Phytokeratin (Plant Keratin)
Commonly known as: Plant Keratin, Phytokeratin, Hydrolyzed Wheat/Almond Protein.
I.N.C.I. list name: Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein.
Extraction process: Wheat or almond proteins hydrolyzed by enzymatic process.
Source: Vegetable.
Botanical name: Triticum vulgare (wheat), Prunus amygdalus (almond).
Family: Poaceae (wheat), Rosaceae (almond).
Extracted part of the plant: Seeds.
Origin, provenance: Europe.
Chemical properties: Set of proteins of variable size; Soluble in water; Insoluble in oil; Molecular weight of proteins ranging from minus 300 to 10,000 Da; pH: 4.0 - 5.0.
Properties: Colloidal solution, emulsion, suspension.
Required dosage in cosmetic products: Usually used at 0.5 to 5% in formulations; Maximum concentration not regulated.
Function: Anti-static, hair conditioner, skin care agent.
Specificities: Film-forming, fortifying, repairing, softening, firming, tensing, nourishing, protective, anti-static.
Benefits: All skin types and particularly mature, dry, delicate and sensitive skin; All hair types and particularly for brittle, dull, fine, dry, dehydrated and damaged hair; Suggested to treat damaged, soft and brittle nails and poorly supplied eyelashes.
Details
Properties
Anti-static: Facilitate styling by reducing or preventing the accumulation of static electricity;
Film-forming: Solidify, coat and protect the hair fiber by creating a film on the hair;
Fortifying, nourishing, repairing: Improving the resistance of the hair by consolidating the capillary fiber by the contribution of sulfur in all the structures of the hair and in principal compounds of the fiber and the cuticle (proline, aspartic acid, serine, leucine?);
Firming, immediate tensor: Restore tone and regularity to the skin by forming a smoothing, elastic and continuous film that tightens the surface layers of the skin.
Use
Face care (masks, firming creams, eye contour creams, eyelash care);
Body care (nail strengthening serums/baumes, nourishing creams for feet and hands, shower gels);
Hair care (shampoos, conditioners, fortifying hair masks, split end repair serums, hair balms, styling gels);
Make-up (foundations, mascaras).
Preservation
Store at room temperature in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources and humidity.
Contra-Indications and Precautions
The hydrolysate of wheat or almond proteins is a safe, non-irritating, non-sensitizing and non-allergic active ingredient.
