Keratin is not vegan. At least when it comes to skin and hair care products. Keratin is naturally occurring in the human body and makes a big part of our healthy-looking hair and nails.
Of course, when it comes to hair and nails, there’s a natural desire to keep them looking their best. Many products on the market promise to improve the appearance and health of these features, and one key ingredient that often takes center stage is keratin.
But what exactly is keratin, and how does it work? Let’s dive into research, discover the science behind this ingredient, and figure out how keratin is made.
What Is Keratin? What Is Keratin Made Of?
Keratin is a fibrous structural protein found in the outer layer of human skin, hair, and nails. It is an essential component that provides strength and resilience to these tissues.
Structurally, keratin is made up of long chains of amino acids, primarily cysteine, which form disulfide bonds. These bonds create a sturdy framework that helps hair and nails withstand daily wear and tear.
Keratin is the primary building block of hair. It forms the structure of the hair shaft, giving it its strength and elasticity. Healthy hair is rich in keratin, and when hair is damaged due to factors like heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental stressors, the keratin structure can become compromised.
Just as in hair, keratin plays a crucial role in the composition of nails. Nails are composed of layers of keratinized cells that grow from the nail matrix, a specialized tissue located beneath the base of the nail. This keratin-rich structure provides nails with their hardness and resilience.
Keratin in beauty products is derived from animal sources. The most common source of keratin for commercial use is animal hooves, feathers, and horns. This means that most keratin-based products are not vegan-friendly and keratin is not vegan.
Why Is Keratin Used In Skincare?
Keratin is used in skincare because of its ability to improve the appearance and condition of skin, hair, and nails. Hair and nail products containing keratin, such as shampoos, conditioners, and other treatments, aim to restore and strengthen the protein structure.
These products often contain hydrolyzed keratin, which means that the protein has been broken down into smaller molecules. This makes it easier for the product to penetrate the hair shaft or nail plate, providing a more immediate and noticeable benefit.
Keratin treatments for hair, such as keratin hair masks and keratin-infused serums, are designed to repair and protect the hair from damage. They can help reduce frizz, add shine, and make hair more manageable.
For nails, keratin-infused nail strengtheners and treatments are available to address issues like brittle nails, splitting, and peeling. These products work by reinforcing the natural keratin structure of the nails, promoting stronger nails.
However, since keratin is not vegan, Vegan Avenue recommends using products with other vegan ingredients. For example, a good alternative to keratin that can help improve the health of hair and nails is plant-based proteins like soy, wheat, or pea.
FAQ About Keratin
Keratin is a fibrous structural protein found in the outer layer of human skin, hair, and nails. It is an essential component that provides strength and resilience to these tissues. Structurally, keratin is made up of long chains of amino acids, primarily cysteine, which form disulfide bonds. These bonds create a sturdy framework that helps hair and nails withstand daily wear and tear.
Keratin is not vegan. Keratin in beauty products is derived from animal sources. The most common source of keratin for commercial use is animal hooves, feathers, and horns.
Keratin is used in skincare because of its ability to improve the appearance and condition of hair and nails. Hair and nail products containing keratin, such as shampoos, conditioners, and other treatments, aim to restore and strengthen the protein structure.
Summary
Keratin is a fibrous structural protein found in human skin, hair, and nails, composed of long chains of amino acids. In the realm of beauty products, keratin plays a significant role in enhancing hair and nail health. However, keratin is not vegan.
For vegan alternatives, plant-based proteins like soy, wheat, or pea are recommended to achieve similar hair and nail benefits without animal-derived ingredients.
See also: Best Vegan Skincare Products, Best Vegan Haircare
