Hydrolyzed Keratin
Hydrolyzed keratin is a gentle, water-soluble form of the protein that naturally makes up your hair, skin and nails. In beauty products it acts like a lightweight conditioner, helping to smooth, strengthen and add shine without weighing hair down. It is a favourite in UK shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and some skincare creams for its ability to improve texture and appearance.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, hydrolysed keratin is broken down into smaller peptides that can be easily absorbed by hair and skin. It forms a light protective film on the surface of the hair shaft, sealing in moisture, reducing porosity and smoothing the cuticle so hair looks glossier and feels softer. In leave-in treatments and creams it helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and improves the overall look of dry or damaged areas.
Key benefits
- Strengthens fragile hair strands
- Improves hair shine and smoothness
- Helps repair split ends and reduce breakage
- Enhances moisture retention in hair and skin
- Softens rough or dry skin texture
- Adds body and manageability to fine hair
Best for
dry hair, damaged hair, brittle hair, mature skin, dry skin
Where it comes from
Keratin is a natural fibrous protein found in wool, feathers, horns and human hair. The hydrolysed form used in cosmetics is typically sourced from sheep’s wool and then enzymatically broken down into smaller, soluble peptides.
Products with Hydrolyzed Keratin
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Hydrolyzed Keratin than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.