Hydrolyzed elastin

Hydrolyzed elastin (CAS 91080-18-1) is a protein-derived ingredient produced by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis of elastin, the structural protein responsible for tissue elasticity.

Where is Hydrolyzed elastin used?

• Cosmetic and personal care: peptides and amino acids supporting moisture retention and surface conditioning on skin and hair
• Skincare: serums, creams and lotions targeting firmness and hydration, with low-molecular-weight peptides penetrating the surface
• Hair care: conditioners, masks and leave-in treatments improving surface smoothness
• Significantly reduces hair swelling during alkaline processes such as perming and dyeing.
• Used in cleansing preparations to reduce the potential irritating effect of anionic surfactants such as sodium laureth sulfate.
• Pharmaceutical and wound care: biocompatible peptide ingredient for topical preparations
• Medical applications needing tissue-compatible conditioning for recovery and protection
• Functional food and nutraceutical: collagen-adjacent supplement formats for joint and skin support
• It is supplied primarily as an aqueous solution, with dry powder forms for longer shelf life or precise dosing.

Good to know: Standard grades include cosmetic-grade and food-grade specifications, with molecular weight cuts varying by supplier. Material is typically sourced from bovine or marine origins, with origin documentation commonly required by buyers.

Formulation notes

• In cosmetic formulations, typically used at a concentration range of 0.5-3.0%.
• Application with very high pH products (such as L-ascorbic acid above 10%) at the same time may lead to protein denaturation, so layering order is important.
• Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Typical specification

• Powder has a low molecular weight and a purity of at least 80%.
• Stable at pH 4 to 8, making it suitable for cosmetic and dermatological formulations.
• Produced by breaking intact elastin protein into peptides with a molecular weight range of 500-3000 Dalton.

Regulatory status

• The INCI name is HYDROLYZED ELASTIN.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store in a tightly closed container in a dry, well-ventilated place; opened containers must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.

Frequently asked questions about Hydrolyzed elastin

How should hydrolyzed elastin be added to hot emulsions?

It is water-soluble and heat-labile, so in hot emulsions it should be added in phase C during cooling.

What peptide size range results from hydrolysis?

Hydrolysis yields peptides ranging in size from 1 kDa to 10 kDa.

How does hydrolyzed elastin affect the application properties of cosmetics?

It affects the application properties of cosmetics, increasing stickiness and tackiness, which can hinder the spreadability of the finished product.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.