KeraGEN IV, a keratin ingredient by the New Zealand-based Keraplast, was associated with skin, hair, and nail benefits, in a clinical study appearing in the journal HealthMed.
 
The double-blind study involved 65 women between the ages of 45 and 60. Compared to placebo, those who took the keratin supplement for 60 days experienced greater improvements in measures of hair loss and strength, enhanced skin elasticity and barrier function, and nail strength.
 
“Participants experienced a 43.1% reduction in hair loss, and a 17.6% increase in their cortex integrity after just 60 days,” said Scott Haycock, commercial director at Keraplast. “We also saw improvements in participants’ skin including a 12.5% reduction in trans-epidermal water loss, anda 10.1% increase in skin elasticity.. 56.2% of participants experienced improved nail strength as well.”
 
“This study verifies KeraGEN IV’s role in hair anchoring which is a concern for many women experiencing hair loss due to hormonal changes or stress. It also indicated KeraGEN IV’s role in skin elasticity which can deteriorate as one ages,” said Jennifer Gu, PhD, VP of research and development at AIDP, a distributor of KeraGEN IV.
 
Howard Moore, CEO of Keraplast, attributed the results to the ingredient’s unique extraction technology and its raw source material, regeneratively farmed sheep’s wool.
 
“Keraplast has pioneered a patented commercial method to extract alpha keratin on a large scale. We utilise a gentle, low-temperature chemical process which breaks disulfide bonds to make the keratin soluble and then modifies the cysteine bonds to maintain solubility and introduce high bioactivity,” said Moore. “The result is a functionalised keratin®, and because of the similarity between alpha-keratin in wool and human keratin, it provides superior bioactivity when used in personal care and supplements.”
 
“Keraplast is the only keratin manufacturer sourcing wool from sustainable and regeneratively farmed grass-fed New Zealand sheep. This is a core contributor to our mission as it relates to the climate and environment,” said Haycock.