Non-flouride toothpaste, crafted from human hair, reportedly excels in efficiency, according to scientific assertions.
In a groundbreaking development, scientists at King's College London have discovered that keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and wool, can repair tooth enamel and stop tooth decay. This innovative discovery could potentially revolutionize oral health care, providing a biodegradable alternative to conventional toothpastes.
Sherif Elsharkawy, the study's lead author and consultant in prosthodontics at King's College London, stated that we are entering an era where biotechnology allows us to restore biological function using the body's own materials. The new keratin-based toothpaste offers advantages such as repairing and protecting tooth enamel better than traditional fluoride toothpastes by forming a durable, enamel-mimicking protective layer that halts early-stage decay and rebuilds enamel strength.
When keratin comes into contact with saliva, it forms a protective coating that mimics natural enamel. The new study found that keratin forms a dense crystal-like scaffold that mimics the structure, color, and function of actual enamel. This protective coating can shield teeth from further damage.
Keratin is sustainably sourced from biological waste materials like hair and skin. Sara Gamea, a graduate student at King's College London and the first author of the study, mentioned that keratin offers a transformative alternative to current dental treatments. The scaffold continues to attract calcium and phosphate ions over time, leading to the growth of an enamel-like coating on teeth.
The findings of this study have been published in Advanced Healthcare Materials. With further development and the right industry partnerships, we may soon be growing stronger, healthier smiles from something as simple as a haircut. Consumers might not have to wait long to purchase a keratin-based toothpaste; the researchers say it could hit the market in the next two to three years.
However, it's important to note that the study did not focus on the toxicity or durability of traditional plastic resins commonly used in restorative dentistry. Keratin eliminates the need for these toxic and less durable resins, which is a significant advantage for the environment and consumer safety.
This development is a huge step for regenerative dentistry, providing a biodegradable alternative to conventional toothpastes. Sara Gamea stated that keratin offers a transformative alternative to current dental treatments. The study used keratin extracted from wool but also suggested it could be extracted from other sources, including human hair.
The keratin toothpaste development marks a significant innovation in oral health care by using a natural protein to overcome enamel’s inability to self-repair. This innovation, if successful, could have promising implications for reducing cavity incidence globally. As of August 2025, the product is still undergoing research and early trials. There is strong interest and optimism, but no confirmed mass-market release date is yet available. The technology is new and may enter commercialization soon given increasing demand for sustainable, regenerative dental care products.
The potential application of this keratin technology might extend beyond oral health care, shaping the future of health-and-wellness and science. As the keratin-based toothpaste progresses through trials, it could soon become a popular choice for those seeking a more natural, eco-friendly solution for maintaining dental health (Gizmodo, 2025). Furthermore, the study's findings on sourcing keratin from various materials, such as human hair, could pave the way for customizable health-and-wellness products tailored to individual requirements in the coming years. The technology's promising implications and potential for environmental benefits make it a noteworthy subject for further examination and development in the realm of regenerative and sustainability-focused technology.
