Hydrolyzed Keratin
AKA: Keratin Hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein, Soluble Keratin
Synthetic
Humectant
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
Keratins, hydrolyzates. A biological material consisting predominantly of partially hydrolyzed keratin
CAS #
69430-36-0
Form
Powder
Functions
Antistatic
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Keratin, the primary structural protein in skin, hair, and nails, began being commercially extracted and used in cosmetics in the mid-20th century. Hydrolyzed keratin was developed to create smaller, more penetrable peptide fragments that can reinforce skin barrier function and improve texture.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR