Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer
AKA “Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Hair Conditioning
Ingredient Facts
Hydrolyzed wheat protein/pvp crosspolymer
Hair Conditioning · Film Forming · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
Protein hydrolyzates, wheat, crosspolymer with 2-pyrrolidinone, 1-ethenyl-.
CAS #
222400-35-3
Form
Powder
State
Solid
See origin →
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Hair Fixing
Creates Protective Barrier
Conditions Hair
Locks In Moisture
Anti-Aging Benefits
Antioxidant Protection
Creates protective layer
Softens and detangles hair
Holds hair in place
Traditional Use
A 20th-century synthetic creation combining hydrolyzed wheat protein with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), developed to create improved film-forming and conditioning properties for haircare and skincare products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Gluten / Wheat
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Potential Sensitizer
Concentration Guide
Industry Max
Industry typically uses up to 1.0% in leave-on products (11 products reported). Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 624).
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Safety Assessment of Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten as Used in Cosmetics.
Burnett C, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2018
Safety Assessment of Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten as Used in Cosmetics.
Burnett C, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2018
Safety Assessment of Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR