Full ingredients list
- Purified Water
- Beta-sitosterol ester
- d-Limonene
- Sodium acrylate / acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer / isohexadecane / polysorbate 80
- Serenoa Serrulata (Saw Palmetto) Extract
- Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
- Menthol
- Benzyl Alcohol/DHA
- Citric Acid
Ingredients explained
This is actually a half-decent looking natural topical DHT blocker. That said, these plant extracts are not as powerful in their anti-androgen effect as research chemicals like RU58841, which works by binding to the androgen receptors. Also, I don’t know for sure whether topical 5-alpha reductase blockers will help much; since I’d most DHT is likely to have been formed from testosterone outside of the scalp — in the prostate. Therefore blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT topically may not be as effective as reducing androgen receptor availability. That said, let’s take a look at the ingredients…
Beta Sitosterol
Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol that’s been shown to inhibit the action of 5-alpha-reductase on testosterone, which in turn reduces the production of the more potent androgen hormone — DHT. DHT is widely believed to be the main cause of male pattern baldness. When it binds to androgen receptors in the scalp hair follicles miniaturize. Some researchers believe DHT causes hair loss by increasing inflammation in the hair bulb, which leads to fibrosis, eventually destroying the hair follicle and causing that slick, shiny scalp look!
Limonene
I’ve seen limonene in a few topical hair loss treatments. According to some researchers, the plant extract increases scalp PGE2, which has been shown to increase hair growth.
Serenoa Serrulata (Saw Palmetto) Extract
Saw palmetto is a very popular natural treatment for male pattern baldness. It works by reducing DHT when consumed orally. I’ve seen some evidence showing it also works when applied to the scalp.
Menthol
Menthol is a good addition to a hair loss topical. It reduces inflammation, which has been shown to be a significant factor in male pattern baldness. Some really good results have been seen from topical application of peppermint oil and I actually think this is one of the best value hair loss treatments you can buy.
Conclusions
Overall I think this is a pretty good topical for treating male pattern baldness. It primarily targets the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, with the aim of reducing the production of scalp DHT. I’m not certain how effective reducing conversion of testosterone to DHT in the scalp can be because most DHT is produced elsewhere in the body and sent to the scalp, by which time 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can do nothing. However I have seen some good stuff about topical beta-sitosterol and menthol is certainly a worthwhile ingredient to apply to your scalp if you want to reduce hair loss.
