All About Vegetable Keratin Benefits for the Skin.

Keratin is a fibrous protein rich in sulfur atoms. In vertebrates, it is mainly present in the outermost layers of the epidermis (horny layer), but also in the dander (hair, nails, feathers, horns, beaks…). 

Animal keratin exists in two different forms: beta-keratin and alpha-keratin. Both types of keratin are found in different sources. Beta-keratin is found in reptiles and birds while alpha-keratin or cytokeratin is present in all mammals, including humans.

Keratin is essential to the mechanical 

strength of the skin. It is part of a 

supracellular filamentous protein network

that ensures the cohesion 

and integrity of epithelial tissues.

In a process called differentiation or cell turnover, epithelial cells mature and become loaded with keratin, resulting in dead cells (corneocytes) that are eventually shed. Alpha-keratin can represent up to 95% of the total proteins present in the stratum corneum.

Phytokeratin is a fine beige powder obtained by hydrolyzing wheat or almond proteins through an enzymatic process. It is a vegetable alternative to animal keratin and comes with all its benefits.

Phytokeratin is used in the cosmetic industry because it has an amino acid structure close to the keratin naturally found in the skin, hair, or nails. On the INCI lists, it is recognizable under the names Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein or Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein. We use it in some of our hair and nail products such as the Hand & Nail Serum, the Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and the Volume Shampoo.