Considered the Mother Grain of the ancient Incas, Quinoa (pronounced keen-WAH) is best known as a staple ingredient, particularly for its edible seeds. Mainly cultivated in the South American Andes Mountains, Quinoa has been an important source of nutrition in the region for 6,000 years and revered as sacred. Over time, Quinoa has been gaining more recognition as a natural and sustainable ingredient. Its powerful benefits are now finding use in the cosmetic industry. Hydrolyzed Quinoa is a natural protein for hair color retention, conditioning, and protection. Quinoa is considered a complete protein, containing seventeen amino acids, including all eight essential amino acids. With the combination of cationic and anionic amino acids, opposing forces attract and bind together. Cationic amino acids bind to the cuticle and act as an anchor to bind hydrolyzates to the hair. This allows for enhanced deposition of other substances (e.g. colorants) with a weaker affinity. Anionic amino acids create a scaffold around the hair to protect the strands and hair color. These side chains contribute to increased barrier function that will help give hair better overall health. Hydrolyzed Quinoa is a multi-functional ingredient that improves color uptake and retention while also providing styling benefits and increasing the shine and healthy appearance of the hair. The proteins in Hydrolyzed Quinoa penetrate into the hair shaft for powerful protection. Hydrolyzed Quinoa provides film forming and moisture retention benefits typical of other proteins, and in addition also helps retain hair color for beautiful, lustrous-looking hair.
