What dissolves keratin protein?

Author: Miss Brisa Koch II  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

Final answer: The dissolution of keratin protein in the surface cells of the skin is primarily facilitated by enzymes. These biological catalysts, such as keratinase, effectively break down keratin, aiding in skin treatment and exfoliation.

What can dissolve keratin?

Keratin is dissolved in alkalies at high temperatures, such as sodium hydroxide (lye) or potassium hydroxide (potash). The alkali breaks the keratin protein down into small peptide chains and individual amino acids.

What dissolves keratin proteins on skin?

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  • Use strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, which can break down keratin proteins.
  • Use strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which can also break down keratin proteins.

How do you get rid of protein keratin?

The most effective way is by washing your hair frequently with a sulfate-based shampoo, as sulfates help break down the keratin more quickly. You can also use a clarifying shampoo, which deep cleanses the hair and accelerates the fading of the treatment.

What chemicals break down keratin?

The reducing agents such as sulfites, bisulfites, 2-mercaptoethanol, thioglycolic acid, and dithiothreitol are widely used for keratin extraction.

Structure of a Keratin Protein

What can destroy keratin?

“Overtime, factors like environmental triggers, UV chemicals and heat can break down keratin. Those factors basically cause the protein to change its natural shape.”

Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve keratin?

Solubilization of keratinaceous material is poor in hydrogen peroxide solutions where the pH is less than 9; however, when a solution of 1% H2O 2 is brought to pH 10 by adding roughly 1* by weight of NaOH it can release over 80% of the weight of crude keratin chicken feathers as soluble protein (Example 3) .

How do you break down excess keratin?

How can I treat keratin plugs?
  1. Gently exfoliate your skin. Scrub your skin gently using a washcloth, sponge or soft facial brush. ...
  2. Keep your skin hydrated. Moisturize regularly with a lotion or cream that's noncomedogenic, which means it won't clog your pores. ...
  3. Take care of your skin.

How long does keratin protein last?

Keratin Treatments: Typically, keratin treatments last around 6 to 8 weeks. After that, you may want to repeat the process to maintain smoothness and shine. Protein Treatments: Protein treatments can be used more frequently, especially if your hair is severely damaged. However, it's important not to overdo it.

What removes keratin?

  • You can wash off keratin from the hair in such ways as frequent hair washing with shampoos containing sulfates. ...
  • There are also special removers (or color removers) for hair, for example, acid removers. ...
  • Another tip on how to wash off the keratin composition from the hair is the lightening or bleaching.

What enzyme breaks down keratin?

Keratinases are serine proteases (or sometimes metalloproteases) that degrade keratin, a structural peptide found in hair, skin and nails.

Does salicylic acid break down keratin?

Keratolytic: Salicylic acid is also keratolytic, which means it can break down and dissolve keratin, a protein that can build up and clog the hair follicles in conditions like keratosis pilaris.

What ingredients remove keratin?

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is a mild detergent that is used in many shampoo products in order to lather the hair. This ingredient is responsible for stripping out colour from hair and washes out keratin from treated hair.

What products break down keratin?

Salicylic acid acts as another essential natural exfoliant that effectively penetrates the hair follicle, breaking down the build-up of keratin.

Does coconut oil remove keratin?

After one week you can use Virgin coconut oil on keratin treated hair. Virgin coconut oil binds to the hair and can reduce keratin loss during wash cycles. Olive oil is also completely safe to use on keratin treated hair, as it is natural.

Does salt water break down keratin?

Chlorine in pool water and salt in seawater can significantly compromise the integrity of a keratin treatment, stripping away its smoothing effects and potentially damaging your hair.

How do you dissolve keratin protein?

Conclusion: 10% KOH and 10% Acetic acid should be used for Keratin dissolution and its protein color reactions.

How long does keratin stay in your body?

While keratin treatments offer semi-permanent results, their longevity depends on various factors such as hair type, aftercare, and the specific treatment used. Average Duration: Typically lasts 2-5 months. Proper Maintenance: Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can extend the results.

How to reverse protein treatment?

Treat protein overload by soaking your hair in regular warm water. Afterwards, cleanse with a clarifying shampoo. The initial soak will eliminate excess oils and buildup, while the clarifying shampoo breaks down the proteins bonded to your hair.

What ingredients dissolve keratin?

Ingredients that are designed to dissolve keratin proteins on the surface of the skin are called keratolytic agents. Examples of keratolytic agents include salicylic acid, urea, and alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid).

How to remove keratosis at home?

Try medicated creams.

Apply a nonprescription cream that contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. These creams help loosen and remove dead skin cells. They also moisturize and soften dry skin.

How do you break down keratin?

Salicylic acid to break up the keratin, causing the thick skin to soften and be shed, thus reducing the thickness of the skin. Urea-based agents to increase the content of water in the skin and soften the area. This can help to break up the keratin, although to a lesser extent than salicylic acid.

Does vinegar ruin keratin?

Apple Cider Vinegar for Different Types of Hair

"You should also try not to use it right before or right after a chemical treatment, such as a coloring or a keratin job because the pH can affect the treatment you're having [or just had] done."

Does bleach break down keratin?

Bleaching causes 15% to 20% of the hair's protein bands to break. Keratins are the key proteins that make up your hair. So, when keratins break, the hair strands lose their structural integrity and become brittle.

Does salicylic acid dissolve keratin?

Salicylic acid works by softening keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. This helps to loosen dry scaly skin making it easier to remove.

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