Keratin
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Hair Protein
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
Keratins. Natural, fibrous proteins occurring in vertebrates. They contain all of the common amino acids and are characterized by high cystine content
CAS #
68238-35-7
Form
Powder
State
Solid
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
The structural protein from animal sources (wool, hair, nails) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries; modern extraction and stabilization of keratin for cosmetics began in the early 20th century and was popularized in the 1980s-1990s for hair conditioning treatments.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Rough Texture
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR