein can’t penetrate the hair shaft to deliver its fortifying benefits unless it’s subjected to hydrolysis, breaking it down into smaller units – its amino acids. ​
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Consumers have typically sought out animal-derived hydrolyzed keratin proteins in hair care products to achieve its benefits, but the growing trend of vegan beauty and conscious consumption has inspired the development of new functional equivalents from botanical sources. Rising to meet this challenge and demand, we proudly offer Vegan Keratin OS, an oil-soluble, non-GMO, gluten-free hydrolyzed keratin protein equivalent, sourced from 100% botanical derivatives, replacing its animal-based counterparts.

Vegan Keratin OS consists of hydrolyzed chickpea, lentil, and quinoa proteins that mimic the composition of hydrolyzed keratin to provide a sustainable, environmentally accountable, and effective solution for hair-smoothing and hydration. Chickpea, lentil, and quinoa are nutritiously celebrated pulses in the legume family, which have traditionally been incorporated into classic culinary creations across the globe. Plentifully cultivated, lentils and chickpeas are sources of high-quality protein, rich in amino acids such as arginine, aspartic and glutamic acids, and leucine. Quinoa – also known as “the
mother grain” by the ancient Incas -- which abundantly contains amino acids lysine, methionine, and cysteine, is best known as a superfood, extraordinary for offering a complete amino acid profile. In fact, it boasts the highest protein level of all grains.

Taken together, this combo of plant proteins is introduced to the probiotic Lactobacillus, initiating the hydrolysis process through plant fermentation, which is considered a more sustainable and environmentally friendly method than other hydrolysis methods. This technology yields a controlled keratin peptide analogue with the desirable lower molecular weight (approximately 1 kDA oligopeptides, as opposed to the 2-4 kDA traditional protein hydrolysates). Such a controlled, low-molecular weight fraction presents a superior penetration profile when compared to traditional hydrolyzed proteins, lending exceptional integrity to the hair shaft, while promoting conditioning, smoothness, and shine.

As a last step, this vegan hydrolyzed keratin peptide compound is dispersed into a luxuriant oil base of apricot kernel oil through a high-sheer process, amplifying its ability to replenish the essential lipids of the hair and scalp without adding an oily look or feel. ​
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Vegan Keratin OS is thus an enriching and restorative active, made to maintain healthy tresses and banish all manners of hair-care woes, returning hair to its natural luster and vitality, all with an innovative market edge.

INCI Nomenclature: Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil & Lens esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract & Hydrolyzed Cicer arietinum (Chickpea) Seed Extract & Chenopodium quinoa (Quinoa) Seed Extract
Appearance: Clear to Slightly Hazy Liquid, Pale Yellow to Yellow
Solubility: Oil Soluble
Suggested Use Levels: 1-10%
Suggested Applications: Increased Hair Hydration, Strength, Manageability and Shine, Improved Skin Barrier Function, Skin Moisturization
Use pH: 3.0-7.0
Storage: Protected from direct light and humidity at a temperature of 50°-77°F (10°-25°C)
Shelf life: Retest every 12 months from the date of MFG, and store properly, in a sealed container.

This product should be added to a formulation at the recommended usage rate. 

All products sold are cosmetic grade; External Use Only; Cosmetic & Personal Care Formulations Only.

SDS 
CoA-LOT: BN9393227/LBE