Over-The-Counter Hair Loss Treatments: Help Or Hype?
December 2018
in “
PubMed
”
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Studysummary This study provides an overview of popular over-the-counter hair loss products, highlighting limited evidence for non-approved treatments and suggesting the need for more rigorous studies.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The study "Over-the-Counter Hair Loss Treatments: Help or Hype?" from 2018 analyzed 42 of the top 50 over-the-counter hair loss products sold on Amazon.com. The products were categorized as orals (21.4%), topicals (35.7%), or shampoos/conditioners (42.9%). Common active ingredients included minoxidil, nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins), and plant-based botanicals. Only 23.8% of these products were FDA-approved treatments for androgenetic alopecia. The study concluded that while some over-the-counter treatments may be effective, more rigorous study is required. The evidence for non-approved treatments was limited to small studies without generalizability. The authors recommended that dermatologists should be prepared to discuss the efficacy, risks, and benefits of these therapies with their patients.
