Cosmetic Grade Sericin: Formulators Guide to Quality Parameters

Cosmetic grade sericin has gained significant attention in the beauty industry due to its remarkable properties. As a key component of silk, sericin offers numerous benefits for skin and hair care products. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes sericin suitable for cosmetic applications and the crucial quality parameters that formulators should consider.

What is Cosmetic-Grade Sericin?

Cosmetic grade sericin is a refined form of the silk protein extracted from Bombyx mori cocoons. It’s specifically processed to meet the stringent requirements of the cosmetics industry, ensuring safety, efficacy, and stability in various formulations.

Quality Parameters for Cosmetic-Grade Sericin

1. Molecular Weight Distribution:
   The molecular weight of sericin significantly influences its properties and applications. Cosmetic-grade sericin typically has a molecular weight range of 20-400 kDa [1]. Lower molecular weight fractions (< 20 kDa) are often preferred for better penetration and moisturizing effects.
2. Amino Acid Composition:
   The amino acid profile of sericin is crucial for its functionality in cosmetics. High-quality cosmetic-grade sericin should be rich in serine, aspartic acid, and glycine. Research shows that serine content can be as high as 33.4%, while aspartic acid accounts for about 16.7% [2]. These hydrophilic amino acids contribute to sericin’s excellent moisture-binding properties.
3. Protein Content:
   The protein content of cosmetic-grade sericin should be high, typically above 14 N%. This ensures maximum efficacy and minimal impurities [3].
4. Moisture Content:
   Cosmetic-grade sericin should have a controlled moisture content, usually below 10%, to prevent microbial growth and ensure product stability [4].

Physical Parameters

1. Solubility:
   Cosmetic grade sericin should be highly soluble in water, allowing for easy incorporation into various formulations. The solubility can be influenced by the extraction method and should be at least 80% [5].
2. Particle Size:
   For optimal performance in cosmetic formulations, sericin particles should be fine and uniform. A particle size range of 10-50 μm is generally considered suitable for most applications [6].
3. Color and Odor:
   High-quality cosmetic-grade sericin should be light in color (white to pale yellow) and have a neutral odor. These characteristics ensure that it doesn’t negatively impact the sensory properties of the final product [7].

Chemical Parameters

1. pH:
   The pH of cosmetic-grade sericin should be compatible with skin and hair. Typically, a pH range of 4.5-7.0 is considered optimal .
2. Heavy Metal Content:
   To ensure safety, cosmetic-grade sericin should have minimal heavy metal content. The levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium should be below the limits set by cosmetic regulations .
3. Microbial Content:
   Cosmetic-grade sericin should meet strict microbiological standards. The total aerobic microbial count should be less than 100 CFU/g, and it should be free from pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans .
4. Antioxidant Activity:
   High-quality cosmetic-grade sericin should demonstrate significant antioxidant activity. This can be measured through DPPH radical scavenging assays, with effective concentrations typically ranging from 10-100 μg/mL .

Conclusion

Serione’s commitment to producing premium cosmetic-grade sericin sets a new industry standard. Our meticulously controlled extraction process and adherence to stringent quality parameters ensure that Serione’s sericin meets and exceeds cosmetic application requirements. With optimal molecular weight distribution, balanced amino acid composition, and high protein content, our sericin delivers exceptional performance in skin and hair care formulations. Formulators can confidently create cutting-edge products that harness the full potential of this remarkable silk protein. To learn more about Serione’s cosmetic-grade sericin and its precise specifications, download our Certificate of Analysis at www.serione.com/products and elevate your formulations with our superior ingredient.

References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5124675/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10003638/
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030881460600817X
[4] https://www.scientific.net/AMR.796.416
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5124675/
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0731708519329590
[7] https://www.scientific.net/AMR.796.416
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5124675/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0731708519329590
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5124675/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10003638/

Citations:
[1] http://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/slkprt062015rep.pdf
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-start-blog-free-day-make-money-from-mohamad-alasadi
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10003638/
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030881460600817X
[5] https://www.scientific.net/AMR.796.416
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5124675/
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0731708519329590