A silk protein used for hair and skin conditioning.
What it is
Sericin is a protein isolated from the silk produced by the silkworm, Bombyx mori. In raw silk it forms the gummy coating around the fibroin fibres. CosIng lists it as an antistatic, hair-conditioning, skin-conditioning and smoothing ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in shampoos, conditioners, creams and serums.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not show the molecular weight or how the protein was isolated; hydrolysed sericin has a separate INCI name.
Functions
- Antistatic
- Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
- Smoothing
- Seeking to achieve an even skin surface by decreasing roughness or irregularities.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.