Similar to the keratin found in skin, nails, and hair, phytokeratin is a 100% natural ingredient used in skincare. Discover everything there is to know about phytokeratin.
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Here's what you need to know about phytokeratin.
Summary
- What exactly is phytokeratin?
- What are the benefits of phytokeratin?
- In which skincare products can one find phytokeratin?
- The contraindications of phyto-keratin
Published July 26, 2022,
updated on September 17, 2024,
by
Sandrine, Scientific Editor
—
6 min read
What exactly is phytokeratin?
Keratin is a sulphur-rich fibrous protein that forms the outermost layers of the epidermis and phaneres (nails, hair, and fur). Generally, the keratin used in cosmetics is of animal origin. At Typology, we have chosen to opt for a plant-based alternative : phytokeratin, referred to as Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein or Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein on I.N.C.I. lists.
This is a fine beige powder composed of hydrolysed wheat or almond proteins, meaning they are broken down into smaller proteins that will thus have better penetration and interaction at the level of the skin, hair, and nails surface. Phytokeratin is obtained through a enzymatic process.
What are the benefits of phytokeratin?
Offering numerous benefits to the body, it is used in the formulation of skin, hair and nail care products.
Benefits for the skin.
Phytokeratin possesses properties of repair, hydration, softening, emollience, and nourishment. Thus, it prevents transepidermal dehydration by strengthening the skin barrier and improves the quality of the skin.
Benefits for the nails.
The ungueal tablet, which is the most superficial part of the nail, is a horny plate composed of three overlapping layers of keratin.The supply of phytokeratin (which has a structure similar to keratin) to the nail strengthens brittle and weakened nails.
Benefits for the hair.
The hair is composed of 95% keratin. This is found in the fibrous layer of the hair, the cortex. Keratin is therefore the basic constituent element of the hair fibre. It provides the hair with strength and elasticity.
Phytokeratin helps to maintain the health of the hair fibre and to repair damaged hair by filling in the gaps. Thus, the hair is strengthened, shiny and softer.
In which skincare products can one find phytokeratin?
At Typology, you will find phytokeratin in some of our products dedicated to nail and hair care.
Hand & nail serums.
Our hand & nail serum, composed of 1% phytokeratin and 2% hyaluronic acid, repairs and strengthens brittle and damaged nails. The supply of plant keratin supports the strength, resistance and growth of the nail. Hyaluronic acid and D-panthenol hydrate and repair the skin of the hands. Moreover, this care also contains biotin which contributes to the strengthening of the nail and helps to thicken the cuticles and prevent breakage.
Anti-dandruff shampoo.
Our dandruff shampoo is formulated with phytokeratin, which helps to maintain hair health and repair damaged hair. This shampoo is composed of piroctone olamine, a very powerful anti-dandruff active ingredient due to its anti-fungal action and sebum-regulating properties. This works in synergy with the jujube extract which regulates flaking and soothes the scalp by reducing irritation and itching. It also contains essential oils of Atlas cedar and clary sage , known for their anti-dandruff and sebum-regulating properties.
Volume-boosting shampoo.
Just like our anti-dandruff shampoo, our volume shampoo contains phytokeratin. The proteins that make up phytokeratin help to fill in gaps on the surface of the hair fibre, coat the hair and smooth the cuticle. Fragile hair regains substance and shine, while damaged hair becomes more supple and soft. This shampoo also contains biotin and panthenol, active ingredients that strengthen the hair. The aloe vera in the formula helps to hydrate the scalp and adds shine to the hair. Moreover, it contains essential oils of rosemary and Scots pine which work in synergy to regulate and purify the scalp.
Hair repair mask.
Ourrestorative hair mask, formulatedwithbiomimetic ceramides, withmango butterandavocado oil helps to restore the cohesion of the cuticle and strengthen and repair the hair. The scales are filled, the cuticle is smoothed and the cortex is better protected.
The contraindications of phyto-keratin
Being entirely natural and structurally very similar to the keratin found in the body, phytokeratin poses no risk of allergy or irritation. There is therefore no contraindication regarding the use of treatments containing it. It is typically incorporated at a rate of 0.5 to 5% in formulations but the maximum concentration is unregulated due to thelack of toxicity.
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