Is keratin vegan?
Not vegan
Is keratin vegan?
Why
keratin comes directly from an animal's body, so it is never vegan however it is farmed or labelled.
Keratin is not vegan. It is a fibrous protein typically derived from the horns, hooves, feathers, and hair of animals such as cattle, sheep, and chickens. There are now widely available precision-fermented and animal-free versions that are molecularly identical to natural keratin; vegan-friendly options also include synthetic or plant-derived proteins (e.g., soy or wheat) that are not true keratin.
Where it comes from
- Keratin is extracted from animal byproducts, including cattle hooves, horns, sheep wool, and poultry feathers, through hydrolysis (heating with chemicals).
- It is sourced from slaughterhouse waste; animals are not killed specifically for keratin but for meat/leather industries.
- There is no natural plant-derived keratin; plant-based 'keratin' products use substitutes like hydrolyzed soy, wheat, or corn protein, often misleadingly labelled.
- Notable industry fact: Most keratin in cosmetics (hair treatments, nail strengtheners) comes from livestock byproducts; production involves high heat and acid/alkali processing.
- Vegan-friendly products mimic keratin effects with pea protein, quinoa, or synthetic polypeptides; these are chemically distinct from true keratin. Precision-fermented animal-free keratin is an emerging alternative, though not yet widespread in all products.
Names to look for on the label
- Keratin
- Hydrolyzed keratin
- Keratin amino acids
- Ethyl ester of keratin
- Keratin, hydrolyzed
- Cetyl esters of keratin
- INCI: KERATIN (Wool), KERATIN (Feathers)
Check ingredient lists for 'keratin', 'hydrolyzed keratin', or 'keratin amino acids'—common in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and nail treatments. Avoid products from brands unless certified vegan (e.g., by The Vegan Society). Plant-based alternatives often list 'hydrolyzed soy protein', 'hydrolyzed wheat protein', or 'quinoa protein' instead of keratin, but these are not true keratin. Some labels use 'vegan keratin' which may refer to precision-fermented or animal-free keratin that is chemically identical; verify the source. Look for 'keratin-free' or plant-based keratin substitutes. Be aware that unlabelled animal-derived keratin is widespread, so choose clearly labelled vegan products from reputable retailers.
Commonly hides in
- wool
What to use instead
bamboo viscose — It does exactly the same job in coffee, cooking and baking, with no change in method.
How to check a label
Ingredient lists are legally required to name allergens such as milk and egg in bold, which catches most hidden animal ingredients. E-numbers and processing aids are the gap: E120, E441, E542, E904 and E920 are animal-derived, and processing aids often go unlisted. When in doubt, look for a certified vegan mark or ask the manufacturer directly — most reply within a few days.
Common questions about keratin
Can keratin be derived from plants?
No, natural keratin is an animal protein found in hair, nails, feathers, and hooves. Plant-based products labelled 'keratin' use substitutes like hydrolyzed soy or wheat protein, which mimic some properties but are not true keratin. Precision-fermented animal-free keratin is now available but is not plant-derived.
Is keratin always tested on animals?
Not necessarily. Keratin itself is not typically tested on animals separately, but cosmetic products containing it may be. However, the animal-derived source raises ethical concerns for vegans.
Are there vegan alternatives to keratin?
Yes, many hair and nail products use hydrolyzed plant proteins (soy, wheat, pea, quinoa) or synthetic polypeptides. They provide similar strengthening effects without animal ingredients. Additionally, precision-fermented animal-free keratin offers a true keratin alternative.
Is keratin in hair products safe for vegans?
No, if the ingredient is animal-derived keratin. Look for 'vegan' labels and read ingredient lists; plant-based proteins and precision-fermented keratin are safe. Some brands use 'keratin' in marketing even when they use animal-free versions—always verify the source.
What does PETA say about keratin?
PETA lists keratin as a non-vegan ingredient because it is derived from animal parts, typically from slaughterhouse waste. They recommend avoiding it in personal care and cosmetic products, though precision-fermented versions may be considered acceptable as they are animal-free.
Sources: Poore & Nemecek (Science, 2018), FAO, USDA FoodData Central, Mekonnen & Hoekstra (2011).
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