Hydrolyzed Keratin

Hydrolyzed Keratin is a protein derived from the chemical or enzymatic breakdown of keratin-rich sources like wool, feathers, or hooves into smaller peptide chains and amino acids. This hydrolysis process reduces the molecular weight to approximately 500-3000 Daltons, allowing the protein fragments to penetrate the hair shaft and temporarily repair damaged areas by filling in gaps in the cuticle. Formulators favor it for its biomimetic properties—since human hair is composed of keratin, these hydrolyzed fragments have a natural affinity for binding to damaged hair sites, providing substantive conditioning, improved elasticity, and enhanced moisture retention that survives multiple wash cycles.