Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis
Analyzed 17 papers and selected 3 impactful papers.
Summary
A double-blind randomized trial found a proprietary saw palmetto extract significantly increased terminal/vellus hair counts and total hair density over 6 months without treatment-related adverse events. A biomimetic recombinant elastic peptide restored elastin fiber formation and improved mechanical moduli in engineered dermal matrices even under ascorbic acid-induced suppression. A seven-point visual hair density scale showed excellent reliability, quantitative validity, and sensitivity to treatment response, enabling more objective alopecia assessment.
Research Themes
- Hair growth nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals
- Biomimetic materials for dermal elasticity and skin substitution
- Objective measurement and grading tools in alopecia
Selected Articles
1. The Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) Extract for Promoting Hair Growth in Adults With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair: 180-Day Results.
In a 6‑month randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial (n=60), daily use of a proprietary saw palmetto extract significantly increased total terminal hair count (+18.6 vs −10.1, p<0.001), vellus hair count (+6.6 vs −2.1, p<0.05), and total hair density (+25.1 vs −12.2, p<0.001) compared with placebo. Benefits were observed in men and menopausal women subgroups, with no treatment‑related adverse events.
Impact: This double‑blind RCT provides controlled clinical evidence supporting a non‑pharmaceutical, botanical strategy for hair growth across sexes, with objective quantitative endpoints. It may broaden therapeutic options beyond minoxidil/finasteride and informs future comparative trials.
Clinical Implications: Consider the proprietary saw palmetto extract as a potential adjunct for adults with self‑perceived thinning hair, especially when conventional agents are contraindicated or not tolerated; confirm response over 6 months using standardized counts/density. Larger head‑to‑head trials versus standard therapies are warranted before guideline adoption.
Key Findings
- Terminal hair count increased by +18.6 from baseline with active vs −10.1 with placebo at Day 180 (p<0.001).
- Vellus hair count increased by +6.6 with active vs −2.1 with placebo (p<0.05).
- Total hair density rose by +25.1 with active vs −12.2 with placebo (p<0.001).
- Subgroup analyses showed significant benefits in men and in menopausal women for key endpoints; no treatment‑related adverse events reported.
Methodological Strengths
- Randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled design over 6 months
- Objective quantitative endpoints (terminal/vellus hair counts, total hair density)
Limitations
- Modest sample size (n=60) with unequal allocation (40 vs 20)
- Single proprietary formulation; durability beyond 6 months and head‑to‑head comparisons are unknown
Future Directions: Conduct adequately powered, multicenter head‑to‑head RCTs versus minoxidil/finasteride, include longer follow‑up, mechanistic biomarkers, and diverse populations to define responders and durability.
BACKGROUND: Hair loss remains a global concern for both men and women. AIMS: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of a proprietary extract of bioactive fatty acids from saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) for treating self-perceived thinning hair in healthy adult men and women (SEREVELLE, Valensa International; Eustis, FL). METHODS: This 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the beneficial effects of daily active treatment (n = 40) vs. placebo (n = 20) on several hair growth parameters. RESULTS: Active treat
2. A Recombinant Elastic Peptide Rescues Elasticity From a Self-Assembled Dermal Sheet Model Treated With Ascorbic Acid.
A synthetic elastic protein (SEP) restored elastin fiber formation suppressed by ascorbic acid in fibroblast monolayers and 3D dermal substitutes without cytotoxicity, while preserving type I collagen assembly. SEP colocalized with fibrillin-rich microfibrils, and decellularized ECM showed 46% and 40% increases in elastic and Young’s moduli, respectively.
Impact: This mechanistic study demonstrates a biomimetic approach to rebalance collagen–elastin architecture and enhance dermal substitute mechanics despite ascorbic acid’s elastogenesis suppression, addressing a recurrent limitation in skin tissue engineering.
Clinical Implications: Improving elastin integration and mechanical resilience of engineered dermis could enhance graft performance and cosmetic outcomes in reconstructive and aesthetic dermatology. Translational steps include in vivo biocompatibility, durability, and regulatory-compliant manufacturing.
Key Findings
- SEP increased elastic fiber formation despite ascorbic acid’s typical reduction of elastin synthesis.
- Type I collagen assembly was preserved while elastogenesis improved.
- SEP colocalized with fibrillin-rich microfibrils in 3D dermal substitutes.
- Decellularized ECM exhibited 46% (elastic modulus) and 40% (Young’s modulus) increases with SEP treatment; no cytotoxicity was observed.
Methodological Strengths
- Multi-scale evaluation (Western blot, immunofluorescence, ultrastructural imaging, dynamic mechanical analysis)
- Use of physiologically relevant 3D dermal substitutes alongside monolayer fibroblast experiments
Limitations
- Preclinical in vitro/3D model only; no in vivo validation of long-term integration or immune response
- Dose optimization and scalability for clinical-grade manufacturing remain untested
Future Directions: Evaluate SEP in relevant animal skin models for biocompatibility, durability, and function; optimize formulation and delivery within GMP-compatible scaffolds; explore combination with pro-elastogenic cues.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in determining the structure and function of the skin. Collagen and elastin, in particular, are responsible for providing tensile strength and elasticity, respectively. However, imbalances in the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during tissue engineering often result in the deterioration of the mechanical properties and physiological relevance of dermal substitutes, in part due to the detrimental effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on elastic fibr
3. Development of a New Grading Scale for Evaluating Overall Hair Density.
Using 6,644 standardized images, the authors developed a seven‑point visual scale for overall hair density that demonstrated excellent intra‑ and inter‑rater reliability. The grades correlated with quantitative macro/micro hair metrics (exposed scalp area ratio, hair diameter, local density, vellus ratios) and were sensitive to treatment response in a model trial.
Impact: Provides a standardized, sex‑agnostic, and quantitatively anchored grading tool to objectively assess alopecia extent and treatment response—addressing variability that hinders clinical decision‑making and trial endpoints.
Clinical Implications: Adoption of this seven‑point scale can improve consistency in baseline staging and follow‑up of alopecia, support objective documentation in practice, and enhance endpoint reliability in interventional trials.
Key Findings
- A seven‑point overall hair density scale was developed from 6,644 standardized images.
- Excellent intra‑rater and inter‑rater reliability demonstrated for severity grading regardless of evaluator and time.
- Scale grades correlated with quantitative metrics: exposed scalp area ratio, hair diameter, local density, vellus hair ratio, and vellus/terminal ratio.
- In a model trial, the scale detected significant improvement in the test group consistent with quantitative measures.
Methodological Strengths
- Large image dataset underpinning scale development (n=6,644) with psychometric reliability testing
- Quantitative validation using ImageJ and dermoscopy for macro/micro hair characteristics
Limitations
- External validation across diverse ethnicities and clinical settings not described
- Model trial details limited; not a randomized comparative study
Future Directions: Pursue multicenter external validation across ethnicities, integrate with automated image analysis/AI, and correlate scale changes with patient‑reported outcomes and scalp biopsy metrics.
BACKGROUND: Hair density influences overall attractiveness significantly. Although pre-existing classifications have been used to describe alopecia pattern and evaluate treatment efficacy, their accuracy is undesirable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to develop a stepwise and accurate graded visual scale regardless of sex and verify its application value in response to treatment efficacy. METHODS: Based on 6644 standard images, the seven-point grading scale for overall hair density was developed t