Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol is a copolymer of the amino acid cysteine and silicone, developed primarily as an advanced conditioning agent in performance hair care products. It combines the functional power of cysteine, an amino acid that plays a key role in hair structure, and silicone. Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol is a multifunctional conditioning ingredient developed to enhance the performance and benefits of hair care products.
Cystine represents approximately one-third by weight of the copolymer. As supplied Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of approximately 20,000, with components corresponding to n 1 – 200 (approx.).
Cuticle damage protection and repair
Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol offers proven protection against cuticle damage caused by common hairstyling practices such as combing and styling. By simulating the stresses arising from repeated combing, scientific studies have shown that hair undergoes damage in the form of cuticle de-cementation and buckling. Results of tests using Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol have demonstrated how such damage can be prevented and repaired.
The presence of Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol significantly increased the de-cementing strain threshold of the hair fiber, thereby offering protection against further damage.Applications include:
- Permanent waves
- Hair relaxers/straighteners
- Leave-on hair treatments
- Restructurings
- Split end treatments
- Styling products
Penetration and disulfide exchange with cysteine residues of hair
Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol represents a unique conditioning copolymer, possessing a number of interesting properties. Disulfide exchange reactions with hair in a reduced state eg perm treatments, offer opportunities for more permanent conditioning of hair. The high cystine content of the copolymer enhances this behavior.
It has been demonstrated that the treatment of hair in its reduced state with a dilute solution of Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol results in partial reformation of disulfide bonds in the hair. Results, based on mechanical force measurements of hair treated with thioglycollate, show that Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol penetrates into the hair cortex and undergoes disulfide exchange reactions with cysteine residues of the hair.
Health and Safety
Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol is a copolymer of two well-established cosmetic ingredients. It is expected to possess a relatively low degree of acute oral toxicity and to be essentially non-irritating to skin and eyes.
What are the benefits of Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol for the hair?
- Prevents and repairs hair cuticle damage
- Penetrates cuticle to condition from within
- Bonds covalently to hair keratin
- High molecular weight film-former
- Polymerises in/on the hair on drying
- Influences mechanical properties of hair
- Improves curl retention after perming
- Enhances sheen/gloss of hair
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