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What Is Natural Keratin?

Kathleen Howard
Kathleen Howard

Keratin is a strong, fibrous protein found in the hair, skin and nails. The term “natural keratin” is most commonly used when referring to keratin-enriched skin care or hair care products. Natural keratin is organic keratin derived from a natural source that has not been treated with chemicals or synthetic substances. The advantage of using this type of keratin is that, unlike synthetic keratin, these proteins are not usually combined with damaging chemicals like formaldehyde. Natural protein is used in a variety of shampoos, relaxers and creams as well as other beauty products.

For keratin to be considered natural it must come from a natural source. Common sources of cosmetic keratin include animal hooves, fur, feathers, sheep’s wool and other animal materials. The keratin derived from animal materials is chemically identical to human keratin. Some people believe this makes natural keratin superior to synthetic proteins.

Some vegan keratin products also claim to contain keratin. Keratin, however, is not naturally found in vegetables. Instead, these products might contain the amino acids necessary to produce keratin naturally.

Keratin is often used in cosmetic creams.
Keratin is often used in cosmetic creams.

There are two important advantages of using natural keratin over synthetic keratin fibers. The first advantage is that naturally-derived keratin is believed to be more biologically compatible with human hair. This is especially true if the keratin has been hydrolyzed, or broken down into molecules small enough to penetrate the cuticles of the hair. Keratin that is natural is also less likely to be combined with potent chemicals like formaldehyde, which is sometimes included in strengthening and straightening treatments. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical that has been linked to several types of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other serious conditions.

Keratin hair products like keratin shampoo and keratin conditioner are used to replace protein lost through heat styling and chemical treatments.
Keratin hair products like keratin shampoo and keratin conditioner are used to replace protein lost through heat styling and chemical treatments.

Due to the benefits of natural keratin, this protein is used in several different products. Keratin hair products like keratin shampoo and keratin conditioner are used to replace protein lost through heat styling and chemical treatments. Adding keratin to the hair is believed to increase the hair’s elasticity, strength and overall health. People who want to straighten their hair can also use a keratin relaxer. These relaxers are usually created using natural ingredients and are designed to strengthen the hair, while loosening its texture.

Keratin is a protein that can be found in skin cells.
Keratin is a protein that can be found in skin cells.

In addition to hair care products, many skin care and nail care products also contain natural keratin. Like hair keratin, keratin creams are believed to add protein to the skin and increase elasticity. Some creams are also said to reduce wrinkles and produce younger-looking skin. People who are interested in increasing the condition of their nails can also find nail lacquers containing keratin. Using a keratin product on the nails is believed to add strength and help users grow longer, healthier natural nails.

Discussion Comments

anon993040

Using any products with Keratin strengthens the hair skin and nails because of the keratin bonds in their genetic makeup. Ex. If a brick fell from a house you would not replace it with a pillow you would place another brick in the missing location. That's what keratin does for the hair. However it should be used in moderation and not as a daily treatment.

Talentryto

@heavanet- I have used keratin shampoo, and I think that this article is very accurate about its benefits. Whenever I use shampoo with keratin, my hair seems shinier and stronger than when I use regular shampoos.

Heavanet

Does anyone know the effects of using natural keratin shampoo? After reading this article, it sounds like it may be very beneficial to maintaining healthy hair, but I have never tried it.

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    • Keratin is often used in cosmetic creams.
      By: Konstantin Tavrov
      Keratin is often used in cosmetic creams.
    • Keratin hair products like keratin shampoo and keratin conditioner are used to replace protein lost through heat styling and chemical treatments.
      By: Africa Studio
      Keratin hair products like keratin shampoo and keratin conditioner are used to replace protein lost through heat styling and chemical treatments.
    • Keratin is a protein that can be found in skin cells.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Keratin is a protein that can be found in skin cells.
    • Keratin straightener treatments often take several hours to apply, but results usually last for several months.
      By: and.one
      Keratin straightener treatments often take several hours to apply, but results usually last for several months.
    • Some keratin shampoons and relaxers are formulated for use on dry, curly hair.
      By: indiraswork
      Some keratin shampoons and relaxers are formulated for use on dry, curly hair.
    • There are distinct advantages to using a natural keratin shampoo instead of one formulated with synthetic keratin fibers.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      There are distinct advantages to using a natural keratin shampoo instead of one formulated with synthetic keratin fibers.
    • Keratin hair treatments may be used to treat damaged hair.
      By: Julija Sapic
      Keratin hair treatments may be used to treat damaged hair.