Lauroyl hydrolyzed elastin (inci)

The name "lauroyl" refers to the fatty acid component lauric acid (dodecanoic acid, also called lauric acid) in the molecule.
Hydrolysed elastin is obtained, after enzymatic pretreatment, by extraction of animal (bovine collagen, fish collagen) connective tissue.

Elastin is the main component of the elastic fibres of the connective tissue. Elastin consists of long, coiled polypeptide chains cross-linked by desmosin (condensation product of lysine). This network structure determines the elasticity of the structural protein. The building blocks are glycine, alanine, valine, proline, leucine and isoleucine. Elastin is secreted by fibroblasts in a soluble, non-cross-linked form (tropoelastin) and then cross-linked by the enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX).

Cosmetics: Hydrolysed elastin, like other protein hydrolysates, causes a film to form on the skin. The protein mixture cannot penetrate into the skin when applied topically due to the size of the molecule. Hydrolysed elastin acts as a moisturizer. Also hair becomes smoother and easier to comb due to the proteins in shampoos and conditioners.

It is postulated that an oral supply of elastin hydrolysates improves skin parameters such as elasticity, wrinkle formation and blood circulation (Shiratsuchi E et al.2016).