Hydrolyzed Proteins for Cosmetics: Silk, Keratin and Plant Protein Hydrolysates

Hydrolyzed proteins are one of the most versatile ingredient families in hair care and skin care. This hub brings together every protein hydrolysate in the BeautyLabPro catalog, from Hydrolyzed Silk Peptide Powder to liquid Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein and vegan plant proteins from rice, pea, quinoa, wheat, soy and mung bean. Formulators, indie brands and DIY makers can buy hydrolyzed protein for cosmetics in small test sizes and scale up to larger packs for production.

What is a hydrolyzed protein?

A hydrolyzed protein, or protein hydrolysate, is a protein that has been broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids. Whole proteins such as silk, keratin or pea protein are large and do not dissolve well in water. After hydrolysis, the smaller fragments become water soluble and easy to add to the water phase of shampoos, conditioners, serums and creams. On an ingredient label they appear under INCI names such as Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein or Hydrolyzed Quinoa. When hydrolysis goes all the way to free amino acids, the INCI changes to names like Wheat Amino Acids or Soy Amino Acids.

Molecular weight matters. Medium-weight peptides leave a light conditioning film that adds slip and softness, while smaller fragments and amino acids are lighter and feel less filmy. Where the supplier gives a molecular weight, we list it on the product page, for example 2500 to 3200 Daltons for our hydrolyzed keratin and about 1750 Daltons for the wheat and soy amino acid blend.

Shop hydrolysates by format

Hydrolyzed protein powders

Dry powders give you full control over concentration and a long, stable shelf format. Our hydrolyzed protein powders include medium molecular weight silk peptides (INCI Hydrolyzed Silk, suggested use 0.5 to 5%) and Hydrolyzed Mung Bean Protein Peptide Powder, a plant peptide popular in K-beauty essences and serums. Both dissolve in the water phase.

Liquid hydrolyzed proteins

Hydrolyzed protein liquids are ready-to-use water-soluble solutions that skip the dissolving step. The range covers classic hydrolyzed keratin from sheep wool (use 1 to 5%), the Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Quinoa and Pea Hair Complex for frizz-control and manageability formulas, the Hydrolyzed Rice and Pea Protein Smoothing Solution for clear serums and gel creams (use 2%) and the vegan Wheat and Soy Amino Acids Keratin Alternative (use 2 to 5%).

Not sure which format suits your process? Our guide peptide powder vs peptide solution explains the trade-offs between weighing a dry active and dosing a ready liquid.

Where hydrolyzed proteins are used

• Hair care: shampoos, rinse-off and leave-in conditioners, hair masks, serums, styling gels and mousses. Hydrolyzed keratin, silk and plant proteins are classic conditioning and strength-focused ingredients. See more in Hair, Lash and Scalp.
• Skin care: serums, essences, gel creams, moisturizers, toners and masks, where protein hydrolysates add a soft, smooth after-feel and support moisture retention.
• Body, lip and cleansing products: body lotions, lip care and liquid cleansers, as listed by the suppliers for several materials in this range.

How to formulate with protein hydrolysates

• Phase: add to the water phase. In hot-process emulsions, most liquid hydrolysates are added after the emulsion forms, below 40°C (104°F).
• Use levels: typically 0.5 to 5% depending on the material. Each product page lists the supplier’s recommended range.
• pH: most materials in this range are listed for finished products between pH 4.0 and 7.5; check the individual page.
• Color and clarity: liquid hydrolysates are usually amber and may sediment slightly on standing. At normal use levels they add only a light tint.
• Handling powders: silk peptide powder is hygroscopic, so weigh quickly and reseal the bag.

Proteins pair well with humectants and other conditioning actives. Popular partners include D-Panthenol 75%, ingredients from our hyaluronic acid range and signal peptides from Peptide Powders and Peptide Solutions. Use our formulation calculator to convert percentages into batch weights.

Why buy hydrolyzed proteins from BeautyLabPro

• Orders ship from Florida, with free standard US shipping on qualifying orders of $49 or more.
• A certificate of analysis (COA) can be requested for eligible ingredients.
• Every product page lists INCI, appearance, solubility, pH and the supplier’s recommended use level.
• Small sizes for testing and larger packs for production; for bigger volumes see our wholesale page.

Explore the wider cosmetic active ingredients catalog for humectants, vitamins and PDRN. Shipping, returns and order questions are covered in our FAQ and refund and returns policy.

FAQ about hydrolyzed proteins

What are hydrolyzed proteins used for in cosmetics?

They are used as water-soluble conditioning ingredients in hair care and skin care: shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, serums, creams and lotions. They help give a soft, smooth feel and support moisture retention.

Is hydrolyzed protein the same as a peptide?

A protein hydrolysate is a mixture of peptides and amino acids made by breaking down a natural protein. Signal peptides such as Matrixyl-type or GHK-Cu are single, defined sequences. Both are water soluble, but they are different ingredient types.

Should I choose a powder or a liquid hydrolysate?

Powders give full control over concentration and are convenient to store. Liquids are ready to dose into the water phase without a dissolving step and suit larger hair-care batches.

Which hydrolyzed proteins are vegan?

Plant-derived options include hydrolyzed rice, pea, quinoa and mung bean proteins and the wheat and soy amino acid blend. Hydrolyzed keratin comes from sheep wool and hydrolyzed silk is derived from natural silk, so they are animal derived.

How much hydrolyzed protein should I use?

Typical supplier use levels in this range are 0.5 to 5%: hydrolyzed silk 0.5 to 5%, hydrolyzed keratin 1 to 5%, the rice and pea solution 2%. For mung bean peptide powder the supplier gives no rate, so start low and test.

Can I add hydrolyzed proteins to hot emulsions?

Add liquid hydrolysates after the emulsion has formed and the batch has cooled below 40°C (104°F), unless the product page states otherwise.