Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein
light · small molecule · 1–4%
Color-protective; lightweight. Safe for low porosity weekly.
Ingredient intelligence
Proteins & Humectants
The protein and moisture side of a hair formula. Match protein strength to porosity, and match humectant dew sensitivity to your climate. For a porosity-specific shortlist, use the Hair Porosity calculator.
Hydrolyzed proteins
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
light · small molecule · 1–5%
Soothing; great for sensitive scalps.
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
light · small molecule · 1–5%
Adds body & shine. Universal.
Hydrolyzed Silk Protein
medium · small molecule · 1–3%
Slip + shine. Pairs with humectants.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
medium · medium molecule · 2–4%
Classic strengthener. Good for medium porosity.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
medium · medium molecule · 2–4%
Moisture-retentive; good for color-treated hair.
Hydrolyzed Keratin
strong · medium molecule · 2–5%
Matches hair's own protein. High porosity love.
Hydrolyzed Collagen
medium · medium molecule · 2–5%
Elasticity + slip.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
medium · medium molecule · 2–4%
Vegan keratin alternative.
Low-porosity hair stiffens quickly with protein — stay light and infrequent. High-porosity hair usually needs medium-to-strong protein every 2–3 weeks, always followed by a moisturising deep conditioner.
Humectants
Glycerin
2–10% · dew sensitivity high
Behaves badly at <30% or >70% humidity — frizz risk.
Propanediol 1,3
2–10% · dew sensitivity medium
Lighter, less dew-sensitive glycerin alternative.
Sodium PCA
0.5–2% · dew sensitivity low
NMF component. Stable across climates.
Panthenol
1–5% · dew sensitivity low
Penetrates shaft; humectant + film-former.
Honeyquat
1–4% · dew sensitivity low
Cationic humectant — bonus detangling.
Aloe Vera Juice
5–95% · dew sensitivity low
Mild, scalp-soothing humectant base.
Hyaluronic Acid (LMW)
0.1–1% · dew sensitivity low
Penetrates cortex; intense binding.
High dew-sensitivity humectants (glycerin especially) pull water from the air in humid weather and pull it out of the hair in dry weather. Below 30% or above 70% relative humidity, switch to low-sensitivity options.