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How to read a hair tonic label: peptides, keratin and claims explained
What “hydrolyzed keratin”, “amino peptides” and “leave-on” mean on a hair tonic, and how to spot wording that goes too far.
When you pick up a hair tonic in a KL pharmacy or online, read four things: what type of product it is (leave-on or rinse-off), the directions, the ingredient list, and the NPRA notification number. Then read the claims. Cosmetic wording describes how hair looks and feels, such as stronger-feeling, fuller-looking, less breakage. Wording that promises more than how hair looks and feels is a reason to ask more questions.
Decoding common ingredient terms
Hydrolyzed keratin is keratin protein broken into smaller pieces called peptides and amino acids. Keratin is the main protein in hair, which is why it is used in hair care to support the feel and strength of the fibre. The Dr. M Scalp Tonic lists 18 types of amino peptides from hydrolyzed keratin. “Leave-on” means you apply it and do not rinse, so it stays on the scalp after you massage it in.
Reading the claims
Good cosmetic claims are specific and modest: helps hair feel stronger from root to tip, looks fuller, less breakage when brushing, helps reduce hair fall from breakage. Check the notification number on the NPRA website; the Dr. M Scalp Tonic is NOT220105815K and the shampoo is NOT220504152K. If a label is too small to read in a shop, ask for a clear photo before you buy.
Quick answers
What does “18 peptides” mean on the Dr. M tonic?
It refers to 18 types of amino peptides from hydrolyzed keratin in the formula, which nourish the scalp and help hair feel stronger.
Why does it matter that the tonic is leave-on?
A rinse-off product spends a few minutes on the scalp. A leave-on tonic stays after you massage it in, which suits an everyday nourishing step.
Try the two-step routine
Dr. M Hokkaido Kelp Shampoo cleans the scalp; Dr. M Hydrolyzed Protein Scalp Tonic, with 18 types of amino peptides from hydrolyzed keratin, stays on to help hair feel stronger and look fuller, with less breakage. Mix 1 to 5 bottles and pay by card on drmhaircare.com, with delivery across the Klang Valley and Malaysia.
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