Collagen Amino Acids

Amino acids have been widely used in cosmetics, primarily in hair care preparations, where they have been touted for their ability to restore “life” to thinning hair, helping to increase volume and fullness. In hair preparations, Collagen Amino Acids tend to show tremendous substantivity due to low molecular weight and the corresponding ability to penetrate through the cuticle deep into the hair fiber.

Each molecule that penetrates the hair shaft contributes its inherent moisture binding capacity. It has been shown that by increasing the moisture content of the hair, the flexibility is enhanced; consequently increasing ease of style and manageability. Collagen Amino Acids are unique in that they contain hydrolyzed amino acids, hydroxy-proline, and hydroxylysine. These amino acids are responsible for the structural superiority of collagen and its ability to immediately bind water to provide turgor and rigidity. The topical application of these two free amino acids will give the skin a moisture boost leading to surface plumpness, a vital look, and a reduction in surface dryness.

Collagen Amino Acids are ideal for incorporation into hair care formulations such as shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. The moisture binding characteristics provide excellent conditioning effects, increasing flexibility and thereby reducing breakage. Most cosmetics utilizing collagen contain soluble collagen, the native precursor of collagen.

Collagen amino acids, fundamental building blocks from which the collagen proteins are made, can penetrate into the stratum corneum, helping to augment the amino acids already there. With the hair, Collagen Amino Acids provide a natural moisture-binding foundation.

Collagen contains significant quantities of Glutamic Acid, Proline, and Hydroxyproline, which are freely soluble in water and substantive to skin and hair. It is the unique molecular structure of these amino acids which is responsible for their hygroscopicity. The interrelationship of these amino acids is apparent when one recognizes that proline results from the ring closure of glutamic acid, via pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a well-documented moisturizing ingredient.