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| Catalog Number | CI-HC-0228 |
| Product Name | Keratin |
| CAS | 68238-35-7 |
| Description | Keratin is a fibrous protein that comprises the majority of the structure of hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin in mammals. It is a very strong and durable protein that provides essential mechanical strength and protective functions to these structures. In hair, keratin helps to give it its strength, flexibility, and elasticity. In nails, it provides the hardness and durability needed to protect them from damage. In the skin, it helps to form a barrier against harmful substances and pathogens. Keratin is produced by special cells called keratinocytes, which are found in the outer layer of the skin and in the hair follicles. |
| Appearance | Keratin is a fibrous protein that appears as long, slender, and cylindrical strands. |
| Application | 1. Hair Care Products: Keratin is widely used in hair care products like shampoos, conditioners, and hair serums. It helps in repairing damaged hair by strengthening hair fibers, smoothing the hair cuticle, and adding shine to dull hair. 2. Skin Care Products: Keratin is also used in skin care products like moisturizers, creams, and lotions. It helps in improving skin elasticity by promoting collagen production, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and moisturizing dry and rough skin. 3. Nail Care Products: Keratin is used in nail care products like nail strengtheners, nail polishes, and cuticle creams. It helps in strengthening weak and brittle nails, and promoting nail growth. 4. Medical Application: Keratin is used in the medical field for wound healing and tissue engineering. It acts as a bioactive material that promotes cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, thereby accelerating the healing process. 5. Textile Industry: Keratin is used in the textile industry for manufacturing clothes and fabrics. It helps in providing a natural luster, strength, and durability to the fabrics, making them more resistant to wear and tear. |
| Features And Benefits | 1. Keratin strengthens hair and prevents breakage 2. It smooths hair cuticles and reduces frizz 3. Keratin can repair and protect damaged hair 4. Keratin adds shine and enhances hair texture 5. It can also improve the manageability of hair. |
Keratin, a naturally occurring protein in the human body, plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the skin, hair, and nails. This fibrous protein forms the central component of the skin's outer layer and can develop into specialized structures such as hair and nails. As a key constituent of hair, keratin provides volume and luster, enhancing its appearance. Its durability and flexibility distinguish it from other proteins found in the dermis, like collagen and elastin. External factors, including repeated chemical treatments, harsh shampoos, ultraviolet radiation, and environmental stress, can damage keratin within hair, leading to diminished strength and elasticity. Products containing keratin, such as shampoos and conditioners, are designed to fortify and smoothen fragile hair, improve its resilience, and support repair mechanisms against UV damage. Consumers have long recognized keratin's beneficial properties in cosmetic formulations, noting its efficacy in enhancing both hair and skin quality.
Tinoco, A., et al. International journal of cosmetic science, 2018, 40(4), 408-419.
Keratin-based particles were obtained by high pressure homogenization (HPH) using keratin and silk fibroin, and their potential in protecting and restoring the mechanical properties and thermal stability of hair was explored. The findings indicated that particles made from keratin were successful in enhancing and repairing the mechanical characteristics of both virgin and over-bleached hair. In addition, the stability of these keratin-based particles and their safety to human keratinocytes were verified.
Synthesis of keratin-based particles
· High Pressure Homogenization (HPH) was utilized to create eight different formulations of keratin-based particles. The compositions of the final particles were within the range of KeratinxSilkFibroinyPoloxamer407z (KxSFyPz), with x values of 80, 90, 95, and 100%; y values of 0, 5, 10, and 20%; and z values of 0 and 5 mg mL-1.
Protein solutions were prepared in phosphate buffered saline (PBS 1x) at pH 7.4, with a final concentration of 10 mg mL-1. Additionally, 0.5% (v v-1) of vegetable oil and Poloxamer 407 (Pol407) at a concentration of 5 mg ml-1 were included when necessary.
· The homogenization process took place at pressures ranging from 240 to 580 bar for a duration of 10 to 13 minutes, consisting of 3 to 5 minutes of open cycles and 7 to 8 minutes of closed cycles for each formulation.
Following the homogenization cycles, the resulting emulsions were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes at 4 ºC in Amicon tubes to separate the free protein from the particles.
Brahme, Amol W., et al. Int J Med Phar Sci, 2019, 9(03), 1.
In this work, keratin was extracted from human hair by reduction method and used in the development of cosmeceutical formulations. The evaluation results of stability and efficacy showed that the prepared keratin gel had nourishing activity and could enhance hair strength, hair gloss and softness.
Development of keratin gel formulation
· Keratin gel was prepared in two formulations: a trial formulation and an optimized formulation. In the trial formulation, Keratincrystal was triturated with 3 ml of Cremophor RH 40, followed by the addition of 50 gm of hydrated Carbopol934. Methylparaben and propyl paraben were added as preservatives, and triethanolamine was added for gel formation and to maintain the pH. The optimized formulation was prepared using 1 gm of keratin crystal and following the same procedure as the trial formulation.
· Various characterization tests were performed on both formulations, including pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, and stability. The developed formulation had good spreadability and neutral pH. The formulation also maintained good stability for 90 days.
MĂDĂLINA GEORGIANA ALBU-KAYA, et al. International Conference on Advanced Materials and Systems, 2022.
A series of hair care products in the form of an O/W emulsions have been developed, which can be used as hair masks based on keratin and collagen and other natural ingredients such as panthenol, plant oils, and essential oils. The designed emulsion exhibits sufficient physicochemical properties (including pH, appearance, rheological behavior, etc.) for cosmetic purposes and is considered to be suitable for a hair cream formulation for hair care.
Preparation of the O/W Emulsions
· The ingredients of phase A (oils and emulsifier) and phase B (floral water, distilled water, keratin, collagen hydrolysate) were heated in a water bath in two heat-resistant Berzelius beakers, under homogenisation. Once both phases reached approximately 75°C, they were taken off the heat.
· Phase A was then slowly poured into phase B while stirring continuously to avoid air bubbles. After a few minutes of mixing, the ingredients of phase C (panthenol) were added and stirred for a minute. The beaker was then placed in a cold-water bath and stirred for 3 minutes.
· Following this, the ingredients of phase D (cosgard preservative and essential oils) were added gradually, one by one, to the cooled mixture. The resulting emulsions (named 1-3) were transferred into sterile containers for further testing and analysis.
What is keratin and what role does it play in the human body?
Keratin is a protein naturally produced by the human body and is a highly specialized intracellular epidermal protein. It is a fibrous substance that constitutes the essential component of our skin, making up the main bulk of the horny layer. With modification, keratin forms specialized structures such as hair and nails. It provides durability and pliability to external tissues and plays protective, functional, and decorative roles, such as increasing the volume and sheen of your hair.
How does keratin benefit hair health?
Keratin is the main constituent of hair and applying extra keratin to the hair can replenish thinning areas and support the natural hair structure. It strengthens the hair, making it more durable and easier to manage. Keratin-containing products, like shampoos and conditioners, are especially beneficial for weak, fragile hair, as they help make hair stronger, softer, and easier to comb while repairing damage caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation.
What factors can damage keratin in hair, and how can these be mitigated?
Several influences can damage keratin in hair, including repeated permanent wave treatments, harsh shampoos, UV radiation, and environmental exposures. To mitigate this damage, it is beneficial to use keratin-containing hair care products, as they help repair and reinforce the hair structure, making it more resistant to such detrimental effects.
Are there any specific benefits of using keratin-based shampoos and conditioners?
Yes, keratin-based shampoos and conditioners are primarily aimed at individuals with weak, fragile hair. These products help to strengthen the hair, enhance its softness, and make it easier to comb. Additionally, they provide protective benefits, allowing hair to better defend itself against and repair damage caused by UV radiation and other environmental factors.
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