BASF has taken the wraps off Kerasylium, a plant-based alternative ingredient to animal keratin for hair care.
Kerasylium is rich in peptides exhibiting an amino acid composition similar to that of keratin, a protein naturally present in the hair, to repair damage and to protect against daily aggressions.
The hair care active is the result of upcycling milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed cake, a by-product of milk thistle oil production.
The milk thistle used is grown in France for oil production and is based on a traceable and sustainable supply chain.
Thanks to its high peptide content (50-70% of the active matter), Kerasylium helps to prevent breakage, especially of weakened hair, through the stabilization and repair of hair keratin, making hair stronger, shinier, and softer.
Moreover, comprehensive studies have shown that Kerasylium decreases keratin denaturation by protecting the structural proteins of the hair against oxidative stress, while helping to maintain its colour for longer.
“Many cosmetic manufacturers rely on keratin for their hair care products because it helps to repair the hair from the inside out,” said Cécile Kalem, Launch Manager Europe, BASF Beauty Care Solutions France.
“However, the keratin-based ingredients that are usually used in hair treatments are of animal origin. We wanted to change that, so we developed Kerasylium, a plant-based alternative,” she added.
