It takes a silkworm three to eight days to spin its cocoon, made of a single silk thread about 3,600 feet long.
What it is: Silk protein (or peptide) comes from silk fibers and is added to many beauty products.
Where it comes from: Produced by silkworms, water-soluble silk proteins are created through a chemical process called hydrolysis.
Properties: For the beauty industry, silk proteins or peptides come in powder or liquid forms. It has a low molecular weight, which allows it to be water soluble and permeable. It’s available as a light yellow, transparent liquid or as an off -white powder.
What it’s good for: Easily absorbed by the skin and hair, silk proteins provide and retain moisture, protect skin from dehydration, and give it a smooth, silky feel.
Where you’ll find it: It can be found in a variety of cosmetic products including eye creams, body washes, lotions, cleansers, soaps, and makeup. It is also commonly used in hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, and treatments.
Other uses: Silk protein can be used as a food additive.
For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.
media brand