Plant Keratin • Conditioning • Moisturizing

Plant Keratin offers a biomimetic (that is, responsibly engineered to behave as found
in nature) and vegan alternative to hydrolyzed keratin protein. The selective combination of corn, wheat, and soy protein peptides provides a plant-based functional equivalent to
hydrolyzed proteins of animal origin, which have traditionally been used to restore moisture, luster, and health to hair and skin.  Plant Keratin is designed and proven to provide intensive conditioning, hydration, and antioxidant properties to a wide variety of personal care applications, with excellent film-forming and anti-irritant capabilities. Perfect for emulsions, hair masks, conditioners, and shampoos, Plant Keratin 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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When exposed to the harsh challenges of repeated thermal treatments, chemicals, hard
water, soaps, shampooing, washing, weather, and daily maintenance wear-and-tear,
keratinaceous structures of the hair and skin become vulnerable to dullness, drying,
roughness, and scaling, with eventual stripping and breakage of their natural protective layers. Enter the therapeutic benefits of high-quality keratin treatments!

However, in its intact natural form, keratin (like most proteins) is insoluble in water, and
impervious to proteolysis, making it unsuitable for cosmetic application. It can’t penetrate the dermal layer or hair shaft as a larger protein molecule and therefore must be subjected to hydrolysis, the process by which a protein is cleaved into small peptide chains, called hydrolysates, or cleaved further into amino acid molecules. Consumers have typically sought out animal-derived hydrolyzed keratin proteins in hair and skin care products to achieve their 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 Plant Keratin, derived from 100% botanical sources, replacing its animal-based counterparts.

Plant Keratin consists of hydrolyzed corn, wheat, and soybean proteins that mimic the
composition of hydrolyzed keratin to provide a sustainable, environmentally accountable
active in the management of skin and hair revitalization. Taken together, this combo of plant compounds, when applied to the skin, supplies the outer dermal layer, or Stratum Corneum, with key nutrients that contribute to what is known as the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). These compounds are responsible for maintaining the natural moisture content and suppleness of the skin by attracting and retaining water to keep it hydrated, as well as performing film-forming actions which minimize TEWL.

Additionally, it has been demonstrated in a related study that Plant Keratin possesses a high ORAC value, which, when applied to the skin, exerts significant antioxidant activity starting at a 0.1% concentration, and in a dose-dependent fashion, effectively minimizes oxidative stress. This data establishes the multiple benefits of Plant Keratin, including potent oxidative protection. (See study)​
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When it comes to compromised hair, Plant Keratin goes to work penetrating the outermost layer of the hair shaft, called the cuticle, thus protecting the inner cortex of the hair. Because keratin comprises more than 90% of the hair follicle itself and is rich in cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, application of this product fortifies each strand from top to bottom to repair frizz and split ends, restoring structural integrity, elasticity, strength, smoothness, and sheen to embattled tresses.

Plant Keratin is thus an enriching, versatile, and formidable ally against all manners
of hair and skin care woes, returning hair to its natural vitality and protecting skin from the ravages of the elements, all with an innovative market edge.

INCI Nomenclature: Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein & Hydrolyzed Soy Protein & Methylparaben & Quaternium-15 & Tetrasodium EDTA 
Appearance: Amber Liquid
Solubility: Water Soluble
Suggested Use Levels: 1.0 - 5.0%
Suggested Applications: Increased Hair Hydration, Strength, Manageability and Shine, Improved Skin Barrier Function, Skin Moisturization
Use pH: (Direct) 6.0-8.0
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: BN9395462/LBE