Novel Serum Show Promise as Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

Investigators from New Jersey, New York, and South Africa researched how advancements in plant biotechnology could help patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) improve their emotional wellbeing and quality-of-life. An open-label, prospective, observational, real-world study of a new serum called REVIVV® was conducted from January 2022 to June 2022 to evaluate the effectiveness of the serum, which contains a proprietary blend of plant extracts and bioactives.¹

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The study of 150 ethnically diverse men and women aged 38-75 found that twice daily use of REVIVV resulted in improved hair growth as reported by both clinical corroboration and participant self-assessment. Individuals used a roller to apply REVIVV to the frontal, crown, and vertex areas of the scalp in circular motions and left the product on overnight. Formulations for men and women varied slightly.

For 4 weeks prior to the study and during the study, participants were instructed not to use any hair treatments that could affect hair loss and to discontinue use of antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressive therapies, and retinoids.

At 8 weeks following baseline, none of the individuals reported discomfort and 80% saw improvement in hair growth, hair volume, scalp coverage, and amount of hair regrowth. All participants said hair shedding decreased and that the product was easy to use.

Because hair loss is a multifactorial condition, “[t]reatments need to be designed accordingly, not as monotherapies but rather with the goal of formulating a multi-prong approach, targeting all the etiological factors to stop and reverse AGA, then restore hair follicle homeostastis,” said study authors.

REVIVV is formulated with green tea extract, extracts rich in flavonoids, such as V. vinifera and L. europaaea, menthol and caffeine, among other plant ingredients known to possess pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-androgen properties. “The positive outcome from topical application of select extracts and isolates can therefore improve the physiology of hair follicles and scalp skin by modulation of proinflammatory cytokines, improvement of redox balance in cells, and a decrease of local steroidogenesis (DHT and cortisol formulation),” noted study authors.

Most participants said they would continue to use the product after the study ended.

References

1. Rapaport J, Sadgrove NJ, Arruda S, Swearingen A, Abidi Z, Sadick N. Real-World, Open-Label Study of the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Serum in Androgenetic Alopecia. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(6):559-564. doi:10.36849/JDD.7403