Through the laboratory process of hydrolysis, silk proteins are broken down into smaller, refined particles, creating a blend of peptides and free amino acids that enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture, support collagen production, and improve overall texture. This unique composition allows the silk proteins to deeply penetrate the skin for hydration and nourishment.
The majority of peptides in hydrolysed silk are tripeptides, with an average molecular weight that typically sits at approximately 300 Da. Seresilk hydrolysed silk also includes dipeptides (two amino acids), and larger peptides, each contributing to a synergy of various-sized peptides that nurture and supports the skin barrier. Keeping in mind that peptides under 500 Da generally penetrate the skin well, the variety of peptides in a single hydrolysed silk formulation offers significant benefits at different levels by acting at both the surface and deeper layers of the skin.
Peptides and amino acids are essential for healthy skin, maintaining and repairing the skin’s structure. Peptides help stimulate the production of collagen which is a protein that keeps the skin firm and smooth, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Amino acids strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, improving hydration and preventing moisture loss, which keeps the skin soft and nourished. Additionally, peptides act as messengers, triggering the skin’s natural repair processes to improve texture and maintain a healthy, balanced complexion. Because silk is naturally rich in these components, hydrolysed silk helps replenish and support these vital functions.
Silk itself is a natural protein fibre produced by the silkworm. It has been prized across the globe for thousands of years thanks to its unique texture and beneficial properties. In skincare, hydrolysed silk refers to the form of silk that has been broken down into smaller particles, making it easier for the skin to absorb. The amino acid composition of silk proteins can play a significant role in how they impact skin health, and understanding these differences can help guide the choice of products that may suit specific skincare needs.
Not all hydrolysed silk is created equal, however. The following factors impact the quality of resulting hydrolysed silk:
1.) Hydrolysis procedures, and;
2.) The diet and environmental conditions of the silkworm contributing to its overall wellbeing and consequent quality of silk
Seresilk’s hydrolysed silk is crafted from our uniquely Australian and cruelty free silk—sourced exclusively from Australia's premier commercial silk operation—making it the rarest expression of nature's most sacred fibre. After the silk is carefully harvested, it is carefully handed over to our trusted partner and GMP-accredited laboratory, where it undergoes the delicate process of hydrolysis. Pioneering Australia's silk industry, this hydrolysis process took several years of refinement to reach the level that it sits today. The resulting silk is rigorously tested, including precise amino acid profiling, to ensure the highest standards of quality. Only after this meticulous process is the silk ready for inclusion across our Australian silk skincare ritual.
Given its powerful therapeutic properties, we don't blame you for wanting to unleash the benefits of silk in your skincare. Seresilk has conducted an analysis of various hydrolysed silk options available to the market so you can better understand the products that you are using.
To interpret the analysis, it is important to consider that the total protein percentage in each formulation directly influences the quantity of amino acids within the product. Seresilk Hydrolysed Silk boasts a higher total protein content (2.52%) compared to Trulux (1.14%), resulting in a more abundant supply of beneficial peptides and amino acids. Even though certain individual amino acids, such as glycine and serine, are present in slightly lower percentages in Seresilk, their overall quantity is greater due to the larger protein base. This distinction is crucial: a higher total protein content ensures a richer supply of essential amino acids, unlocking superior skincare benefits in hydration, anti-ageing, and skin repair. Crosilk G does not provide information on its total protein content, but it serves as a comparison to demonstrate the amino acid profile of a third product.
The results below attributed to competitor brands are freely available online given the strict disclosure requirements common in the skincare industry.
Hydrolysed silk formulation competitor analysis of amino acid profiles
| Amino acids | Seresilk | Trulux | Crosilk G |
| Alanine | 24.98% | 28.47% | 32.50% |
| Arginine | 1.90% | 0.84% | 0.70% |
| Aspartic Acid | 3.93% | 2.28% | 3.50% |
| Cystine | 0.00% | 0.23% | 0.02% |
| Glutamic Acid | 2.58% | 2.03% | 2.60% |
| Glycine | 30.53% | 35.50% | 38.40% |
| Histidine | 0.00% | 0.33% | 0.10% |
| Isoleucine | 0.71% | 0.81% | 0.70% |
| Leucine | 0.67% | 0.60% | 1.00% |
| Lysine | 0.91% | 0.50% | 0.30% |
| Methionine | 0.27% | 0.13% | 0.00% |
| Phenylalanine | 1.35% | 1.23% | 0.20% |
| Proline | 0.79% | 0.36% | 1.00% |
| Serine | 19.43% | 12.03% | 14.60% |
| Threonine | 1.67% | 1.08% | 1.40% |
| Tryptophan | 0.00% | 0.36% | 0.00% |
| Tyrosine | 7.93% | 10.31% | 0.40% |
| Valine | 2.34% | 2.92% | 2.60% |
| Total Protein % | 2.52% | 1.14% | Unknown |
How to interpret the data? Not only is Seresilk's total protein content significantly higher, but its amino acid profile stands out due to its balanced composition. Let's breakdown some of the key amino acids in Seresilk's hydrolysed silk which are present in higher %'s across the Seresilk formulation:
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Serine (19.43%): Seresilk stands out with its notably higher serine content. This amino acid plays a key role in enhancing hydration, supporting collagen production, and improving skin elasticity. The increased serine concentration in Seresilk helps to maintain moisture balance, leading to a more supple and plump appearance. The combination of serine and other balanced amino acids ensures that Seresilk provides comprehensive nourishment, repair, and protection for the skin.
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Arginine (1.90%): Compared to Trulux and Crosilk G, which contain much lower concentrations of arginine, Seresilk’s arginine helps improve blood circulation, promoting the delivery of nutrients to skin cells. This accelerates healing, boosts hydration, and encourages a healthier, radiant complexion. Its role in skin rejuvenation makes Seresilk a superior choice for long-term skin health.
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Aspartic Acid (3.93%): Aspartic acid plays a crucial role in detoxifying the skin and promoting moisture retention. Higher levels of this amino acid compared to Trulux and Crosilk G make Seresilk particularly effective in maintaining skin hydration and promoting a fresh, revitalized appearance. Aspartic acid also supports the skin’s ability to renew itself, helping to maintain a youthful, glowing complexion.
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Lysine (0.91%): Lysine is essential for collagen production, and Seresilk’s concentration supports the formation of a firm, youthful complexion. When compared to Trulux and Crosilk G, Seresilk’s lysine helps maintain skin elasticity and smoothness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its presence contributes to skin regeneration, improving texture and tone over time.
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Methionine (0.27%): Although present in smaller amounts, methionine in Seresilk plays a crucial role in the regeneration of damaged skin cells. By supporting skin detoxification, it promotes healthier, more radiant skin. Its presence ensures that Seresilk does not only hydrate but also revitalizes the skin, giving it a fresher, more luminous look.
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Phenylalanine (1.35%): Phenylalanine works synergistically with other amino acids in Seresilk, acting as an antioxidant to protect the skin from oxidative damage. This level of protection is more pronounced in Seresilk compared to the others, making it an excellent choice for guarding against environmental stressors while promoting a clear, even complexion.
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Threonine (1.67%): While Trulux and Crosilk G feature lower levels of threonine, Seresilk's higher threonine content strengthens the skin’s barrier function. This helps protect the skin from external irritants and supports moisture retention, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and resilient. With Seresilk, you benefit from long-lasting hydration and improved skin defence.
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While some profiles demonstrate lower percentage figures than Trulux, Seresilk’s higher total protein content means you’re actually receiving a higher dose of each amino acid. For example, glycine in Seresilk is 30.53%, while Trulux has 35.50%. However, Seresilk’s total protein content is 2.52%, compared to Trulux’s 1.14%. To calculate the total dose of glycine:
Seresilk:
30.53% glycine × 2.52% total protein = 0.7693% glycine in the formulation.
Trulux:
35.50% glycine × 1.14% total protein = 0.4057% glycine in the formulation.
Even though glycine’s percentage is lower in Seresilk, the higher protein content gives a higher dose of glycine overall, 0.7693% compared to 0.4057% in Trulux. This means Seresilk provides more glycine per dose, despite having a lower percentage. The same logic applies to the below amino acids which are staples in hydrolysed silk and offer significant benefits.
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Glycine (30.53%): Though glycine is lower in Seresilk compared to Trulux, its high total protein content ensures a greater dose per application. Glycine is essential for promoting hydration and improving skin elasticity. It helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, keeping the skin plump, smooth, and hydrated, enhancing overall skin health.
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Alanine (24.98%): While alanine is present in lower percentages in Seresilk, the higher total protein content delivers a stronger dose. Alanine plays a key role in moisture retention, supporting the skin’s ability to stay hydrated throughout the day. This makes Seresilk an excellent choice for keeping skin nourished and rejuvenated.
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Tyrosine (7.93%): Tyrosine, although marginally lower in percentage in Seresilk compared to Trulux, still has a significantly higher total protein content when compared to the brand, contributing to the skin’s defence by aiding melanin production. This helps protect the skin from UV radiation and environmental stress, promoting a healthy, even skin tone. The higher protein content in Seresilk ensures a more potent dose of tyrosine for better skin protection and resilience.
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What do we think? The quality of our Australian silk is unparalleled. Shaped by the unique synergy of environmental factors, silkworm diet, and meticulous production techniques, Australia's diverse climate—marked by its harsh sun and dry conditions—naturally nurtures our silkworms, enhancing their ability to synthesise an exceptional range of amino acids in their unique silk which is highly beneficial for the skin.
Our rich and varied flora native to Australia, further influences the silkworms' diet, ensuring they consume a wide spectrum of nutrients that directly contribute to the superior amino acid composition of the silk they produce. Coupled with the bespoke methods employed across our boutique silk production in Australia.
Together, each element—climate, diet, and production techniques—ensure that Australian silk not only meets but exceeds the demands of competition hydrolysed silk products across the world, to offer nature's rarest expression of its most sacred fibre in in our uniquely Australian and cruelty free silk skincare so that you can truly unlock your skin's potential with silk.
We will continue to zero-in on the topics explored briefly in this story. Interested in finding out more about silk in skincare? Join the Seresilk mailing list and message content@seresilk.com.au for any topics you'd like to see covered in future articles.