In which cosmetic products can one find phytokeratin?

Keratin is a fibrous protein that is essential for the mechanical strength of skin and hair. It is an integral part of a filamentous protein network that ensures the cohesion and integrity of epithelial tissues. The phytokeratin is a plant-based alternative to animal keratin, possessing a chemical structure and a sequence of amino acids similar to those of keratin. In cosmetics, phytokeratin, also known as vegetable keratin, is primarily used to control hair frizz, discipline it, and provide strength and shine. It also replicates the action of keratin, providing hydration, elasticity, and protection to the skin. These various benefits make it a component in several cosmetic products.

• Shampoos : Firstly, we find plant-based keratin in many shampoos, where its moisturising properties play a crucial role in maintaining the hydrolipidic film of the scalp. This protective film, often weakened by certain surfactants present in the formulas, constitutes the first line of defence against scalp dehydration and its sensitisation by external pathogens.

• Conditioners : As mentioned earlier, phytokeratin is not only beneficial to the scalp, but also to the entire hair. Indeed, by coating the hair fibres, it forms a protective barrier that shields them from external aggressions and reduces the risk of split ends and breakage. Moreover, plant keratin helps to smooth the cuticle, which allows the hair to reflect more light and thus enhances its shine. These various properties allow it to be incorporated into the formulation of different conditioners.

• Thermal-protective sprays : It is not uncommon to find phytokeratin in thermal-protective sprays, products that, by forming a barrier between the hair and heat, reduce the damage caused by heating devices such as hair dryers, straighteners or curling irons. Thanks to its ability to penetrate the hair fibre and strengthen the hydrolipidic film, phytokeratin helps to reduce the risk of damaging the hair fibres.

• Serums, Hair Repair Masks : The various hair benefits of phytokeratin also make it a key ingredient in serums and hair masks. In these products, plant keratin plays a crucial role in filling the discontinuities of the cuticle, thereby contributing to the repair of hair fibres weakened by daily stresses, whether they are mechanical (tight hairstyles, wind, friction...) or chemical (styling sprays, lacquers, dyes...).

• Eyelash and Eyebrow Care : Eyelash and eyebrow treatments, whether they are serums or gels, take advantage of the strengthening virtues of phytokeratin to discipline them and provide resistance. Indeed, by mimicking the natural proteins of the hairs, it helps to reinforce the anchoring of the eyelashes and eyebrows, often weakened by daily makeup and makeup removal. Furthermore, by hydrating them, plant keratin improves their flexibility and natural shine.

• Creams, masks, moisturising balms : Even though phytokeratin is primarily found in hair products, it can also be incorporated into certain cosmetics intended for the skin, particularly moisturising treatments. This active ingredient can indeed contribute to maintaining skin hydration due to its water retention properties in epidermal cells. In doing so, phytokeratin reduces insensible water loss (IWL) and gives the skin a softer and more supple touch.

• Nail Serums : Nail serums also benefit from the properties of phytokeratin. Thanks to its structure, which is similar to that of the keratin in nails, it can act as a natural strengthener and improve the resilience of nails weakened by regular exposure to water and chemical products. Phytokeratin also helps to nourish and strengthen the natural keratin of the keratin of nails, thereby reducing the risk of breakage, splitting or flaking.

You can find phytokeratin in several of our products, including:

• The hand & nail serum : Enriched with plant keratin and hyaluronic acid, this treatment containing 93% natural origin ingredients can be used daily to strengthen the nails and also hydrate the hands. This serum also contains biotin and panthenol, active ingredients with reparative properties.

• The mascara serum : Formulated without silicone and mineral oil, this mascara serum strengthens the eyelashes due to its richness in castor oil and pea peptides. It provides a natural result, without a material effect, and can be applied in several layers for a modulable effect.

• The eyebrow strengthening gel : Available in 3 shades with neutral undertones to suit all eyebrow colours, this tinted treatment is concentrated with peptides known for their strengthening properties and provides eyebrows with definition and volume, for a natural and adjustable result. It contains 98% naturally derived ingredients.

• The anti-dandruff treatment shampoo : This shampoo, containing piroctone olamine and jujube extract, reduces the proliferation of dandruff, soothes scalp irritations, and aids in normalising the desquamation process.

• The densifying treatment shampoo : Thanks to its richness in caffeine and acetyl tetrapeptide-3, this 95% natural-origin treatment stimulates the micro-circulation of the scalp to promote hair growth. It also acts to maximise the anchoring of hair fibres, with the aim of limiting their fall.

• The restorative hair mask : In addition to phytokeratin, this hair mask contains biomimetic ceramides, active ingredients capable of integrating into the lipid cement of the hair fibre and restoring the cohesion of the cuticle. Split ends are thus filled and the hair appears less brittle, smoother and shinier.

• VARMA G. & al. Pharmaceutical & Cosmetical Application of Keratin Protein Obtained from Biowaste- A Review. American Journal of PharmTech Research (2018).