No, aloe vera itself does not contain keratin. However, aloe vera has a similar chemical makeup to keratin, the primary protein in hair. This similarity in chemical composition allows aloe vera to benefit hair health by providing nutrients that improve elasticity and reduce breakage. Several sources highlight this chemical similarity, not the presence of keratin within the aloe vera plant itself. Products often combine aloe vera and keratin for synergistic hair care benefits.
Many hair care products utilize both aloe vera and keratin, leveraging their complementary properties. Aloe vera's hydrating and soothing qualities are paired with keratin's ability to strengthen and repair hair. This combination is often seen in shampoos, conditioners, and hair polishes. For example, Every Strand sells a "Keratin with Aloe Vera + Vitamin E Hair Polisher," demonstrating the common pairing of these two ingredients in commercial products. Similarly, Petal Fresh offers both a shampoo and conditioner that incorporate both aloe vera and keratin.
It's crucial to understand the difference between chemical similarity and direct inclusion. While aloe vera shares some chemical similarities with keratin, leading to beneficial effects on hair, it does not contain keratin itself. The benefits derived from aloe vera for hair health are due to its nutrient content and its similar chemical structure to keratin, resulting in complementary effects when used together with keratin-based products.
