How is Vitamin K utilised?

The form used for topical application is the vitamin K1. It is included in various skincare and cosmetic products , ranging from 0.1% to 1% (creams, serums, gels, etc.), but also in natural extracts, such as safflower oil (0.0065%).

However, it is important to note that the Vitamin K1 found in cosmetic products is generally in its oxidised form (Vitamin K oxide), which is more stable, less irritating, and potentially as effective as its reduced form in the treatment of vascular redness.

vitamin K1 in its pure form in cosmetics has been banned by the European Commission according to Directive 2009/6/EC, due to several cases of skin allergic reactions.

The topical application of a 1% vitamin K cream has significantly improved wound healing from the seventh day of treatment. It also possesses antioxidant properties that may be beneficial in counteracting photoaging. It can also be anti-inflammatory and reduce blood circulation defects, particularly associated with redness, dark circles and bruises.

There have been few experiments conducted on humans, thus the use of Vitamin K may not be as effective as indicated in the studies.

When used in hair care, the vitamin K is found in certain plant oils that are beneficial for hair care, as they hydrate and strengthen the hair fibre, such as wheat germ oil (0.023%), almond oil (0.0064%) and coconut oil (0.00046%). These oils can be applied in a few drops with the hands to the roots and lengths of the hair, either pure or in an oil bath.

As of today, no hair care product containing Vitamin K is available on the market. Indeed, no study has proven any properties of using Vitamin K for hair application.

Nevertheless, it is possible to make assumptions about the potential benefits it could have on hair. Indeed, we have previously mentioned the potential antioxidant effects of vitamin K. Although this property is not yet fully proven and requires further studies, we believe that this occurs through an inhibition of lipid peroxidation by the vitamin K cycle through the elimination of free radicals.

The photo-aggravation of hair ageing involves a deterioration of the hair fibre linked to lipid oxidation. Hair pigments protect the hair proteins by absorbing and filtering solar radiation. However, when the pigments act to protect these proteins, they themselves can be degraded, resulting in white hair. Vitamin K would therefore reduce the effects of oxidative stress on the hair, and may limit the hair discolouration associated with ageing by preserving the pigments.