An analysis of the presence of ingredients that were declared by the producers as “active” in trichological shampoos for hair loss

Abstract

There is growing number of trichological schampoos on the market. The producers and distributors of such products frequently indicate on certain “active ingredients” which, as they assure, would have beneficial effects against hair loss. Our preliminary search in the medical literature has demonstrated that for many of these “active ingredients” no scientific evidence has been published to support their actual effects. In order to verify the producers’ claims, we undertook systematic analyzes of research published of the ingredients’ effects on the hair. For a credible analyzes, a compilation of a complete list of ingredients with ascribed anti-hair loss activity was necessary. Aim:The aim of this study was, therefore, an analysis of trichological shampoos offered on the Polish market with regard to ingredients declared by the producers as active against hair loss. Materials and methods:The analysis covered the declared ingredients lists of trichological shampoos against hair loss available on the Polish market from February 2022 to May 2023. Information on the product package as well as enclosed leaflets were scanned for ingredients declared as “active against hair loss”. Results: The inclusion criteria were met by 41 trichological shampoos from 16 producers. Altogether 111 ingredients were declared as active with a mean of 2.7 “active” ingredients per one product. The most frequent “active” ingredient was Serenoa serrulata fruit extract (present in 10 products; 24.4%), followed by Capsicum frutescens extract (6; 14.6%) and caffeine (5; 12,2%). Of 111 “active” ingredients, 75 (67.5%) were present in a single product only. Conclusions:Producers of trichological shampoos promote their products by indicating numerous “active ingredients”, the majority of which is present in single products. This raises the question about scientific evidence behind the actual activity of such ingredients. This will be the focus of our future research.