Silk Amino Acids is a mixture obtained from pure silk fibers by hydrolysis to their free amino acids under carefully controlled conditions. The principal amino acids in this ingredient are glycine, alanine, and serine. The bulk of the other major amino acid, tyrosine, has been removed due to its lack of solubility.
Its small molecular size gives better solubility and compatibility in certain formulations (such as hydro-alcoholic). A low odor and smooth feel offer added benefits for this non-animal amino acid source. Silk Amino Acids is a substantive, protein derivative that is highly hygroscopic (contains NMF) with an enhanced moisture-binding ability.
Silk Amino Acids are used in elegant skin and hair care preparations due to their outstanding properties. For hair care, it is used in shampoos, conditioners, blow drying, and setting products. For skincare, it is incorporated in skin creams, lotions nutritive treatment, and mild cleansing products.
Amino Acid Profile of Silk Fibroin
Alanine | 26.6 |
Arginine | 0.9 |
Aspartic Acid | 1.8 |
Cystine/Cysteine | 0.5 |
Glutamic Acid | 1.5 |
Glycine | 38.3 |
Histidine | 0.3 |
Isoleucine | 1.0 |
Leucine | 0.7 |
Lysine | 0.7 |
Methionine | 0.2 |
Phenylalanine | 1.0 |
Proline | 0.4 |
Serine | 13.0 |
Threonine | 1.1 |
Tyrosine | 9.7 |
Valine | 2.7 |