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Cosmetic Peat Association
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Humin

Chemical Compounds
Also: humin fraction, insoluble organic matter
Molecular weight: >100,000 Da
Solubility: Insoluble at all pH values
Concentration in peat: 20–50% of dry mass

Humin is the insoluble fraction of humic substances in peat — the portion that remains after both alkaline and acid extraction. It represents the largest fraction by mass but is the least biologically active in cosmetic applications due to its insolubility.

Role in Peat

Humin provides structural integrity to peat and contributes significantly to its physical properties, particularly thermal retention and water-holding capacity. While not bioactive in the same way as humic or fulvic acids, humin is essential to the function of whole-peat applications like balneotherapy, where the physical matrix matters as much as the chemistry.

Cosmetic Relevance

Minimal direct cosmetic activity. Important only in whole-peat applications (baths, wraps) where the physical matrix contributes to treatment efficacy. Not relevant for extracted or purified peat preparations.

Evidence & Claims

exhibits thermal-retention (verified)

Contributes to peat's exceptional heat-holding capacity

stevenson-1994 — Physical properties of humic fractions