Description
Silk is a fiber obtained from the cocoons made by the larvae of the silkworm. These larvae feed on mulberry leaves. They have glands that produce protein material during the formation of the cocoon and throughout their life.
Silk is a natural protein fiber containing about 70-75% fibroin, a fibrous elastic protein, and 25-30% sericin, an amorphous viscose protein, which acts as cement. Fibroin constitutes the internal core and sericin the external cover of the thread. Silk threads are very thin and long (300 to 900 meters), glossy white or creamy filaments. Silk is one of the most resistant fibers.
Skin conditioning activity
Because of their polar nature, proteins easily bind water molecules through hydrogen bonds. When superficial moisturizing is involved, this action is almost not influenced by the molecular weight; however, if penetration and moisturizing of deeper skin layers is required, short-chain peptides – with lower molecular weights – are more effective.
Challoner, NI et al. (1997) evaluated the moisturizing effect of different proteins, including vegetable proteins and derivatives. In a first assay, they evaluated the moisturizing effects of an O/W emulsion containing 1% protein hydrolyzate. The results showed that the protein hydrolyzate-containing emulsion significantly increased skin immediate extensibility (Ei).
They also evaluated the lifting effects of two high molecular weight proteins in aqueous solution. The results showed that incorporating proteins into an aqueous formulation significantly decreased Ei during the treatment period. This finding could be explained by the capacity of proteins to form a coating film on the skin surface, which resulted in a lifting effect.
Thus, low molecular weight proteins are good moisturizers for deep skin layers and high molecular weight proteins – because of their filmogenic action – are good moisturizers for the skin surface, as well as good firming and soothing agents.
Hair Conditioning activity
Proteins are polymer chains bearing hydrophilic groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl and amine groups), which easily bind water molecules. Protein hydrolysis generates more carboxyl- and amine-terminal groups, thus increasing water-retention in conditions of high relative humidity.
Protein hydrolyzates are hydrophilic, namely, they retain water; the higher the degree of protein hydrolysis, the higher the water-absorption. Qualitative data demonstrate higher water-retention and better regulation of water-absorption and release for hair, which has been treated with protein hydrolizates (Chahal, S.P., 1999).
Low molecular weight proteins can penetrate to the hair-shaft cortex, thus repairing, strengthening and protecting it from the inside. High molecular weight proteins – due to their ability to coat the hair-shaft surface – are good hair soothing and protecting agents (Huetter, I., 2003).
Appearance: Colorless to slight turbid liquid
Recommended Dosage: 0.5-5%
It is preserved with Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate
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