Sericin is a natural protein secreted by the silkworm Bombyx mori during silk spinning. Its primary function is to bond two parallel fibroin fibers together to form strong and tough raw silk. Composed of multiple amino acids, this protein is rich in hydrophilic amino acids such as glycine, alanine, and serine-these are the key components that endow sericin with exceptional moisturizing properties.
In traditional silk production, sericin was once regarded as an impurity and had to be removed through degumming processes to obtain smooth silk fabrics. However, with the advancement of science and technology, people have discovered that sericin holds far greater value than previously imagined.
Sericin Powder vs. Sericin Liquid
In essence, sericin powder and sericin liquid are different physical forms of sericin protein, sharing identical core components. Yet due to differences in processing techniques and physical states, they have distinct characteristics and are tailored for specific application scenarios.
(I) Sericin Powder
Sericin powder is a powdered substance obtained by removing moisture from extracted sericin solution via processes like spray drying or freeze drying. It typically appears as a white or pale yellow fine powder with no distinct odor.
Cosmetics Industry: It serves as a core ingredient in products such as facial mask powders, facial cleansers, loose powders, and face creams. For instance, adding sericin powder to facial mask powders enables rapid skin hydration and repairs dry, damaged skin; incorporating it into facial cleansers enhances cleansing efficacy while minimizing skin irritation.
Food Industry: As a natural food additive, it is used in baked goods like bread and cakes to improve texture, water retention capacity, and shelf life. It can also be added to protein powders and meal replacement powders as a nutritional supplement to provide the human body with essential amino acids.
Pharmaceutical & Biomaterials Industry: It is utilized in manufacturing wound dressings and tissue engineering scaffolds. Boasting excellent biocompatibility, sericin powder promotes wound healing and reduces scar formation. Dressings made by compounding sericin powder with other materials exhibit outstanding breathability and water absorption.
(II) Sericin Liquid
Sericin liquid is a liquid-form product obtained directly through the extraction and purification of sericin, equivalent to "undried raw sericin solution". It generally presents as a pale yellow or colorless transparent viscous liquid with a mild natural silk scent.
Cosmetics Industry: It acts as a core raw material for toners, serums, lotions, and facial mask essences. For example, sericin liquid toners, when directly applied to the face, can quickly penetrate the skin, replenish moisture and nutrients, and alleviate skin dryness. It can also be used in hair care-applying a small amount after shampooing repairs damaged hair, leaving it smoother and more lustrous.
Pharmaceutical Industry: It is employed in producing topical repair gels and eye drops. The gentleness and biocompatibility of sericin liquid allow it to directly contact mucosal tissues with minimal irritation, while exerting effective repair effects.