KERATIN

📋 Quick facts

Description: KERATIN — film-forming, strengthening, conditioning.

All Functions: film-forming, strengthening, conditioning

Quick Facts:

• Category: emollient

Proven Benefits At A Glance:

• Keratin is a structural protein found in skin, hair, and nails
• Keratin forms strong molecular bonds (disulfide bridges) that give it strength
• Some fungi can break down keratin as part of fungal infections
• Keratin mutations are linked to certain skin fragility disorders
• Research on keratin is still evolving, especially regarding its role in health

⚗️ Chemical Overview

Bromochloroacetic Acid can cause cancer according to The National Toxicology Program. Bromochloroacetic acid is a monocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid in which one of the methyl hydrogens is replaced by bromine while a second is replaced by chlorine. A low-melting (27.5-31.5C), hygroscopic crystalline solid, it can be formed during the disinfection (by chlorination) of water that contains bromide ions and organic matter, so can occur in drinking water as a byproduct of the disinfection process. It is a 2-bromocarboxylic acid, a monocarboxylic acid and an organochlorine compound.

Source(s): California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), ChEBI, via PubChem

📊 Comedogenicity

🛡️ Safety rating

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🌍 Regulatory Status

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

Keratin is a structural protein that your body uses to build skin, hair, and nails. What makes keratin special is its molecular structure—it contains extensive disulfide bridges, which are chemical bonds that make the protein very stable and strong (Med Mycol, 2019). #1: Keratin serves as a barrier component. Your skin relies on keratin as part of its protective structure, along with other proteins that form what’s called the cell envelope (J Am Acad Dermatol, 1994). #2: Keratin problems can cause skin fragility. Mutations (genetic changes) in keratin genes have been identified as a cause of epidermal fragility syndromes—conditions where skin is unusually fragile and prone to blistering (Curr Opin Genet Dev, 1994).

However, the sources provided focus primarily on disease-related keratin mutations rather than normal keratin function in healthy skin. #3: Certain fungi specifically target keratin. Dermatophytes (fungi that cause common tinea infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm) have evolved specialized enzymes to break down keratin molecules, which is how they infect skin, hair, and nails (Med Mycol, 2019). This is an important distinction: keratin itself isn’t problematic; rather, some pathogens have developed ways to degrade it. It’s worth noting that the available research abstracts focus on keratin’s structural role and disease states rather than topical skincare benefits. Claims about keratin in cosmetic products would require different sources.

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Mercer DK et al. (2019). Keratin hydrolysis by dermatophytes. Med Mycol.
• Ortner-Tobider D et al. (2024). Keratin variants in monilethrix. Br J Dermatol.
• Smack DP et al. (1994). Keratin and keratinization. J Am Acad Dermatol.
• Lane EB (1994). Keratin diseases. Curr Opin Genet Dev.
• Owens DW et al. (2004). Keratin mutations and intestinal pathology. J Pathol.

🧴 Products Containing KERATIN

• Balea, Balea professional Glossy blond Spülung, naturblondes und blondiertes Haar
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Brillance Hårfarge 872 Intense Red
• Henkel, Schauma Sports Power-Shampoo
• Henkel, Schauma, Schwarzkopf & Henkel Frucht & Vitamin Shampoo
• Henkel, Schauma, Schwarzkopf & Henkel Himmlisch Lang, Langhaar Shampoo
• Henkel, Syoss Repair gezielte Reparatur 02 Spülung
• Henkel,Syoss Power Shampoo for Men
• Skintec Advance Incorporated KERATIN plus Gold
• Henkel, Schwarzkopf Gliss Kur – Hair repair – Oil Nutritive Shampoo
• Henkel, Syoss Repair Therapy Conditioner
• Hosc distribution aps Jan Thomas Shampoo Volume 250ml
• Bioélixire Odżywka do włosów zniszczonych
• cadum cadum
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Live Urban Metallics U69 Amethyst Chrome
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Brillance Hårfarge 924 Choco Couture
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Live Urban Metallics U67 Blue Mercury
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Live Urban Metallics U72 Dusty Silver
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Blonde Blondering Highlights M1
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Blonde Blondering Ultra Lightener L1+
• Palmolive Optims
• primer amino keratina loquay
• Henkel, Schwarzkopf Gliss Kur Hair Repair
• Shampoo
• Dove dove
• keratin protein mask
• Vitanove Après-shampooing Oléo-Nutrition
• keratin shampoo
• Belifor Coloration Douss Color 134 Marron Chocolat – 131ML – Beliflor
• INCO Osmo Luv
• Italpharma Cristalli Liquidi
• RoseBaie Masque Kératine et figue de barbarie
• Fresh Feel Shampooing Kératine
• Henkel, Schwarzkopf Palette Salon Colors 8.5
• Bonpreu Xampu familiar bon preu
• brazilian keratin therapy
• naturalium extra nourishing keratin hair mask
• Protector termico Crowe
• Hoito Saç maskesi
• Red One Conditioning Beard & Mustache Keratin Care Oil Hipster Style
• Palmers