What Does Keratin Mean?

Keratin is one of a family of fibrous structural proteins known as scleroproteins. α-Keratin is a type of keratin found in vertebrates. It is the key structural material making up scales, hair, nails, feathers, horns, claws, hooves, calluses, and the outer layer of skin among vertebrates.

What exactly is keratin?

Keratin is the type of protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. ... Keratin is a protective protein, less prone to scratching or tearing than other types of cells your body produces. Keratin can be derived from the feathers, horns, and wool of different animals and used as an ingredient in hair cosmetics.

What does keratin do in the body?

A type of protein found on epithelial cells, which line the inside and outside surfaces of the body. Keratins help form the tissues of the hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin.