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Ingredient

Hydrolyzed Keratin

Hydrolyzed keratin is keratin protein broken into small fragments that can adsorb onto and form a film along the hair shaft, temporarily patching damaged areas to make hair feel smoother and stronger.

Key facts

INCI name
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Evidence grade
limited evidence
Reviewed

Similar ingredients

others that do something alike

Good to know

Animal-derivednote

Sourced from animals — relevant if you avoid animal-derived ingredients.

What it does

limited evidence

Benefits

  • Conditions hair and smooths a damaged, rough cuticle
  • Film-forming, so hair feels stronger and looks shinier
  • Humectant that helps hold moisture
  • Also used as a skin-conditioning agent

Side effects

  • Cosmetic surface effect, not a permanent structural repair
  • Protein buildup can leave hair stiff if heavily overused

Who it's for

Dry, damaged, chemically treated or brittle-feeling hair

Who should be careful

Anyone with a known protein sensitivity; results are temporary and wash out over time

Researched & reviewed · July 2, 2026

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