Provital's new protein bioactive Kromboost reduced hair breakage by up to 152% and improved dyed colour retention by 166% in ex vivo testing, according to the Barcelona-based ingredient manufacturer. Used at 2% in leave-on and rinse-off formulations, the active targets hair longevity — preserving the functional life of the fibre under thermal and chemical stress.

The ingredient comes from an unexpected stream: barley malt rootlets, a byproduct of craft beer brewing sourced locally by Provital. An enzymatic hydrolysis process converts the rootlets into peptides and polyphenols, then the fraction is enhanced with serine, a hygroscopic amino acid naturally present in keratin. The upcycled origin carries certifications formulators will note: Kromboost is Halal, Cosmos approved, vegan and of 100% natural origin.

How does the bioactive work on the fibre?

Provital describes a dual mechanism. On the surface, the peptides form a protective film over the cuticle that helps reduce pigment loss from dyed hair and shields the fibre from heat styling. Deeper in, the peptides diffuse into the cortex, where the manufacturer says they reinforce keratin structure and support moisture retention — the serine component contributing hygroscopic capacity to that second action.

The two-level activity positions the ingredient for both rinse-off and leave-on formats, since the film-forming effect gives immediate surface protection while cortical diffusion addresses cumulative structural degradation.

What did the testing show?

The ex vivo protocol covered straight, wavy and coily hair textures, all subjected to repeated flat-iron styling to simulate real-world thermal stress. Provital reports the following results versus placebo:

• Breakage reduced by up to 152%
• Keratin thermal stability improved by up to 15%
• Moisture retention increased by up to 19%
• Dyed colour retention improved by 166% after a single 3-minute rinse-off application

The texture range matters for formulators: performance data spanning straight through coily hair gives brands evidence across the major curl pattern categories, not just European-standard straight fibre.

Where does it fit in a formulation?

At the recommended 2% inclusion level, Kromboost suits colour-protection lines, heat-defense sprays and treatments positioned around fibre integrity. The rinse-off colour result — 166% retention from a single 3-minute application — points particularly toward colour-lock shampoos, masks and in-salon post-colour services, where pigment loss during washing remains a key consumer complaint.

The manufacturer's claims remain attributed to Provital's own testing programme; independent verification has not been published alongside the launch.

With upcycled sourcing, dual-action protein chemistry and quantified performance across hair textures, Kromboost enters a haircare active market where sustainability credentials and measurable efficacy increasingly carry equal weight in brand briefs.