Keratin is always animal-derived, rendered from feathers, wool, hooves, horns or hair, which places it outside vegan claims and, where it comes from slaughter byproducts such as hooves and horns, outside vegetarian ones. Products advertising plant keratin do not contain keratin at all; they use botanical proteins such as wheat or soy that mimic its conditioning effect. Cruelty-free is a separate testing question.
What it means for each mark
- VeganAnimal-derived in every form — vegan formulations use botanical proteins that mimic keratin rather than keratin itself.
- VegetarianOften a slaughter byproduct (hooves, horns), which places those grades outside vegetarian standards.
- Cruelty-FreeCruelty-free certifies a no-animal-testing policy, separate from keratin's animal origin — the two claims do not imply each other.
Where it typically hides
- Shampoos, conditioners and hair masks
- Keratin smoothing and straightening treatments
- Nail hardeners and strengtheners
- Some hair and skin supplements
- Anti-frizz serums and leave-in products
What a certification review asks for
- Confirmation of the protein source for any keratin or hydrolyzed keratin listed
- The botanical-protein specification where a product claims plant or vegan keratin
- Ingredient documentation distinguishing true keratin from keratin-alternative proteins
Alternatives
- Hydrolyzed wheat, soy or pea protein
- Botanical amino-acid blends for conditioning
- Plant humectants and film-formers for smoothing
Frequently asked questions
Is keratin vegan?
No. Keratin is a protein sourced from animal feathers, wool, hooves, horns and hair, so it is not vegan. Vegan hair products use botanical proteins that mimic keratin's effect rather than keratin itself.
What is plant or vegan keratin?
It is not keratin. Products marketed as plant keratin use botanical proteins, usually from wheat, soy or corn, that condition hair in a similar way. True keratin is always animal-derived.