Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

HYDROLYZED WHEAT GLUTEN EXTRACT.

Valuable CAS - / SKIN CONDITIONING

Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten Extract is a multifaceted ingredient known for its skin conditioning, moisturizing, and protective properties. It enhances skin hydration by forming a moisture-retaining film and acts as a humectant, drawing environmental water to the skin surface. Its small molecules are also believed to aid in tissue repair.

Summary

moisturising skin conditioning skin protecting

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates through dual mechanisms to optimize skin hydration. Firstly, it forms a protective, moisture-sealing film on the skin's surface, effectively minimizing transepidermal water loss. Secondly, its humectant nature allows it to attract and bind atmospheric water, delivering sustained hydration. The smaller peptide molecules are also thought to penetrate the skin, supporting epidermal repair processes, and it may mitigate irritation caused by surfactants.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.005–0.09%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has noted a maximum use concentration for Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten in cosmetics ranging from 0.005% to 0.09%, with the upper limit specifically for eye makeup preparations.
  2. 02 Safety assessments highlight that formulations restricting peptide molecular weight to 3500 Da or less (or not exceeding 30 amino acids) are crucial to prevent Type 1 immediate hypersensitivity reactions, especially considering higher molecular weight hydrolysates (40-50 kDa) have been associated with such reactions.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Hydrolysis significantly improves the solubility of wheat gluten, allowing its solubility profile to become largely independent of pH within typical cosmetic ranges.

Conflicts

  • Formulations containing peptides with a molecular weight exceeding 3500 Da (or greater than 30 amino acids) due to an elevated risk of Type 1 hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Application on compromised or damaged skin.
  • In products intended for mucous membrane contact.
  • In aerosolized cosmetic products where incidental inhalation is possible.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.09%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The CIR Expert Panel deems Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten safe for cosmetic use, provided it adheres to strict formulation guidelines: peptide lengths must be minimized (below 3500 Da or 30 amino acids) to avoid Type 1 immediate hypersensitivity. Furthermore, it should not be applied to damaged skin, included in products that may contact mucous membranes, or used in aerosolized products. Individuals with known gluten sensitivity or celiac disease are advised to avoid this ingredient.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten Extract offers significant moisturizing and skin conditioning benefits, particularly for dry and normal skin types, but requires precise formulation to ensure safety and prevent hypersensitivity reactions.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…