Hydrolysed Wheat Protein: Great Benefits with Potential Risks
What is it?
This amber-colored liquid is derived from wheat germ. It’s a formula favorite for natural, organic products.
While it can be used on the hair or skin, it’s especially popular for the hair due to its ability to protect from damage and improve overall health. It’s rich in amino acids and proteins and promotes hair growth as well. It’s especially useful for curly and dry hair because of its ability to retain moisture and create volume.
How is it Made?
As stated before, hydrolyzed wheat protein comes from wheat germ. It’s made by creating an alkaline defatted wheat germ solution, then adding a blend of proteases which causes enzymatic hydrolyzation. After the enzymes become inactive, the solutions are purified and filtered before being put into some of your favorite products.
How Does it Interact with the Hair and Skin?
The benefits that come with using hydrolyzed wheat protein are amazing. First and foremost, it does double duty by enhancing the hair and skin.
In skincare products, it can help increase the firmness of the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, which is why it’s popular in anti-aging products. It also retains moisture by protecting the skin from drying out and helping it stay soft.
When it comes to hair care, hydrolyzed wheat protein can actually be a huge player in everyday hair maintenance. This is especially true for curly hair because it keeps hair well hydrated and enhances curl definition.
Hydrolyzed wheat protein also helps promote hair growth. This specific benefit can be obtained either through topical use or oral consumption of the ingredient.
It’s also known for preventing breakage. Hydrolyzed wheat protein can do this because it improves the elasticity of the hair, which is vital to preventing breakage and staying away from brittle ends. Low elasticity in the hair also leads to difficulty styling and shaping the hair.
If you’re worried your hair is beyond repair, look no further. Hydrolyzed wheat protein can repair damaged hair that is weakened due to a lack of protein and moisture. Repairing hair with this ingredient is even possible if your hair has been damaged due to regular chemical treatments or heat styling.
Another reason it’s especially popular in hair care products is because of its ability to volume hair. The better hair is conditioned and hydrated, the more likely you are to have volume and body. Hydrolyzed wheat protein draws in much-needed moisture and continually keeps hair moisturized, thus giving you the volume you want. This even works for thinning hair.
Naturally, all the benefits lead to the goal of having manageable hair. Sometimes hair truly has a mind of its own, but hydrolyzed wheat protein helps you gain control over it.
Uses
If you thought the benefits were impressive, the different ways to use hydrolyzed wheat protein are even more so. As you expected, it is used in things like hair supplements, shower gel, anti-aging cream, styling products, leave-in products, shampoo and conditioner, and so on. It’s also used in:
Concealer
Lip Gloss
Face Powder
Hair Color
Hair Bleach
Face Moisturizer
Face Cleanser
Face Masks
Eye Cream
Serums
Essences
Bath Salts
Bath Oils
Products with SPF
Exfoliants
Mascara
CC Cream
Bubble Baths
Nail Polish
Body Firming Lotion
Despite all these amazing uses, there are some concerns when it comes to hydrolyzed wheat protein.
Allergies
In most cases, hydrolyzed wheat protein is safe. The key phrase there is in most cases. According to the EWG, there have been several case studies where the hydrolyzed wheat protein has caused allergic reactions in some people.
It is recommended for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to stay away from products with hydrolyzed wheat protein. Even with topical use, the ingredient can get into your bloodstream and cause an adverse reaction.
There’s also the possibility it may cause problems for those with sensitive skin. If you are concerned, you can either do a patch test or consult your dermatologist. If you have had an adverse reaction, make sure to discontinue use.
What the Experts Say
For anyone without sensitive skin or a problem with gluten, you’re all good to use products with hydrolyzed wheat protein. In fact, we would encourage it. There are so many uses and benefits that come with using this ingredient, using it might just give you the hair and skin of your dreams.
