Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein

What is it?

Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein is protein from quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) that has been modified to make it water soluble.

INCI

Hydrolyzed Quinoa

Appearance

Thin brown liquid

Usage rate

1–10%

Texture

Thin, watery

Scent

Mild

Approximate Melting Point

Liquid at room temperature

pH

4–5.5

Charge

Hydrolyzed quinoa protein contains proteins with both cationic (positive) and anionic (negative) charges.

Solubility

Water

Why do we use it in formulations?

Hydrolyzed quinoa protein is excellent for hair care, helping increase substantivity, protect the hair, increase hair dye uptake, and reducing hair dye wash-out. It is a good hydrolyzed protein choice for anyone seeking a vegan, gluten-free option.

Do you need it?

No

Refined or unrefined?

Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein only exists as a refined product.

Strengths

Hydrolyzed quinoa protein is fantastic for hair care products, adding shine, helping to protect the hair, and extending colour retention.

Weaknesses

It’s one of the harder-to-find hydrolyzed proteins.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Try other hydrolyzed proteins, like silk, oat, or rice.

How to Work with It

Include hydrolyzed quinoa protein in the water phase of your formulations; it should be added to the cool down phase or cold processed.

Storage & Shelf Life

Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein should last eighteen months.

Tips, Tricks, and Quirks

Quinoa is a vegan complete protein, containing seventeen amino acids, which includes all eight essential (meaning our bodies cannot product them) amino acids.

Recommended starter amount

30mL (1fl oz)

Where to Buy it

 Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier.

Some Formulations that Use Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein

Originally published on April 12, 2019