Comparative Study of Online Over-The-Counter Hair Loss Products

In 2020, a study evaluated popular over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss products sold online. The majority of these products were natural substances, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and proteins. Minoxidil, the only FDA approved OTC hair loss drug, was primarily found on Amazon.com. The study concluded that many OTC hair loss treatments were natural products with little evidence supporting their effectiveness, yet they cost nearly as much as minoxidil. The study also examined various ingredients and their effects on hair loss and growth. For example, miracle fruit seed oil improved hair breakage, certain oils prevented hair damage, a saw palmetto extract inhibited a key factor in hair loss, an Asian herbal complex stimulated hair growth in mice, and rosemary oil was compared to minoxidil for treating androgenetic alopecia. Additionally, caffeine's effects on hair shaft elongation and hair cycle regulation were studied, biotin was reviewed for its use in hair loss, tocotrienol supplementation showed effects on hair growth, and zinc's role in hair health was discussed. The study suggested further research on these natural products.