Hair Conditioning
SULFURIZED HYDROLYZED ZEIN
Safety score · 0–100
Moderate
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
Corn (zein) protein hydrolysate that has been sulfurised to add reactive thiol groups. A vegan keratin alternative with limited public safety data.
Sulfurized hydrolyzed zein is derived from corn zein, a storage protein (C. Zea mays), enzymatically hydrolyzed into peptides and then treated with a sulfur-donating reagent to introduce thiol (-SH) or sulfide groups. The reactive sulfur allows the peptide to bond with cysteine residues in hair keratin, mimicking the behaviour of animal-origin sulfur proteins. Public toxicology data is minimal; free thiol groups can be reactive and may crosslink with other ingredients. Odour can be noticeable. Not EU-restricted.
Function
Skin benefits
- Plant-protein hydrolysate — vegan
- Sulfur modification boosts thiol-binding on hair
- Conditioning in repair products
Known concerns
- Sulfurised proteins can have a distinctive odour
- Reactive thiol groups may crosslink unpredictably
- Limited published toxicology
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.