Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology

Research Article

Clinical Outcome of the Topical Application of a Novel Hair Growth Ingredient, USPlus DERM, in Men and Women

Hill WS, Bousquet M, Carletto C and Dohnalek MH

1U.S. Nutraceuticals, Inc., dba Valensa International, 2751 Nutra Lane, Eustis, FL 32726 USA.
2SYRES Sensory & Consumer Research,, 4 rue de Gally, 78450 Chavenay, France.
3Cosmeto Azur Consulting for VENDEIS sarl, 244 Ter Avenue Georges Pompidou, 06220 Vallauris, France.
*Address for Correspondence:Margaret H. Dohnalek, PhD, Chief Science Officer, U.S. Nutraceuticals, Inc. dba Valensa International, 2751 Nutra Lane, Eustis, FL 32726 USA. Email Id: m.dohnalek@valensa.com
Submission: 10 January, 2025 Accepted: 27 January, 2025 Published: 31 January, 2025
Copyright: © 2025 Hill WS, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Keywords: Androgen-Mediated Hair Loss; Dermatology; Dihydrotestosterone; 5α-Reductase; Free Fatty Acids; Hair Growth; Hair Loss; Lipidosterolic Extract; Scalp

Abstract

Background:USPlus® DERM Topical is a proprietary lipidosterolic extract of saw palmetto concentrated in key bioactive free fatty acids important for hair structure and hair characteristics, and with potent activity against 5α-reductase 1, to support hair follicle growth and hair regrowth.
Methods:Adults aged 25-65 years experiencing unresolved hair loss for ≥6 months participated in a 12-week blinded clinical study evaluating the daily application of a 2% serum of USPlus DERM on the scalp. Dermatologic assessments were made at baseline and after 12 weeks of use, while participants reported their impressions at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of use.
Results:Twenty-two participants (15 male, 7 female) completed the study. At 12 weeks, dermatologic assessment found significant improvements in hair loss for men (8.7%, P=0.009) and women (25.2%, P=0.004), with dandruff also less visible (31.7% decrease; P=0.047). Within the first 4 weeks of use, 59.1% of participants agreed that the product appeared to stimulate hair growth. After 8 weeks, participant assessment of general hair loss and density improved by 18.4% and 10.2% (P=0.129 and P=0.007, respectively), and hair loss when styling decreased by 28.9% (P=0.013).At study end (12 weeks),the majority of participants (90.9%; P=0.0001) noticed an improvement in hair loss/density. General hair loss and density improved by 22.4% and 19.5% (P=0.067 and P=0.001, respectively) and hair loss when styling decreased by 34.2% (P=0.005). Participant-rated product satisfaction was a mean 7.7/10, compliance with use was high, and the product was well tolerated.
Conclusions:Over 12 weeks, participants with a range of hair and skin types experienced a significant improvement in hair loss and hair density with the use of USPlus DERM Topical serum over 12 weeks. The proprietary USPlus DERM extract shows promise in supporting healthy hair growth and characteristics.