Are Keratin Supplements Safe to Take? What You Need to Know

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

While keratin is a protein the body produces naturally to build hair, skin, and nails, the safety of taking supplemental keratin is a primary concern for many consumers. Although oral keratin supplements are generally considered safe at recommended doses, there are important caveats, particularly regarding manufacturing regulations and potential side effects.

Quick Summary

Taking keratin supplements is largely safe at recommended doses, with mild digestive issues being the most common side effect. Risks like formaldehyde exposure are tied to salon treatments, not oral pills. The supplement industry is unregulated, so third-party verification is crucial for consumer safety.

Key Points

General Safety: Keratin supplements are generally considered safe for most healthy adults when taken at the recommended dose.
Side Effects: Potential side effects are typically mild digestive issues, such as stomach upset or nausea.
Salon Treatments vs. Pills: The risks of formaldehyde and cancer are associated with salon keratin treatments, not the oral supplements.
Regulation: The supplement industry is largely unregulated, so it is important to choose products with third-party verification for quality assurance.
High-Risk Groups: Pregnant or nursing women should avoid keratin supplements, and a doctor should be consulted for those with existing medical conditions.
Dietary Alternatives: Boosting keratin naturally through a protein-rich diet is a safe and effective alternative to supplements.

Understanding Keratin Supplements

Keratin is a fibrous structural protein crucial for the structure of hair, skin, and nails. While the body produces it naturally, supplements offer an alternative source. Unlike salon treatments that apply keratin topically and often contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, oral supplements provide hydrolyzed keratin, a more easily digestible form typically derived from animal sources.

The Current Consensus on Keratin Supplement Safety

For most healthy individuals, are keratin supplements safe to take? Generally, yes, when used as directed. Research on keratin supplements is still developing compared to other supplements like creatine.

Potential Side Effects of Keratin Supplements

Side effects are usually mild and related to digestion.

Digestive Issues: Mild discomfort, bloating, or nausea may occur, potentially reduced by taking the supplement with food.
Allergic Reactions: Rare allergic responses are possible, especially from animal-derived sources. Severe symptoms require medical help.
Excessive Protein: High doses of any protein supplement can be detrimental; follow label instructions.

The Difference: Oral Supplements vs. Salon Treatments

Distinguishing between oral supplements and salon treatments is vital for safety. Formaldehyde-related risks, including eye irritation and potential cancer links from fumes, are associated with salon procedures, not ingested supplements.

The Importance of Regulation and Verification

Dietary supplements, including keratin, lack stringent government regulation like the FDA. Manufacturers are responsible for product safety and labeling accuracy. To ensure quality and purity, look for supplements with third-party verification from organizations such as USP or NSF.

Keratin Supplements vs. Natural Production

Supporting natural keratin production through diet is often recommended before considering supplements. A balanced diet providing necessary nutrients like protein, biotin, and vitamin A aids the body's synthesis of keratin.

Foods that support natural keratin production:

Eggs: A source of biotin and protein.
Salmon: Provides protein and omega-3s.
Sweet Potatoes: Rich in vitamin A.
Garlic: Contains N-acetylcysteine, an amino acid.
Carrots: Another good source of vitamin A.

Supplement Options Compared


Feature	Keratin Supplements	Diet & Lifestyle	Salon Treatments
Mechanism	Delivers hydrolyzed keratin.	Provides nutrients for body's own production.	Applies chemicals, often with formaldehyde.
Safety	Generally safe at recommended doses; potential mild digestive issues. Seek third-party verification.	Very safe; no associated risks.	Potential hazards from chemical exposure, including respiratory issues.
Effectiveness	Preliminary research on benefits for hair and nails.	Long-term support for overall health and natural keratin production.	Temporary cosmetic effect; can be damaging to hair.
Cost	Varies.	Minimal additional cost; integrates with diet.	Can be expensive, with ongoing costs.

Who Should Avoid Keratin Supplements?

Pregnant or Nursing Women: Safety is not established; not recommended.
Individuals with Medical Conditions: Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if taking other medications.

Conclusion

Addressing the question, are keratin supplements safe to take, for most healthy adults, they carry a low risk, primarily mild digestive issues, when taken according to directions. Crucially, risks like formaldehyde exposure are linked to salon treatments, not oral supplements. Due to limited regulation, selecting third-party verified products is important. Prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet for natural keratin production is a safe and effective approach. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Additional information on supplement safety can be found on the FDA's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oral keratin supplements are digested pills intended to provide the body with hydrolyzed keratin peptides. Salon treatments are chemical procedures that apply a protein solution, often containing formaldehyde, directly to the hair for cosmetic straightening.

Yes, your body naturally produces its own keratin. A balanced diet rich in protein, biotin, and vitamin A (found in foods like eggs, salmon, and sweet potatoes) provides the necessary building blocks for natural keratin production.

Because the supplement industry is unregulated, you should look for products that have been independently verified by a third party, such as USP or NSF. This indicates the product has been tested for purity and accuracy.

While keratin supplements are generally not known to cause interactions, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement if you are taking other medications. This can help avoid any potential interactions or complications.

The timeframe for seeing results from keratin supplements can vary based on individual factors like diet, age, and overall health. Some users report noticing improvements in hair and nail health within a few weeks, while benefits for skin may take longer.

Yes. While keratin is a natural protein, consuming excessive amounts of any protein supplement is not recommended. It could potentially lead to unwanted protein buildup and other health issues. Always follow the recommended dosage.

No, keratin supplements are not known to cause hair loss. In fact, some users report improved hair health. However, if you experience unexpected hair loss, it's best to consult a healthcare provider to determine the root cause.