Pilot Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Xtressé™ Gummy-Based Nutraceutical Supplement in Women with Hair Loss
Main Article Content
Keywords
Female pattern hair loss, Nutraceuticals, Non-scarring alopecia, Hair density, Phototrichogram, Canfield HairMetrix, Scarring alopecia, Gummy supplement
Abstract
Background: Hair loss in women is a prevalent condition with significant psychosocial impact, yet therapeutic options remain limited. Nutraceutical supplements are widely used as adjunctive therapy; however, few formulations—particularly gummy-based delivery formats designed to improve adherence—have been evaluated using objective imaging endpoints.
Methods: This prospective, single-center, single-arm pilot study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Xtressé™, a dermatologist-developed gummy nutraceutical, in 24 women with self-perceived hair thinning. Participants consumed two gummies daily for four months. Seventeen participants (11 non-scarring alopecia, 6 scarring alopecia) completed the study. Primary outcomes included change in hair density by Canfield HairMetrix® phototrichogram analysis and change in global alopecia severity by SOCAi Vision™.
Results: Among participants with non-scarring alopecia, 81.8% met responder criteria by Canfield HairMetrix® phototrichogram analysis, with mean increases in total hair density (+7.35%, 11.4 hairs/cm²) and terminal hair density (+6.81%, 10.2 hairs/cm²); 63.6% also demonstrated improvement in global scalp coverage by SOCAi Vision™. Among participants with scarring alopecia, localized phototrichogram parameters within scarred regions of interest declined (16.7% responder rate by Canfield), consistent with irreversible follicular loss, whereas global imaging detected improvement in surrounding non-scarred scalp in 66.7% by SOCAi Vision™. Mean relative improvement in global coverage exceeded 20% among SOCAi responders in both subgroups. No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: Xtressé™ was safe, well tolerated, and associated with measurable improvements in hair parameters among women with non-scarring alopecia. These findings support the potential role of multi-ingredient nutraceutical therapy as adjunctive treatment for hair loss. Larger, controlled trials are warranted.
References
2. Dlova NC, Fabbrocini G, Lauro C, Spano M, Tosti A, Hift RJ. Quality of life in South African Black women with alopecia: a pilot study. Int J Dermatol. 2016;55(8):875-881.
3. Trüeb RM. Oxidative stress in ageing of hair. Int J Trichology. 2009;1(1):6-14.
4. Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, Heinrich C, Huang K, Barbieri JS. Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of nutritional supplements for treating hair loss: a systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(1):79-86.
5. Ablon G. A 3-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of an extra-strength marine protein supplement to promote hair growth and decrease shedding in women with self-perceived thinning hair. Dermatol Res Pract. 2015;2015:841570.
6. Ablon G, Kogan S. A six-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the safety and efficacy of a nutraceutical supplement for promoting hair growth in women with self-perceived thinning hair. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(5):558-565.
7. Gudobba C, Ezaldein HH, Scott JF, Bordone LA. Automating hair loss labels for universally scoring alopecia from images: rethinking alopecia scores. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(2):143-150.
8. Sacha JP, Schaefer R, Batchelor D, Gale F, Sherwood O, Sherrill J. Machine learning algorithm for automated hair counting and analysis. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021;43(S1):S34-S41.
Article Sidebar
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY): lets others distribute and copy the article, to create extracts, abstracts, and other revised versions, adaptations or derivative works of or from an article (such as a translation), to include in a collective work (such as an anthology), to text or data mine the article, even for commercial purposes, as long as they credit the author(s), do not represent the author as endorsing their adaptation of the article, and do not modify the article in such a way as to damage the author's honor or reputation.
Authors retain copyright in their work and license the publisher to publish the content. The publisher is the National Society for Cutaneous Medicine, with production and publishing support provided by OJS, Open Journal Systems,see https://pkp.sfu.
Prior to January 2022, authors transferred copyright to the National Society for Cutaneous Medicine. However, all articles are freely available to anyone in the world. There are no subscription fees, page charges, or article processing charges.
Spencer Hawkins, Hair Medicine Institute
Dr. Spencer Hawkins is a double board-certified fellowship trained dermatologist, Mohs micrographic surgeon, and hair restoration specialist. He is the founder and medical director of Hair Medicine Institute in Alpharetta, GA. Dr. Hawkins attended medical school at Wake Forest School of Medicine. He continued to complete his dermatology residency at the University of Michigan. Following residency, he completed a Mohs micrographic surgery fellowship in northern Michigan, as well as ISHRS accredited hair restoration fellowship in Orlando. He also completed an ASLMS accredited preceptorship in cosmetic dermatology and laser medicine with Dr. Mathew Avram at Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts General Hospital. He has authored dozens of scientific research articles, academic poster presentations, book chapters and oral presentations across the nation. He regularly participates in media interviews and has been featured in the Dermatology Times, The Dermatologist, Parents Magazine, and PopSugar. Dr. Hawkins lives and practices in North Atlanta. He splits his time performing hair restoration at his practice, Hair Medicine Institute (http://hairmedicine.com) and Mohs surgery for Dermatology Specialists of Georgia and Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
Chesahna Kindred, Kindred Skin & Hair Center
Dr. Chesahna Kindred is a board-certified dermatologist, researcher, author, and national speaker with a focus on hair loss and skin of color. Raised in South Central Los Angeles, she earned her BS from USC and an MD/MBA from the University of Cincinnati as a Yates Fellow, becoming only the third dual-degree recipient in the program’s history. She completed dermatology residency and fellowship at Howard University, a leader in ethnic dermatology. After serving at MedStar Health, she founded Kindred Hair & Skin Center in Columbia, Maryland—the only dermatology practice with a full-service hair-loss salon. Dr. Kindred is a leader in PRP/PRFM therapies, a founder and president of the Onyx Medical Society, chair of the National Medical Association’s Dermatology Section, and a fellow of the AAD. Her philosophy of “empowering through beauty” guides her clinical work, scholarship, media presence, and extensive community service.
Michelle Peters, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Dr. Michelle L. Peters, Ed.D. is a Professor of Research & Applied Statistics and Department Chair of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis at the University of Houston–Clear Lake College of Education. She also serves as Co-Director of the UHCLTeach teacher certification program. Dr. Peters earned her Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction with specializations in research methodology, statistics, and adult learning from The George Washington University and holds a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering. Her academic career spans over two decades, with roles in STEM coordination, program direction, and faculty leadership. Her research focuses on quantitative methods, program evaluation, classroom climate, and self-efficacy, and she has published extensively in refereed journals and presented at national conferences. Dr. Peters has received faculty fellowships and research awards recognizing her contributions to education research and scholarship.
Adam Leavitt, Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Leavitt, valedictorian at the University of Florida College of Medicine and a distinguished educator during his dermatology residency at the University of Michigan, is recognized for his NIH-funded research and contributions to dermatology and plastic surgery literature. Practicing in Orlando, he's affiliated with major dermatological societies and specializes in treating a range of skin conditions and hair restoration for all ages. Outside of work, this Michigan Wolverines enthusiast enjoys tennis, snowboarding, cooking, and films.
Matt Leavitt, Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Leavitt is a dermatologist and hair loss expert with degrees from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine. He founded Medical Hair Restoration, which became a top hair transplant company, and after its merger with Bosley, he served as their executive medical advisor. Additionally, he's the founder and Executive Chairman of Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (ADCS), leading significant pharmaceutical research. His roles in medical education are expansive, including founding dermatology programs and leadership positions in various professional societies. His achievements have been recognized with awards like the golden follicle, and his publications are numerous. Renowned worldwide, Dr. Leavitt's extensive CV showcases his status as a leading hair expert.