When it comes to healthy, shiny hair, strong nails and skin that can withstand external influences, one ingredient is almost always mentioned – keratin. This protein is not only a popular component in cosmetics, but also a natural building block of our bodies. Its role goes far beyond aesthetics: keratin is essential for the protection, structure and proper function of various tissues.

In the sections that follow, you’ll discover how keratin functions in the hair, skin and nails, how it can be replenished through products and treatments, and why it remains an essential part of any beauty routine.

What Is Keratin and Why It Matters

If we had to pick one ingredient we simply couldn’t imagine our hair, nails and skin without, it would be keratin. It acts as a natural shield: strengthening the hair, making nails more resilient and helping the skin retain moisture while protecting it from external stressors.

Although keratin is most commonly associated with hair, it’s all around us – even in the animal kingdom (feathers, claws, horns). Its durability clearly demonstrates just how essential it is for the strength and resilience of tissues.

Where Is Keratin Found

You may have so far associated keratin mainly with popular hair-smoothing treatments, but its role goes far beyond that. Keratin is actually present in various parts of the body and is responsible for helping you look and feel cared for from head to toe.

• In the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), keratin forms a protective barrier. This helps the skin retain moisture and stay soft, while also defending it against external factors.
  
• Keratin makes up as much as 90% of each hair strand. It determines whether your hair will be strong, elastic and shiny. Without enough of it, hair becomes dry, brittle and lifeless.
• Keratin gives the nail plate strength and makes it more resilient, so nails are less prone to splitting and breaking.

Types of Keratin

It may sound surprising, but there are more than 50 different types of keratin! They are most commonly divided into two main groups:

• α-Keratin – the main type found in humans. It is present in the skin, hair and nails. In the skin, it can be softer, giving it a more elastic form. This flexibility allows the skin to stretch and move with the body. Here, keratin forms a protective barrier, but it cannot be too rigid, or the skin would crack. In hair and nails, however, it’s stronger, with a more compact structure, because these tissues need strength and resilience. That’s why keratin in hair and nails forms a denser network of fibers, making them tougher and more resistant to mechanical stress.
• β-Keratin – a tougher type of keratin found in birds and reptiles (in feathers, scales and claws). In humans, it’s present only in trace amounts and doesn’t play a significant role.

Beyond this basic classification, there are also specialised keratins with specific roles – some protect the upper layers of the skin from pressure, while others provide stability to the deeper layers of the epidermis.

Keratin in Cosmetic Formulations

Today, keratin is one of the most valued ingredients in the beauty industry. Its ability to restore and strengthen hair fibres has made it an essential component of shampoos, conditioners, masks and hair serums.

In cosmetic products, keratin most commonly appears in a hydrolysed form. This means the protein has been “broken down” into smaller particles so it can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and work from within. The result is hair that looks healthier, smoother and shinier after just a few uses.

It’s no wonder, then, that many modern collections combine hydrolysed keratin with additional active ingredients, such as plant extracts or vitamins, to enhance its effects. The Evan Care Coffee Gold Keratin set offers the perfect combination of keratin and coffee extract. It not only strengthens and restores the hair, but also brings back elasticity and natural shine, while the complete routine is designed to provide a lasting feeling of healthy, well-nourished hair.

Beyond hair, keratin is also extremely beneficial for the recovery and strengthening of nails. The Revuele SOS Complex Nail Strengthening Treatment, enriched with vitamins A and E and omega fatty acids, makes nails more flexible and nourished, while calcium and keratin help revitalise and reinforce their structure.

Thanks to keratin, both hair and nails have the opportunity to become stronger, more resilient, and better nourished – forming the foundation for a healthy, beautiful appearance.

What Is Plant-Based Keratin

In addition to traditional animal-derived keratin, plant-based keratin is increasingly used in cosmetics. It consists of a carefully selected blend of plant proteins. Usually from wheat, soy, corn or rice – that work in a way very similar to the keratin naturally found in your body.

We recommend the Difeel Vegan Keratin Collection that combines the power of plant proteins with frizz-control care. The formulas are vegan, lightweight and suitable for everyday use. They are designed for anyone looking to tame unruly strands and restore the hair’s natural shine. The collection includes multi-step hair care products, from shampoo and conditioner to mask and hair oil.

Plant-based keratin combines everything we look for in high-quality hair care. It makes the hair stronger and more beautiful, while the products remain gentle and suitable for everyday use.

The Difference Between Keratin in Daily Care and a Keratin Treatment

You may have read about keratin for hair and keratin treatments before, but have we really explored the difference between these two types of keratin?

As mentioned earlier, everyday care products like shampoos, conditioners, masks and serums usually contain hydrolysed keratin. This means the molecules are small enough to penetrate the hair shaft and gradually restore it.

Professional keratin hair-smoothing treatments, on the other hand, are intensive procedures that temporarily alter the hair’s structure. The goal is to achieve long-lasting smoothness and shine, often for several months.

The ideal approach is to combine both methods. Regular keratin care keeps the hair healthy and resilient, while a treatment provides the perfect boost when you want your hair to look especially smooth and shiny.

Keratin is a small protein with a big impact. Regular use of keratin-infused products can make hair shinier, nails stronger and skin more resilient. Do you use keratin products, and in what situations? Share in the comments which product is part of your daily routine.