Hydrolyzed Collagen
What Is It?
Hydrolyzed Collagen is a mixture of small peptides obtained from through the hydrolysisDecomposition of a chemical compound into smaller constituents by reaction with water. of collagen. In cosmetics and personal care products, Hydrolyzed Collagen is used primarily in hair preparations and skin care products, but can also be found in makeup, shampoos and bath products. Hydrolyzed Collagen may also be used in hair dyes.
Why Is It Used?
When used in hair preparations, Hydrolyzed Collagen enhances the appearance and feel of hair by increasing hair body, suppleness or sheen. It may also improve the texture of hair that has been damaged physically or by excessive treatment. Hydrolyzed Collagen used in skin-care products enhances the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.
Scientific Facts
Hydrolyzed Collagen generally is adsorbed on hair, increasing tensile strength and elongation. It is also used in soaps to impart a soft texture to skin. Hydrolyzed Collagen generally refers to enzymatically or chemically processed Collagen.
Safety Information
The safety of Hydrolyzed Collagen has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient ReviewThe Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 as an independent safety review program for cosmetic ingredients. The CIR Expert Panel consists of independent experts in dermatology, toxicology, pharmacolgy and veterinary medicine. The CIR includes participation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Hydrolyzed Collagen was safe when used as a cosmetic ingredient. In 2004, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on this ingredient and reaffirmed the above conclusion.
CIR Safety Review: Hydrolyzed Collagen was practically nontoxic when administered orally or dermally in acute toxicity studies. This ingredient was minimally irritating to the eyes and skin when tested undiluted. Longer-term dermal studies on two cosmetic formulations containing 2% Hydrolyzed Collagen were negative for systemic toxicity. Hydrolyzed Collagen was nonsensitizing.
In clinical studies, Hydrolyzed Collagen produced no skin irritation, sensitization, or indication of phototoxicity. On the basis of the available data, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Hydrolyzed Collagen was safe as a cosmetic ingredient.
The use of Hydrolyzed Collagen in cosmetic products is allowed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European UnionUnder the general provisions of the cosmetics regulation of the EU, ingredients appearing on the following function-specific annexes must comply with the listed restrictions and/or specifications: colorants (Annex IV), preservatives (Annex V), UV filters (Annex VI) and other ingredients with specific concentration limits and/or other restrictions (Annex III). Ingredients specifically prohibited from use in cosmetic products are listed in Annex II. Other ingredients listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient database (CosIng) may be used without restrictions.. Ingredients of animal origin must comply with European Union animal by-products regulations.
More Scientific Information
Hydrolyzed Collagen is a collagen hydrolysateThe product of hydrolysis. derived from acid, enzyme or other method of hydrolysis. It consists of water-soluble peptides of various molecular weights. These peptides are rich in the amino acids found in Collagen, including L-glycine, L-proline and L-hydroxyproline.
Nutritional supplements containing Hydrolyzed Collagen are marketed for bone and joint-health purposes. Hydrolyzed Collagen and gelatin hydrolysates are similar. Hydrolyzed Collagen is used as a conditioner or moisturizer in cosmetic products.