Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein

Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein is one of the strongest and most effective hair-repair ingredients used in shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and leave-ins.

It is made by breaking keratin, from wool, feathers, or hair, into smaller peptides so it becomes water-soluble and can attach to damaged areas of the hair.

Appearance
Hydrolyzed Keratin (liquid): clear, slightly amber liquid

What Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein Is

Keratin is the main structural protein of human hair, skin, and nails.

When hydrolyzed:

• Large keratin molecules are broken down

• The peptides become small enough to be absorbed

• They bind to damaged spots along the hair shaft

This makes hydrolyzed keratin one of the best hair repair proteins.

Benefits for Hair

1. Repairs damaged hair – attaches to weak or broken keratin sites and fills gaps in the cuticle

2. Strengthens hair – improves tensile strength and reduces breakage during combing

3. Smooths the cuticle – reduces roughness and frizz

4. Increases elasticity – hair becomes more flexible and less prone to snapping

5. Adds shine – smooth cuticles reflect more light

6. Ideal for chemically damaged hair – great for bleached, relaxed, heat-damaged, and color-treated hair

Typical Usage Rate

• Shampoo: 1–2%

• Rinse-off conditioner: 1–3%

• Hair mask: 2–5%

• Leave-in spray or serum: 0.5–2%

Formulation Tip

• Add during the cool-down phase below 40°C

• High heat destroys the protein

• Compatible with pH 4–7

Note: Do Not Over-Protein the Hair

Too much keratin can make hair stiff, dry, and easily snapped.