Wheat proteins - Vegetable keratin for strong & healthy hair
Why keratin for hair care?
Keratin is a protein produced by the body and is the main component of our skin and hair. Around 90% of human hair is made up of keratin, which is formed in the hair roots. The remaining 10% is water, coloring pigments for our hair color and a natural fatty acid layer that coats each individual hair fiber.
Keratin is used in hair care because it determines the structure and health of the hair. The fiber protein keratin together with the surrounding fatty acid layer protects the hair from damaging external influences. Keratin ensures that our hair remains elastic, flexible and resilient at the same time.
How is keratin made?
Keratin in conventional cosmetics is usually obtained from animal sources. It is a fibrous protein that comes from animals and is extracted in particular from hair, feathers, wool or horns. These animal byproducts, usually from sheep, cows or chickens, contain the keratin, which is then processed for cosmetic applications. In the production of keratin, the animal material is chemically treated to extract the keratin. It is cleaned and prepared through various processes.
Why vegetable keratin?
Since keratin comes from animal sources, it is not considered vegan. This is one of the reasons why vegan alternatives such as plant-based keratin (e.g. from wheat proteins) are becoming increasingly popular, especially in natural cosmetics. These plant-based alternatives offer similar nourishing and protective properties without using animal ingredients.
What are wheat proteins?
Proteins are the essential building blocks of all living things and consist of amino acids. They support cell structure and are essential for metabolic processes and the function of enzymes that accelerate biochemical processes. Wheat germ proteins, also known as plant keratin or phyto-keratin, are similar to the natural keratin in hair and skin. This vegan active ingredient is widely used in natural cosmetics and can be found under the term "hydrolyzed wheat protein" in the ingredient lists. All myrto organic shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments and finishing sprays contain this valuable ingredient.
How are wheat proteins produced?
Wheat proteins are naturally obtained from cereal grains and are biodegradable. Hydrolysis produces a slightly yellowish liquid in which the protein is separated from the cereal starch and processed into a microfine powder. These plant-based keratins form a thin, elastic and smoothing film on the outer keratin layer of the hair.
Causes of a damaged keratin structure
A lack of keratin is rare and usually only occurs in cases of severe malnutrition. Common causes of brittle, dull hair are:
- Chemical treatments (perms, bleaching, hair coloring)
- Aggressive shampoos
- heat styling (straightening iron, curling iron, blow-drying)
- Dry heating air
- Sunlight, especially in combination with chlorine or salt water
These factors damage the protective fatty layer and cause the underlying keratin to become porous.
How does wheat germ help with damaged hair?
Vegetable keratin has a variety of effects in hair and scalp care:- Soothes the scalp and strengthens the skin barrier.
- Protects against moisture loss and coats the hair with a thin film.
- Has an antistatic effect, smoothes porous hair surfaces and makes the hair smoother and easier to comb.
- Increases elasticity and resistance to hair breakage.
- Promotes hair fullness and volume during styling.
wheat germ proteins & gluten intolerance
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, spelt and rye. A gluten-free diet is essential for people with gluten intolerance. There is no evidence of health risks with cosmetic products that are applied externally. Caution is only required with products that could be ingested orally (e.g. lip balm). Since shampoo does not normally enter the mouth, the use of products containing wheat proteins is not a problem for people with gluten intolerance.
