Evidence supporting the use of: Hydrolyzed keratin
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hydrolyzed keratin is used in many topical hair care products, especially shampoos and conditioners, with the aim of improving hair strength and reducing breakage. Keratin is a protein that makes up the structure of hair, and hydrolyzed keratin refers to keratin that has been broken down into smaller peptides through a hydrolysis process, allowing it to penetrate the hair shaft more easily. Scientific evidence supporting hydrolyzed keratin for hair loss or thinning is limited but exists primarily in the context of improving hair quality rather than directly preventing or reversing hair loss. Several in vitro and small-scale clinical studies suggest that hydrolyzed keratin can temporarily strengthen hair, reduce surface damage, and increase moisture retention, leading to improved hair appearance and resistance to breakage (J Cosmet Sci. 2014). However, these effects are largely cosmetic and do not address underlying causes of hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium. There is little to no evidence that hydrolyzed keratin, when applied topically, affects hair follicle biology or stimulates new hair growth. Most benefits are due to its ability to coat or penetrate the outer layers of the hair shaft, thereby making existing hair look and feel healthier. Thus, the use of hydrolyzed keratin for hair loss or thinning is scientifically supported only in the sense of improving hair condition and reducing breakage, not as a treatment for true hair loss.

More about Hydrolyzed keratin
More about Hair (loss or thinning)

Other health conditions supported by Hydrolyzed keratin

Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)

Products containing Hydrolyzed keratin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.