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Secret Ingredient: Silk Protein / Silk Peptide

Silk proteins provide and retain moisture, protect skin from dehydration, and give it a smooth, silky feel.

by Staff
June 1, 2010
Secret Ingredient: Silk Protein / Silk Peptide

It takes a silkworm three to eight days to spin its cocoon, made of a single silk thread about 3,600 feet long.

1 min to read


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.

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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.     

Topics:Wellness
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