★What is Silk Amino Acids (SAAs)?
Silk Amino Acids is small-molecule peptides derived from the hydrolysis of natural silk fibroin. They are composed of 18 essential and non-essential amino acids (such as glycine, alanine, and serine), which are the key components of silk. Unlike intact silk protein, SAAs have a low molecular weight (usually 500–3000Da), allowing them to be easily absorbed by the skin and hair.
★How is Silk Amino Acids produced?
SAAs is typically produced through a controlled hydrolysis process. Natural silk (usually mulberry silk) is first degummed to remove sericin, then hydrolyzed using enzymes or acid/alkali to break down the large silk fibroin molecules into small-molecule amino acids and peptides. The resulting product is purified, dried, and processed into a powder or liquid form for industrial use.
★Can Silk Amino Acids be used in hair care? What effects do they have?
Hair Moisturization and Nourishment: Penetrates the hair shaft to replenish nutrients and moisture, reducing dryness, frizz and split ends for soft, smooth hair.
Hair Strengthening: Forms a protective film on hair surface, reducing damage from heat, chemical treatments and UV rays to enhance hair toughness.
Improve Hair Luster: Nourishes hair and smooths cuticles to boost luster, leaving hair shiny and healthy.
★What is the difference between Silk Amino Acids and Silk Peptides?
- Silk Peptides: Usually refer to small-molecule peptides composed of 2–10 amino acids, with a molecular weight of 200–1000Da. They are a type of Silk Amino Acids but with a more specific molecular weight range.
- Silk Amino Acids: A broader term that includes both single amino acids (e.g., glycine, alanine) and small-molecule silk peptides. Their molecular weight ranges from 500–3000Da, covering a wider scope than silk peptides.
In short, all silk peptides are silk amino acids, but not all silk amino acids are silk peptides.
★What is the recommended addition amount of Silk Amino Acids in cosmetics?
Skincare products (serums, creams, masks): 1%–3% for basic moisturization; 3%–5% for anti-aging and repair.
Hair care products (shampoos, conditioners, hair masks): 0.5%–2% for moisturizing and nourishing; 2%–4% for strengthening and repairing damaged hair.
★Is Silk Amino Acids allowed to be added to cosmetics in China, the EU, the US, South Korea, and Japan?
Silk Amino Acids is allowed to be added to cosmetics in China, the EU, the US, South Korea, and Japan
★Which well-known cosmetic brands use Silk Amino Acids?
Tatcha (Japan)
Dermalogica (United States)
Balmain Paris (France)
Allies of Skin (Singapore)
★What is the solubility of Silk Amino Acids for cosmetic formulation?
Silk Amino Acids are highly water-soluble and insoluble in oil, which makes them easy to integrate into various water-based cosmetic formulations.
★What formulation considerations should manufacturers pay attention to when adding Silk Amino Acids?
Control pH at 4.5-6.5; avoid strong acid/alkali.
Compatible with water-soluble ingredients; incompatible with strong oxidants and cationic surfactants.
Avoid high temperature (>80℃); add after cooling to ≤45℃.
