Why we don't use keratin Silk in our products:
Posted by Janet Stewart on
Keratin/ Silk proteins:
Keratin is produced naturally in our own bodies, a natural protein largely found in our hair. Keratin is a common hair-strengthening ingredient: It is a protein derived from the ground-up horns, hoofs, feathers, quills and hair of various creatures. In the hooves of animals, it can be scrapped off or boiled down for use in personal care products.
Another common ingredient in hair care is hydrolysed silk protein, derived from silk worms. The silk protein is considered a β-keratin. Silk proteins are produced by a variety of insects, scorpions, and spiders. Silkworms are easier to domesticate and obtain silk from in comparison to other insects. The silk is obtained from the cocoons of silkworm larvae.
Why it is used in cosmetics:
These proteins have great ability to restore and strengthen damaged hair.
Why is it not vegan?
The harvesting of silk directly harms the insects from which it is harvested. Worms are sensate and physically respond to the pain they are put through when their cocoons are used to form silk.
Keratin involves the use of animal ingredients in products.
What products do you find this in?:
Typically found in haircare products such as shampoos and permanent weave solutions.
Alternatives:
At Pink we use vegetable based proteins; namely:
Fision KeraVeg18 is a vegetable-based alternative to animal keratin. Fision KeraVeg18contains wheat & soy amino acids, and other pure amino acids to replicate the natural amino acid ratios in human hair.
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpbLDYbHiZM