Scalp Application of the Antioxidant Piroctone Olamine Reduces Hair Shedding in an 8-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

An 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted on female subjects with self-perceived hair thinning to test the effectiveness of the antioxidant piroctone olamine (PO) in two different product forms (shampoo or leave-on product) for improving hair retention. The results showed statistically significant increases in hair amount after the use of both PO-containing products versus placebo formulations. The PO shampoo treatment also significantly decreased oxidative stress on the hair and scalp, and improved scalp condition as assessed by TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss) and scalp biomarker values. The study concluded that the use of a cosmetic antioxidant can improve scalp condition and thereby improve hair retention, suggesting that the hair retention effect was achieved by preventing oxidative damage to the scalp.