Hydrolyzed Silk is not vegan as it is derived from silkworms. More specifically from the material found in the cocoon of the silkworm. Therefore, it is not vegan. Hydrolyzed silk is a skincare ingredient used to moisturize and leave the skin silky smooth.
Although it is a luxurious and expensive compound, it is still frequently present in many skincare products. Let’s find out why.
What is Hydrolyzed Silk? What is Hydrolyzed Silk Made Of?
Hydrolyzed silk is a silk protein made up of polypeptide chains. It is an animal-based skincare compound derived from silkworms.
Hydrolyzed silk is obtained from the noils or short fiber residues of silk yarn. The silk thread is isolated from the cocoon, then cleaned and degummed. Silk threads are then combed and combined with each other.
Longer strands are used to make silk, shorter to make hydrolyzed silk protein. To obtain hydrolyzed silk, the raw material undergoes controlled hydrolysis. Then forms a clear liquid with a characteristic mild scent.
Hydrolysis breaks down each molecule into smaller fragments. So, hydrolyzed silk is easily absorbed through the skin.
Why Is Hydrolized Silk Used In Skincare?
Hydrolyzed silk is used in skincare to achieve a smooth, soft, and healthy-looking complexion. It is typically used for improving moisturization, elasticity, and firmness.
The skin stores silk proteins as a thin layer on the skin. It creates a protective barrier and keeps the damage from external factors to a minimum. So it is often used as a barrier-building skincare ingredient.
Hydrolyzed silk has water-binding abilities. So, in the face and body care products, silk protein also regulates the natural moisture balance. Therefore, hydrolyzed silk might also have anti-aging features, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
However, silk is not vegan-friendly. Moreover, it is considered as a highly luxurious ingredient that comes with a price.
There are a lot of other barrier-forming, water-binding, and anti-aging vegan ingredients.
Vegan hyaluronic acid, vegan glycerin, or vegan peptides. All are great vegan alternatives to hydrolyzed silk.
FAQ About Hydrolyzed Silk
Hydrolyzed silk is a silk protein made up of polypeptide chains. It is an animal-based skincare compound derived from silkworms.
Hydrolyzed silk is obtained from the noils or short fiber residues of silk yarn. The silk thread is isolated from the cocoon, then cleaned and degummed. To obtain hydrolyzed silk, the raw material undergoes controlled hydrolysis.
No. Hydrolized silk is not vegan. It is derived from silkworms.
Summary
Hydrolyzed silk is a luxurious animal by-product used in personal care. It is made from silk proteins found in a silkworm cocoon. In skincare, it is used as a moisturizer and anti-aging ingredient.
Hydrolyzed silk is a very luxurious and expensive ingredient. In addition, it is a non-vegan compound with vegan-friendly alternatives. It is not indispensable. For example, we recommend hyaluronic acid or vegan peptides.
To avoid non-vegan ingredients in your skincare, shop at 100% vegan skincare brands.
See also: Vegan Skincare Products
