Scalp Application of Antioxidants Improves Scalp Condition and Reduces Hair Shedding in a 24-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

The study "Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial" conducted a 24-week clinical trial on male and female subjects with normal scalp condition and self-perceived hair thinning. The study evaluated a treatment regimen of shampoo and leave-on treatment containing functional antioxidant and barrier-enhancing agents, including piroctone olamine, zinc pyrithione, zinc carbonate, niacinamide, panthenol, and caffeine. The results showed statistically significant effects for reduced hair shedding, increased total hair count, reduced TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss), and improvement in scalp biomarker values compared to a placebo control shampoo formulation. The study concluded that the use of functional antioxidant and barrier-enhancing agents can improve scalp condition, reduce hair shedding, and increase perceived hair fullness, suggesting a viable preventative approach for hair thinning.