Keratin for Hair, Skin & Nails Health
D Early Research Only preliminary research exists (lab studies, case reports).Limited evidence from small RCTs suggests solubilized keratin (500 mg/day) may improve skin moisture and elasticity, but most studies use proprietary extracts.
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D
The Bottom Line
Limited evidence from small RCTs suggests solubilized keratin (500 mg/day) may improve skin moisture and elasticity, but most studies use proprietary extracts.
Key Study Findings
Other
TBG096 stimulates hair regeneration through IGF-1R-mediated angiogenesis.
Dose: None
vs: untreated controls
Outcome: hair follicle transition from telogen to anagen phase
Effect: None
None
Population: female and male rats, naturally aged and DHT-induced alopecia model mice
review
Nail Supplements: When, How, and Why?
Dose: biotin, collagen peptides, solubilized keratin MSM, choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
None
in vitro/ex vivo study
A proprietary lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens promotes hair growth through mechanisms that extend beyond …
Dose: USPlus DERM (lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens) at 0.4 and 10 μg/mL in hair follicle organ cu
vs: Placebo
Effect: USPlus DERM IC50=0.39 μg/mL (vs 29.1 μg/mL standard extract); 0.4 μg/mL significantly reduced melani
None
Other
AP collagen peptides (APCPs) promote hair growth by activating the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway and improve hair …
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: Hair growth
Effect: None
None
Population: Mouse model
Review
Regenerative medicine strategies for hair growth and regeneration: A narrative review of literature.
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: Hair regrowth
Effect: None
None
Population: Alopecia patients
Case-control
n=60
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms Taq-1 and Cdx-1 in Female Pattern Hair Loss.
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: OR=12.6 (CC genotype Taq-1), OR=7.5 (AA genotype Cdx-1)
None
Key Statistics
2
Studies
120
Participants
↑
Positive
D
Grade
Referenced Papers
Biochemical pharmacology
2026
Frontiers in bioengineering …
2025
8 citations
International journal of …
2025
1 citations
Skin appendage disorders
2025
Experimental dermatology
2024
5 citations
Regenerative medicine strategies for hair growth and regeneration: A narrative review of literature.
Review
Regenerative therapy
2022
96 citations
Experimental dermatology
2020
10 citations
Indian journal of …
2020
5 citations
Nutrients
2019
23 citations
Skin appendage disorders
2018
88 citations
Journal of medicinal …
2018
37 citations
Journal of photochemistry …
2018
16 citations
Stem cell investigation
2017
53 citations
TheScientificWorldJournal
2014
14 citations
Experimental dermatology
2003
35 citations
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 250-500 mg/day solubilized keratin
Upper limit: Not established
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| biotin, collagen peptides, solubilized keratin MSM, choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid | -- | Positive | -- |
| USPlus DERM (lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens) at 0.4 and 10 μg/mL in hair follicle organ cu | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | 60 |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | 8.7 weeks | Positive | -- |
Best taken: With meals
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Generally well-tolerated
- ⚠ Rare gastrointestinal discomfort
Known Interactions
- ● No significant drug interactions documented
Tolerable upper intake: Not established
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Keratin help with Hair, Skin & Nails Health?
Based on 2 studies with 120 participants, there is preliminary evidence that needs more research that Keratin may support Hair, Skin & Nails Health management. Our evidence grade is D (Very Early Research).
How much Keratin should I take for Hair, Skin & Nails Health?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 250-500 mg/day solubilized keratin. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Keratin?
Reported side effects may include Generally well-tolerated, Rare gastrointestinal discomfort. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Keratin and Hair, Skin & Nails Health?
We rate the evidence as Grade D (Very Early Research). This rating is based on 2 peer-reviewed studies with 120 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Hair, Skin & Nails Health
References
- [1] Majid Manzoor et al.. Biochem Pharmacol. 2026. TBG096 stimulates hair regeneration through IGF-1R-mediated angiogenesis. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2026.117764 PubMed
- [2] Yukun Liu et al.. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2025. Subcutaneous injection of genetically engineered exosomes for androgenic alopecia treatment. doi:10.3389/fbioe.2025.1614090 PubMed
- [3] David Broadley et al.. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2025. A proprietary lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens promotes hair growth through mechanisms that extend beyond 5-alpha reductase inhibition: Insights from … doi:10.1111/ics.70035 PubMed
- [4] Ines Zaraa et al.. Skin Appendage Disord. 2025. Nail Supplements: When, How, and Why? doi:10.1159/000541048 PubMed
- [5] Jung Ok Lee et al.. Exp Dermatol. 2024. AP collagen peptides (APCPs) promote hair growth by activating the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway and improve hair condition. doi:10.1111/exd.15137 PubMed
- [6] Yusuke Shimizu et al.. Regen Ther. 2022. Regenerative medicine strategies for hair growth and regeneration: A narrative review of literature. doi:10.1016/j.reth.2022.10.005 PubMed
- [7] Ralf Paus et al.. Exp Dermatol. 2020. Topical L-thyroxine: The Cinderella among hormones waiting to dance on the floor of dermatological therapy? doi:10.1111/exd.14156 PubMed
- [8] Iman Seleit et al.. Indian J Dermatol. 2020. Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms Taq-1 and Cdx-1 in Female Pattern Hair Loss. doi:10.4103/ijd.IJD_482_18 PubMed
- [9] Marialuisa Piccolo et al.. Nutrients. 2019. Induction of Hair Keratins Expression by an Annurca Apple-Based Nutraceutical Formulation in Human Follicular Cells. doi:10.3390/nu11123041 PubMed
- [10] Jessica Cervantes et al.. Skin Appendage Disord. 2018. Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature. doi:10.1159/000477671 PubMed
- [11] Gian Carlo Tenore et al.. J Med Food. 2018. Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth and Tropism in … doi:10.1089/jmf.2017.0016 PubMed
- [12] Thomas Hengl et al.. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2018. Cystine-thiamin-containing hair-growth formulation modulates the response to UV radiation in an in vitro model for growth-limiting conditions of human keratinocytes. doi:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.09.005 PubMed
- [13] Suruchi Garg et al.. Stem Cell Investig. 2017. Platelet-rich plasma-an 'Elixir' for treatment of alopecia: personal experience on 117 patients with review of literature. doi:10.21037/sci.2017.06.07 PubMed
- [14] Christina Beer et al.. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014. A clinical trial to investigate the effect of Cynatine HNS on hair and nail parameters. doi:10.1155/2014/641723 PubMed
- [15] Petra Clara Arck et al.. Exp Dermatol. 2003. Topical minoxidil counteracts stress-induced hair growth inhibition in mice. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0625.2003.00028.x PubMed
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.