Yes, keratin is a chemical. More specifically, it's a naturally occurring protein, a type of fibrous structural protein also known as a scleroprotein. While it's found naturally in the human body (hair, skin, nails), proteins are complex molecules composed of amino acids, and thus are inherently chemical substances.
Understanding Keratin's Chemical Nature
- Protein Composition: Keratin is made up of a chain of amino acids linked together in a specific sequence. This precise arrangement determines its strength and insolubility, key characteristics of its structural role in our bodies.
- Disulfide Bonds: The high structural stability of keratin results from the strong disulfide bonds between its amino acid chains. These chemical bonds are crucial for its function and are targeted in certain chemical treatments.
- Different Types: Keratin isn't a single, homogenous substance. It exists as a family of proteins, including different types of keratins and keratin-associated proteins, each with slightly varying structures and properties.
- Chemical Treatments: Keratin treatments often involve additional chemicals. While keratin itself is a natural protein, many commercially available keratin treatments include other chemicals like formaldehyde, methylene glycol, methanediol, methanal, and formalin. These are added for various purposes in the treatment process, such as improving the smoothing and sealing effects.
Keratin Treatments and Added Chemicals
It's essential to distinguish between keratin as a natural protein and commercially available keratin treatments. Many of these products contain added chemicals beyond the natural keratin protein. These added ingredients can influence the treatment's effectiveness and potentially carry risks if not used appropriately or if they contain harmful substances.
The inclusion of chemicals like formaldehyde in some keratin treatments raises safety concerns due to formaldehyde's carcinogenic properties. Formaldehyde-free alternatives are available, but it is crucial to check the product's ingredients for potential health risks.
