Hydrolyzed Keratin 25%

Hydrolyzed Keratin 25% at a glance

Hydrolyzed Keratin 25% is the concentrated grade of our keratin hydrolysates. On the label it is declared with the same INCI as any keratin hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed Keratin, but the material itself is richer, which makes it the better choice for leave-on cosmetic formulas masks and intensive conditioners where a strong protein story matters. The listed pH is 6.1, the recommended use level is 3 to 5%, and the liquid dissolves fully in water. It is light yellow to amber in color and is produced in France.

What the 25% refers to

The number in the name describes the grade of the hydrolysate. It is not a dilution instruction and it does not change the INCI. When you calculate protein content for a claim, a label or a technical file, take the exact figure from the certificate of analysis of the lot you received. Lot to lot variation in color and odor is normal for a natural protein and does not affect performance.

How the concentrate behaves in a formula

pH and compatibility

A pH of 6.1 is close to where most conditioners and masks finish, so the hydrolysate rarely needs a large correction. Keep the final product between about 4.5 and 6.5. It is compatible with cationic conditioning agents, fatty alcohols and most mild surfactants. With strong anionic systems, run a small stability test, because proteins can interact with high levels of sulfates and change viscosity.

Addition point

Add the concentrate at the end of the process. In an emulsion this means the cool-down phase, below 40 °C. In a cold gel or spray it can go straight into the water. Avoid long heating, which can darken the color.

Formulation ideas

appearance support masks for bleached or heat styled hair can carry the full 5%. A bond care conditioner or a smoothing cream for frizzy hair works well at 4%. For a weekly protein boost, a leave-in fluid at 3% gives a lighter finish. A softer protein profile comes from blending with hydrolyzed silk, while keratin amino acids add small water-binding molecules that reach deeper into the fiber. Compare more protein hydrolysates in the hydrolyzed proteins catalog.

Nail and hand care

Brittle nails benefit from protein just like hair. A nail strengthening gel or a cuticle cream with 3 to 5% of the concentrate gives a smoother, more cared for look. In hand creams the protein adds a soft, silky afterfeel that consumers notice right away.

Sample recipe: intensive keratin hair mask, 100 g

Distilled water 77.30 g, cetearyl alcohol 6.00 g, behentrimonium methosulfate 3.00 g, shea butter 3.00 g, Hydrolyzed Keratin 25% 5.00 g, glycerin 3.00 g, panthenol 1.00 g, preservative 1.00 g, fragrance 0.20 g, citric acid solution 0.50 g. Melt the fatty phase with the conditioner at 75 °C, emulsify into hot water, cool to 40 °C, add glycerin, panthenol, keratin, preservative and fragrance, and adjust to pH 4.5 to 5.

Choosing between the standard and the 25% grade

The catalog carries two keratin hydrolysates. The standard Hydrolyzed Keratin suits everyday shampoos and light conditioners, where a protein note on the label and a smoother feel after rinsing are the goals. The 25% grade is the one to reach for when protein is the hero of the product: a appearance support mask, a pre-shampoo protein pack, a smoothing cream for frizzy hair or a strengthening nail gel. Both share the same INCI and the same 3 to 5% range, so switching between them does not change the ingredient list. What changes is the richness the formula carries at the same dose.

Claims and testing

Keep the language cosmetic and visual: smoother looking hair, easier combing, more shine, less visible frizz, nails that look stronger. Simple tests support these claims well. Combing force on tresses, gloss readings and a small consumer panel are enough for most indie brands. Run a stability check at 40 °C for four weeks, because proteins can shift color or odor in warm storage, and record viscosity and pH at each point.

Storage

Keep tightly closed in a cool, dark place. The certificate of analysis travels with every order and lists the values for that lot.