The Use of Keratin Hydrolysate Obtained by Microbial Conversion of Chicken Feathers as Part of a Cosmetic Serum for Hair Care

January 2026 in “ Health Food & Biotechnology ”

Kirill E. Betekhtin, Ekaterina R. Volnova, L.A. ROZANTSEVA, Natalia G. Mashentseva

TLDR A hair serum with 3% keratin from chicken feathers made hair smoother, shinier, and more elastic.

This study developed a sustainable biotechnological method using Bacillus licheniformis strains BAL-1 and BAL-2 to produce keratin hydrolysate from chicken feathers for use in a cosmetic hair serum. The optimized conditions increased keratinase activity significantly, and the hydrolysate was safe for cell lines. In a focus group of 5 people, the serum containing 3% hydrolysate improved hair condition, with all participants reporting increased smoothness and most noting enhanced elasticity and shine. Future research will explore the role of biologically active peptides in the hydrolysate's efficacy.

View this study on hfb-mgupp.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Enzymatic Crosslinking of Amino Acids Improves the Repair Effect of Keratin on Hair Fiber

May 2023 in “Polymers”

Using enzymes to link proteins makes hair repair treatments more effective and long-lasting.

research Penetration of Different Molecular Weight Hydrolysed Keratins into Hair Fibres and Their Effects on the Physical Properties of Textured Hair

7 citations , September 2020 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

Different sizes of keratin peptides can strengthen hair, with smaller ones possibly increasing volume and larger ones repairing damage.

The Use of Keratin Hydrolysate Obtained by Microbial Conversion of Chicken Feathers as Part of a Cosmetic Serum for Hair Care

Research cited in this study

research Enzymatic Crosslinking of Amino Acids Improves the Repair Effect of Keratin on Hair Fiber

research Penetration of Different Molecular Weight Hydrolysed Keratins into Hair Fibres and Their Effects on the Physical Properties of Textured Hair

research Chemical And Physical Treatments Damage Caucasian And Afro-Ethnic Hair Fibre: Analytical And Image Assays

research Reactive Keratin Derivatives: A Promising Strategy for Covalent Binding to Hair

research Protein Disulfide Isomerase-Mediated Grafting of Cysteine-Containing Peptides onto Over-Bleached Hair

research Hard and Soft Principles Defining the Structure, Function, and Regulation of Keratin Intermediate Filaments