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Hydrolyzed keratin

Hydrolyzed keratin suppliers and sourcing guide

Hydrolyzed keratin is keratin protein broken into smaller peptides and amino acids. It is made from animal keratin sources such as sheep wool, feathers or horn by acid, alkaline or enzymatic hydrolysis, then filtered and adjusted. Brands buy it mainly as an aqueous solution with a stated solids content, or as a powder, for hair care and some skin products. Molecular weight range differs a lot between products.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
keratin hydrolysate · hydrolyzed animal keratin · keratin peptides · CAS 69430-36-0
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of hydrolyzed keratin

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Aqueous solution

    Liquid hydrolysate at a stated protein or solids content with a preservative.

  • Powder

    Spray-dried hydrolysate for dry blends or for dissolving in house.

  • Low and high molecular weight grades

    Products differing in average peptide size, stated as a molecular weight range.

  • Wool-derived keratin

    Keratin from sheep wool, often chosen to avoid bovine or poultry sourcing.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Protein or solids content
Nitrogen (Kjeldahl) or solids content, which sets the active level.
Molecular weight distribution
Size-exclusion chromatography (GPC) of the peptides.
pH and ash
pH of the solution and ash or chloride left from hydrolysis and neutralization.
Amino acid profile
Cystine/cysteine and other amino acids, which help confirm a keratin source.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold and pathogens.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep solutions closed in a cool place and powders sealed and dry. Protein solutions are prone to microbial growth once opened, so use them within the supplier time limit. Shelf life is set by the supplier.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the animal source, hydrolysis method, molecular weight range and solids for each lot. Keep the supplier origin statement (species and, for bovine material, BSE/TSE documentation) with the lot records.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists hydrolyzed keratin (proper names hydrolyzed animal keratin and keratin hydrolysate, CAS 69430-36-0) as an approved chemical name with the non-medicinal purpose skin-conditioning agent.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist lists hydrolyzed keratin from human hair among substances of human origin, for which manufacturers must give Health Canada information such as the source and method of production.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Hydrolyzed keratin suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking hydrolyzed keratin suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell hydrolyzed keratin? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of hydrolyzed keratin can brands buy?

Common forms include aqueous solution, powder, low and high molecular weight grades and wool-derived keratin. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for hydrolyzed keratin include?

Expect protein or solids content, molecular weight distribution, pH and ash, amino acid profile and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should hydrolyzed keratin be stored?

Keep solutions closed in a cool place and powders sealed and dry. Protein solutions are prone to microbial growth once opened, so use them within the supplier time limit. Shelf life is set by the supplier.

What is the regulatory status of hydrolyzed keratin?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists hydrolyzed keratin (proper names hydrolyzed animal keratin and keratin hydrolysate, CAS 69430-36-0) as an approved chemical name with the non-medicinal purpose skin-conditioning agent. Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist lists hydrolyzed keratin from human hair among substances of human origin, for which manufacturers must give Health Canada information such as the source and method of production.

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