Is Keratin Harmful for the Body?
Keratin itself is a natural protein and a crucial component of skin, hair, and nails, contributing to their health and strength. However, the safety of keratin treatments depends heavily on the specific product formulation.
Many keratin hair treatments contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The American Cancer Society warns that formaldehyde may cause cancer or contribute to its growth. [^1] This is a significant concern, highlighting that the potential harm isn't from keratin itself but from added chemicals. Several sources confirm this, emphasizing that some keratin treatments may contain formaldehyde, a strong-smelling chemical causing various side effects. [^2, ^3, ^10]
Potential Side Effects
Beyond the cancer risk associated with formaldehyde, keratin treatments can cause other adverse reactions, including:
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Rash[^2]
These side effects demonstrate the importance of choosing carefully formulated products and understanding potential risks. Even "safe" keratin treatments, as described in some reviews, can still present issues for individuals with sensitive skin or already damaged hair. [^4, ^5]
Considerations for Safe Usage
While some sources suggest that infrequent use of keratin treatments might be acceptable, there's a consensus that caution is needed. The potential for hair damage from repeated treatments is also a concern. [^6, ^7, ^9] The FDA is even considering banning some keratin treatments due to safety concerns. [^3]
In summary, keratin, as a natural protein, is not inherently harmful. However, many commercially available keratin treatments contain potentially hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde, posing significant health risks. Therefore, careful consideration of product ingredients and potential side effects is crucial before using any keratin treatment.
[^1]: American Cancer Society (Date Accessed: October 26, 2024). Note: The original reference provided a date of December 14, 2021, but the specific source within the American Cancer Society's website wasn't linked, hence the adjusted citation.
[^2]: Healthline. (Dec 14, 2021). Keratin Treatment Side Effects: Formaldehyde Risk, Alternatives, More.
[^3]: CNBC. (Mar 7, 2024). Are keratin treatments safe? Some may get banned by the FDA next month.
[^4]: Reddit r/HaircareScience. (Dec 11, 2020). Keratin Treatments - good or bad?
[^5]: Byrdie. (May 21, 2024). Are Keratin Treatments Bad for You? We Asked Stylists for All the ...
[^6]: Cleveland Clinic. (Jun 9, 2022). Keratin: Protein, Structure, Benefits, Uses & Risks.
[^7]: Vogue. (Dec 7, 2023). Are Keratin Hair Treatments Safe? The Truth About the Popular ...
[^8]: Quora. (Apr 15, 2021). Are keratin hair treatments okay if used in moderation (e.g., every 4+ ...
[^9]: Medical News Today. (May 31, 2022). Keratin hair treatment: Overview, benefits, care, and more.
[^10]: Northwell Health. (Dec 5, 2022). Know The Risks Of Keratin Treatments.
