Skincare...for Your Hair!

Collagen, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides you've likely heard of these ingredients in skincare products, and now they're popping up in haircare and styling formulas too. They may be skin stars, but do they really work on strands and the scalp? GH Beauty Lab and hair experts explain what's worth a try.

- APRIL FRANZINO

COLLAGEN

"This protein is in the skin and scalp," says Peter Schrooyen, vice president of R&D for Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing North America. It's used in hair care for its purported nourishing and strengthening benefits. "Collagen contains amino acids required to help with the protein development of hair, thus encouraging healthy and strong hair quality," says Shab Reslan, a trichologist (hair expert) in New York City. In addition, "As a topical ingredient, it has moisturizing properties," says Krupa Koestline, a cosmetic chemist in Orlando, FL. 

Best for: All hair types

GH Beauty Lab test winner: It's a 10 Miracle Deep Conditioner Plus Keratin, $26, Ulta 

NIACINAMIDE

The skin-smoothing and brightening vitamin B3 derivative is now in silkening and thickening hair products. A study found that a complex containing niacinamide and caffeine "penetrated the hair fiber and initiated a change to its strength that made thin hair look and feel thicker," explains Connie Roetker, principal scientist in haircare research and development at Procter & Gamble.

Best for: Thin or fragile hair

GH Beauty Lab pick: Hair Biology Hair Thickening Treatment, $10, target.com

HYALURONIC ACID

This sugar molecule produced naturally by the body is a hero skin hydrator that is claimed to have similar effects on strands. "Several studies have shown the benefits of hyaluronic acid in haircare," Koestline explains. "It helps as a humectant [which draws in moisture] to nourish hair strands as well as the scalp."

Best for: