Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola is a product that claims to penetrate deep into the hair follicles to provide moisture and nutrients, specifically keratin, the protein responsible for the formation of hair. The manufacturer's website claims that the product eliminates up to 95 percent of frizz and curl in hair. The website also states that it is safe to use on all types of hair, including dyed and relaxed hair.

Coppola's Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy contains four moisturizers. Water adds moisture immediately and helps with the product's consistency. Cyclomethicone, dimethicone and alkyl caprylyl methicone are all silicone-based moisturizers that coat the hair shaft, imparting moisture and forming a protective barrier to keep the moisture in, as stated by author Natalia Michalun in “Milady's Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary.”

Keratin Complex by Coppola contains trionic keratin protein, a keratin-derived compound used for relaxing the hair follicles while damaging them as little as possible. When mixed with an aldehyde solution, as found in Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy, the hair relaxes and becomes more manageable. The patent for trionic keratin protein lists Peter Coppola, the creator of the hair care line, as the inventor of trionic keratin protein.

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy contains octanal, also known as aldehyde C-8. This formaldehyde-based preservative works to preserve the formula for the duration of its shelf life, but also plays a part in relaxing the hair follicle, as outlined in “Cosmetics Unmasked” by Stephen and Gina Antczak. There are two ingredients used to thicken the Smoothing Therapy formula—guar gum and hydroxyethylcellulose. Both of these chemicals are synthesized from natural ingredients. There are three ingredients in Coppola's Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy that keep the oil and water-based ingredients from separating over time. These ingredients are xanthan gum, glyceryl monococate and glycol distearate, The ingredients also include p-benzoquinone, a chemical designed to keep the chemical compounds stable. P-benzoquinone also acts as an antimicrobial agent, keeping potentially harmful microorganisms from forming in the product, according to “A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients” by Ruth Winter.

Other ingredients in Coppola's Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy include Phenyl silsesquioxanes, a series of chemical compounds designed to provide water resistance to the hair. This means that the product does not readily wash out of the hair and can continue to provide benefits even after washing. Thiazoidine carboxylic acid is included to reduce hair loss, as suggested by the patent for a derivative of the chemical. Ferrous oxides, made from metal, provide protection against heat and environmental damage as outlined by “A Consumer's Dictionary Of Cosmetic Ingredients.”