ACTIVES · MATERIA №36
Keratin
The structural protein of hair, skin and nails.
- Family
- actives
- Origin
- Natural protein; hydrolyzed for cosmetic use
- Format
- Hair mask, serum, conditioner
- Best taken
- Weekly hair treatment
Keratin is the protein that makes hair, nails, and the outer skin layer. The hair shaft is roughly 90% keratin.
Heat, chemical processing, and UV degrade the cortex over time. Hydrolyzed keratin is broken into smaller fragments that can penetrate damaged areas of the shaft and reinforce them.
How it works in the body
Hydrolyzed keratin diffuses into porous, damaged regions of the cortex and binds via hydrogen bonds and salt bridges, temporarily restoring structural integrity.
What you can expect
Damage repair
Fills porous, processed, or heat-damaged hair shafts.
Good for: skin
Shine and slip
Smoother cuticle reflects more light.
Good for: skin
04 — PROTOCOL
Once-weekly intensive mask on damp, clean hair. Leave 10–20 minutes, rinse thoroughly.
05 — SOURCING
Vegan keratin alternatives derived from wheat or soy are widely available and equally effective for most hair types.
06 — CAUTION
Over-use can leave hair feeling brittle — protein needs to be balanced with moisture.
What the studies say
HONEST NOTE
Peer-reviewed human evidence specifically for Keratin is still limited. We use it for its traditional context and mechanistic profile, but we won't cite trials that don't exist.
All citations link to PubMed, PubMed Central or the original publisher. We do not reproduce full study text. References last verified by SACRAHAUS editorial.
08 — PRODUCTS
Products with Keratin
Honest answers
- How often?
- Once a week is plenty for most hair. Damaged or chemically processed hair can handle twice weekly for a short rebuild phase.
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