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Moumoujus

POTASSIUM COCOYL HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN.

Valuable CAS - / HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is a mild, plant-derived surfactant that effectively cleanses the skin and hair by removing impurities. Simultaneously, its small protein components penetrate to hydrate, firm, and protect the skin, making it an excellent conditioning agent.

Summary

Surfactant/Cleansing Hair Conditioning Skin Conditioning Film-forming

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates as a dual-action agent, functioning primarily as both a surfactant and a skin/hair conditioner. The cocoyl moiety enables it to generate lather and solubilize oils and dirt, facilitating gentle cleansing. Concurrently, the hydrolyzed wheat protein, broken down into small peptides and amino acids, readily penetrates the skin and hair surface, where it forms a protective film, enhances moisture retention, and contributes to increased skin firmness. This mechanism also helps to mitigate potential irritation from other cleansing agents in a formulation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4.5 – 5
0 7 14

Stability

For optimal stability, this ingredient should be incorporated into the water phase of formulations, maintaining a pH between 4.5 and 5.0.

Conflicts

  • Cationic surfactants

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient is safe for cosmetic use under specific conditions: the hydrolyzed wheat protein component must be formulated to restrict peptides to an average molecular weight of 3,500 Da or less (approximately 30 amino acids in length). This measure is crucial to prevent Type 1 immediate hypersensitivity reactions; reactions have been reported with larger peptide sizes (40-50 kDa). Formulators are advised against using ingredients with peptides exceeding 30 amino acids on compromised skin, near mucous membranes, or in products prone to incidental inhalation. Although generally safe when compliant with these molecular weight restrictions, individuals with gluten sensitivity should avoid this ingredient. (For context, a max concentration of 1.7% was noted for Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein in rinse-off hair products).

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A valuable, gentle cleansing and conditioning agent suitable for all skin types, provided it is formulated with appropriately sized hydrolyzed wheat protein to mitigate sensitization risks.

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