Is Hydrolyzed Keratin safe in cosmetics?
Hydrolyzed Keratin has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Hydrolyzed Keratin
INCI: HYDROLYZED KERATIN
Hydrolyzed Keratin (CAS 69430-36-0) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Nail Conditioning Agent, Hair Conditioning Agent, Protein Film Former. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 69430-36-0 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Nail Conditioning Agent, Hair Conditioning Agent, Protein Film Former
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR Expert Panel reviewed 8 keratin-derived ingredients and concluded safe as used in cosmetic formulations
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Hydrolyzed Keratin, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
1-3%
Penetration Level
surface
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum
Molecular Weight
Variable Da
Log P
n/a
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
0.5-2%
Safety Margin Factor
low
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: CIR
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conditioner | 0.5–2 | 5 | CIR/VCRP |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
amino_acid
{"cas_number": "69430-36-0", "ingredient_class": "keratin_derivative", "source_origin": "animal", "molecular_weight_range_Da": "1000-10000", "amino_acid_composition_key": "cysteine_rich_keratin", "isoelectric_point": "5.0", "charge_at_pH_5_5": "zwitterionic", "water_solubility": "soluble", "oil_solubility": "insoluble", "film_forming_ability": "excellent", "moisture_binding_capacity": "excellent",…
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "69430-36-0", "ingredient_class": "other", "primary_mechanism": "barrier_reinforcement", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": "no", "NF_kB_inhibit…
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "69430-36-0", "ingredient_class": "other", "pediatric_safety_rating": "good", "minimum_age_months": "6", "neonatal_safe": "no", "premature_infant_safe": "insufficient_data", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "Protein, hair/skin", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "low", "systemic_exposure_concern_pediatric": "low", "dose_per_kg_body_weight_concern": "Protein fragments…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "0", "skin_type_suitability": "all,dry,combination,normal", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "Protein"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "1.0", "max_concentration_pct": "10.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "5.0", "product_type": "Hair Mask", "function_at_concentration": "Intensive protein repair", "source": "Supplier TDS"}
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "mid-range", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "35", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "65", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "0", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "0", "supply_chain_volatility": "medium", "primary_source_region": "New Zealand/US", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "50", "seasonal_price_variation": "medium", "commodity_or_specialty": "specialty", "substitute_ingredients": "S…
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "Variable", "skin_penetration_level": "surface", "penetration_depth": "stratum corneum", "absorption_pct": "1-3", "systemic_absorption": "minimal", "penetration_enhancer": "no", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "yes", "skin_barrier_effect": "neutral", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "0.5-2", "safety_margin_factor": "low", "source": "CIR"}
hair_care
{"hair_function": "protein-treatment", "hair_type_suitability": "medium/coarse", "curl_pattern_suitability": "all", "porosity_suitability": "high", "protein_sensitivity": "protein", "moisture_protein_balance": "yes", "cg_method_approved": "not-a-silicone", "silicone_type": "not-a-sulfate", "sulfate_type": "no", "drying_alcohol": "no", "fatty_alcohol": "no", "heat_protectant": "yes", "color_safe": …
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Anti-static agent
Binder
Film former
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Regulatory Flags
nail_conditioner
formaldehyde_free_alternative
keratin_reinforcement
gentle_strengthener
protein_hydrolysate
Chemical Function
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Regulatory Lists
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hydrolyzed Keratin allowed in the EU?
Hydrolyzed Keratin EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Hydrolyzed Keratin do in cosmetics?
Hydrolyzed Keratin functions as: Nail Conditioning Agent, Hair Conditioning Agent, Protein Film Former. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 69430-36-0.
Compliance Tools
Check Hydrolyzed Keratin compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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