Skin care
Sericin and silk peptides suit water-based skin care such as toners, essences, serums, creams and sheet masks. Formulators use them for moisture-retaining, conditioning and soft-feel properties. The right grade depends on the product type and the molecular weight you need: lower for light, clear products, higher for body and film.
Which ingredient for which skin care product
These are starting points. Confirm the choice and the use level in your own formula, using the technical data sheet for the grade.
For toner or essence
Low molecular weight stays light and clear in a watery product
For serum
A smooth, soft feel without heaviness
For cream or lotion
A film-forming, conditioning effect on the skin
For sheet mask essence
A ready-to-use liquid, easy to add to the soaking solution
For body care and dusting powders
A soft sensory feel and smooth slip
For a line that needs one multi-purpose ingredient
Combines molecular weights in one ingredient
Ingredients for skin care
Silk proteins
All silk proteins- Silk proteinsHydrolyzed Sericin (Low MW)INCI: Hydrolyzed SericinToner or essenceSerumView grade
- Silk proteinsHydrolyzed Sericin Solution 10%INCI: Water, Hydrolyzed SericinToner or essenceSheet mask essenceView grade
- Silk proteinsSilk Amino AcidsINCI: Silk Amino AcidsSerumView grade
- Silk proteinsSericin Powder (High MW)INCI: SericinCream or lotionView grade
- Silk proteinsSilk PeptideINCI: Hydrolyzed SilkCream or lotionView grade
- Silk proteinsSilk Powder (Micronized)INCI: Silk PowderBody care and dusting powdersView grade
- Silk proteinsSilk Protein ComplexINCI: Hydrolyzed Silk (and) Hydrolyzed SericinA line that needs one multi-purpose ingredientView grade
What silk proteins do in a skin care formula
- 01
Moisture retention
Sericin is rich in serine and other amino acids that attract and hold water.
- 02
Film-forming
Higher molecular weight grades leave a thin, flexible film on the skin surface.
- 03
A soft, smooth skin feel
This is the effect consumers notice first, and it is easy to show in a sensory panel.
- 04
Compatibility with water-based formats
Silk proteins are easy to add to toners, essences, serums, creams and mask solutions.
- 05
A natural-origin story
Sericin is a by-product of silk production, which supports a sustainability message. Read about our process and our approach to sustainability.
Where the ingredient goes in the process
These show the stage at which silk protein is usually added. They are guides to the order of work, not tested formulas. Use levels and temperature limits come from the technical data sheet for the grade you choose.
- 01
Hydrating toner
Water phase, added in the cool-down step
- 02
Light serum
Water phase with the humectants, before the gelling agent
- 03
Cream or lotion
Water phase before emulsifying, or as a cool-down addition
- 04
Sheet mask essence
Dissolved in the main solution
Formulating notes
Check the temperature limit on the technical data sheet before heating the phase that contains silk protein.
Measure the pH after adding the ingredient and adjust it to your target.
Preserve the product well
Protein-rich water phases support microbial growth, so run a preservative challenge test on the finished product.
Check clarity
Lower molecular weight grades suit clear toners, but confirm clarity at your use level.
Test compatibility
Check your system with electrolytes and cationic ingredients before you scale up.
Run stability tests (heat, cold and light) on the finished product.
What you can say on the label and in marketing
Use function words: conditioning, moisture-retaining, film-forming, soft skin feel. Avoid medical or treatment claims. Rules differ between Korea, Japan, the EU and the US, so check each claim against the market where you sell. The data to support a claim on your finished product is your responsibility, and we can supply the ingredient data you need.
Frequently asked questions
Which sericin grade is best for a toner?
A low molecular weight hydrolyzed grade. It dissolves easily and keeps a watery product clear and light. See Hydrolyzed Sericin and Hydrolyzed Sericin Solution.
Can sericin go into a cream?
Yes. Add it to the water phase and test the finished emulsion for stability, pH and preservation.
Can I use more than one silk ingredient in the same product?
Yes. Some formulators combine a lower and a higher molecular weight grade for both a light feel and a film. Livora also supplies a Silk Protein Complex that combines molecular weights.
Do you provide samples and data for a skin care trial?
Yes. Tell us your product type and target market, and we will send a sample with the technical data sheet, certificate of analysis and safety data sheet.
Keep learning
Silk proteinsWhat Is Sericin? A Formulator's Guide (2026)
Sericin is the protein that holds silk fibres together. Learn how it is made, what it does in cosmetics, and how to choose the right grade.6 min read
Buying guideTDS, COA, SDS and INCI Explained: A Buyer's Guide (2026)
What a TDS, COA, SDS and INCI name tell you, when to ask for each, and the red flags to watch for in a cosmetic ingredient supplier's paperwork.5 min read
Silk proteinsSilk Peptide vs Silk Amino Acids vs Silk Powder (2026)
Silk peptide, silk amino acids and silk powder all come from silk fibroin. Learn how they differ and which suits your product.2 min read
Start a skin care trial
Tell us the product type and target market. We will recommend a grade and send the technical data sheet and a sample.