
Activated Silk™ 33B-α Bioactive Peptide
Better skin barrier.
Better biotechnology.
Better future.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
- Clinically Proven
- Sustainable01
- Upcycled
- NATRUE (100% Natural) Approved02
- Cruelty-Free
01 Activated Silk™ biotechnology contributes to 8 of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
02 Activated Silk™ peptides are naturally derived. For more information on NATRUE approvals, see www.natrue.org.

Activated Silk™ 33B-α Bioactive Peptide
Activated Silk™ 33B-α is a bioactive peptide solution that boosts the skin barrier. An improved barrier locks in moisture and locks out instigators that can lead to inflammation. So skin looks and feels healthier.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
Activated Silk™ 33B-α:
- An ingredient that firms and hydrates the skin while preventing signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.
- A non-occlusive ingredient that boosts the skin’s ability to maintain its own barrier against instigators that could lead to inflammation.
- A water-soluble peptide that works in places ceramides and petrolatum cannot.

Activated Silk™ 33B-α Bioactive Peptide
We have spent over 10 years innovating Activated Silk™ biotechnology on a mission to promote the health of people and the planet. So we designed Activated Silk™ 33B-α to support a circular economy – a system where materials don't become toxic “forever” waste and nature is regenerated.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
Meaningful sustainability.01 By supporting the circular economy.
- Farming of Renewable Resources Sericulture farms capture CO2 Pesticide-free Regenerative farming practices
- Upcycled Ingredients Silk cocoons sourced as a waste product of the natural animal-food industry Cruelty-free process No toxic chemicals involved
- Life Sciences Company Innovates Ingredients Renewable energy No harmful effluent Proprietary process using only silk protein, water and salt
- Brand/CMO Innovates Products Ingredients shipped to you in dry format, reducing CO2 burden by ~90% and plastic packaging by ~50%02
- Consumer Healthier-looking skin. Not really part of circularity, but a pretty great part of the circle.
- Formula is Rinsed Away Skincare formulas are eventually rinsed down drains.
- Ingredients Harmlessly Biodegrade, Returning to Carbon Cycle They return to the carbon cycle, instead of persisting in the environment.
01 Activated Silk™ biotechnology contributes to 8 of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
02 Compared to standard 55-gallon drum liquid ingredient

Better Skin Barrier.
Collagen plumps the underlying skin layers, but claudin is the protein that literally binds the top layer of skin together. Without it, skin barrier cells become looser and drift apart, creating fewer tight junctions, which can lead to inflamed, unhealthy skin and visible signs of aging.
Because without tight junctions, more environmental stressors can come into the skin and more hydration can escape the skin, creating a vicious cycle of unhealthy, inflamed-looking skin.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin

Better Biotechnology.
Activated Silk™ 33B-α is a bioactive peptide that is clinically proven to help the skin barrier look and feel healthier. A better barrier keeps out instigators, locks in hydration, calms the appearance of irritation and redness, limits the appearance of inflammation and promotes firmer, younger-looking skin.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
- Activated Silk™ 33B-α
- Claudin-1
- Activated Silk™ 33B-α
- Cell Body
- DNA

- Non-occlusive Activated Silk™ 33B-α Fig.1
- Activated Silk™ 33B-α working to firm and support natural production of Claudin-1 Fig.2
- Claudin-1 restored to healthy levels Fig.3

Better Results.
These are the results from a study we performed to evaluate the skin barrier before and after the application of Activated Silk™ 33B-α. As indicated by the pronounced prevalence of orange staining, Activated Silk™ 33B-α supports natural production of claudin-1 compared to the control.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
Barrier Enhancement
Ex Vivo Human Skin Study Insulted skin 24hrs after control and test treatments
Claudin-1 Cell Nuclei

Fig 1. No Activated Silk™ 33B-α

Fig 2. Activated Silk™ 2% 33B-α

Better Results.
We conducted a head-to-head study versus a placebo control against major anti-aging indications.
- Significant reduction in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) in as little as 7 days
- Significant reduction in appearance of redness in as little as 7 days
- Reduction in appearance of wrinkles in as little as 7 days
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
ACTIVATED SILK™ 33B-α vs.
PLACEBO CONTROL
MODEL: Improvement of skin health
TEST METHOD: 54 subjects
MATERIALS: Serum (Placebo); Serum (2% Activated Silk™ 33B-α)
LENGTH OF THE STUDY: 28 days
INSTRUMENT(S): Corneometer®, Cutometer®, Tewameter®
- TEWL
- Redness
- Wrinkles
NOTE:
Activated Silk™
- 34 subjects (female)
- Ages: 31–65
- Race: 82.4% White, 8.8% Indigenous, 8.8% Asian (no Fitzpatrick breakdown)
Placebo
- 23 subjects (female)
- Ages: 38–63
- Race: 69.6% White, 21.7% Other, 8.7% Asian (no Fitzpatrick breakdown)

Better Results.
We conducted a head-to-head study versus a placebo control against major anti-aging indications.
- Significant reduction in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) in as little as 7 days
- Significant reduction in appearance of redness in as little as 7 days
- Reduction in appearance of wrinkles in as little as 7 days
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
ACTIVATED SILK™ 33B-α vs.
PLACEBO CONTROL Expert Graded
Results Significant reduction in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) by 18%
- TEWL
- Redness
- Wrinkles

Better Results.
We conducted a head-to-head study versus a placebo control against major anti-aging indications.
- Significant reduction in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) in as little as 7 days
- Significant reduction in appearance of redness in as little as 7 days
- Reduction in appearance of wrinkles in as little as 7 days
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
ACTIVATED SILK™ 33B-α vs.
PLACEBO CONTROL Expert Graded
Results Appearance of redness was significantly reduced in as little as 7 Days
- TEWL
- Redness
- Wrinkles

Better Results.
We conducted a head-to-head study versus a placebo control against major anti-aging indications.
- Significant reduction in TEWL (transepidermal water loss) in as little as 7 days
- Significant reduction in appearance of redness in as little as 7 days
- Reduction in appearance of wrinkles in as little as 7 days
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
ACTIVATED SILK™ 33B-α vs.
PLACEBO CONTROL Expert Graded
Results Reduction in appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.
- TEWL
- Redness
- Wrinkles

Better Formulation Flexibility.
We proudly offer two different Activated Silk™ 33B-α products optimized for your formulation needs.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
- Activated Silk™ 33B-α 113 for mid-viscosity formulations
- Activated Silk™ 33B-α 720 for low-viscosity formulations

Better Formulation Flexibility.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
Anchor ingredient in wide array of finished formula applications
- Formulas that are incompatible with ceramides / petrolatums / typical barrier ingredients
- All products can work in spray application, something ceramides can’t do

Better Shipping.
Activated Silk™ 33B-α is delivered in a lyophilized tablet form. Why? Because it makes it easier to ship, store and use. Which means it’s better for your business, budget and footprint.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
When compared to standard liquid, waxy or petrolatum ingredients, Activated Silk™ 33B‑α:
- Reduces the shipping burden by 90.5%01
- Reduces plastic packaging by 56%01
- Is renewably sourced, Upcycled and biodegradable making it supportive of a circular economy
- Is compact for easy storage Compact
01 Compared to standard 55-gallon drum liquid ingredient

Better Retention.
Activated Silk™ 33B-α is more than a facial barrier-boosting ingredient. We ran retention studies to prove that the bioactive peptide stays on the skin in rinse-off products, making it a revolutionary barrier ingredient for a wide array of below-the-neck formulations as well.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
Expanding Commercial Applications
- Body Creams
- SPF Products
- Body Cleansing Products
- Body Sprays & Deodorants

Better Retention.
Skin samples were washed with body wash including Activated Silk™ 33B-α for 15 minutes and then rinsed. Skin samples were then examined for retention of the Activated Silk™ 33B-α bioactive peptide ingredient remaining on tissue surface after rinse-off. The study concludes that Activated Silk™ 33B-α remains on the skin after rinse-off, indicated by the visual presence of the gray layer above the skin model.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
Retention in rinse-off
applications study
Skin Model Activated Silk™ 33B-α 2%

Fig 1. Pre-wash: without Activated Silk™ 33B-α

Fig 2. Post-wash: Activated Silk™ 33B-α 2% with capryl glucoside

Better Retention.
We conducted clinical trials to test for ongoing positive indications post rinse-off.
Dosage: Body wash with 0.5% Activated Silk™ 33B-α 113 (commercial body wash)
Length of the study: 7 days
Instruments: Tewameter® and Corneometer®
Number of participants: 30 subjects
Type of subjects: Healthy male and female subjects aged 18+ with eczema-prone skin. 50% of the panel had self-perceived sensitive skin.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
Retention in Rinse-Off
Applications Study: Clinical
Body Wash with Activated Silk™ 33B-α
Results
12% TEWL Improvement
24% Hydration Improvement

Better For The Planet.
Not only does Activated Silk™ 33B-α make your skin look and feel healthier, it is also healthier for the planet. Unlike the fossil fuel-derived petrochemicals often used in skincare products, Activated Silk™ 33B-α is sustainable, naturally derived, biodegradable, made with renewable energy and is supportive of a circular economy.
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
Sustainability Claims
- Naturally Derived
- Biodegradable
- Cruelty-Free (Leaping Bunny Certified)
- Not formulated with Petrochemicals
- Nontoxic01
- Made From a Renewable Resource
- Supportive of a Circular Economy
- Made With Renewable Energy
- Reduces Packaging / Shipping Footprint
- Upcycled
01 Based on completion of HRIPT, heavy metal testing, ASTM D5338 biodegradability and aquatic toxicity testing

Let’s Make Better Things Together.
- Activated Silk™ 33B-α Brand Guidelines
- Activated Silk™ 33B-α Terms & Conditions
- Activated Silk™ 33B-α Reconstitution Tutorial
INCI: Soluble Fibroin
-
Brian Freedman
Regional Director, North America, Natural Ingredients
[email protected]
(508) 353-2998 -
Raquel Mirabent
VP, Regional Commercial Director EMEA Natural Ingredients
[email protected]
+34 697 323 838
Data Substantiations (available upon request)
- 200-Person HRIPT
- Cytotoxicity in EpiDerm-FT in Vitro Skin Model
- 28-Day Clinical Study - Expert Grading
- 28-Day Clinical Study - Corneometer® Measurements
- 28-Day Clinical Study - Tewameter® Measurements