The research
What the studies say about the key ingredients.
Rosemary
In a randomized trial of 100 men with pattern hair thinning, six months of rosemary oil produced a significant increase in hair count. The result was similar to the group using 2% minoxidil, with less scalp itching.
Panahi et al., Skinmed, 2015. View study
Saw palmetto
A 2020 review of five randomized trials and two cohort studies found positive effects from saw palmetto products, including a 27% improvement in total hair count. The authors note that larger trials are still needed. In a separate 16-week placebo-controlled study, a topical saw palmetto lotion increased hair density by 7.61%.
Evron et al., Skin Appendage Disorders, 2020. View review
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023. View study
Soy, wheat germ and Scutellaria
The maker of a botanical complex built on these three extracts reports that, in its own study of 61 volunteers using the complex at 3%, hair density increased by up to 59.3% and hair fall was reduced by up to 60.6%. This is manufacturer data, not an independent peer-reviewed trial.
Provital ingredient study data.
Signal peptides
The five peptides here include bio-identical IGF-1, FGF and VEGF, growth factors studied for their role in the hair cycle. In a split-scalp study, a growth factor mixture applied with microneedling increased hair density by 27.4 hairs per cm² in three months, against 5.7 on the saline side. That study used a different blend with professional microneedling, so results may not carry over to a serum used on its own.
Korean Journal of Dermatology, 2017. View study
