Evidence at a glance

What each goal is backed by

The same actives, mapped to the outcomes they are best supported for in the literature.

Hair goal Best-supported actives Strongest evidence
A longer growth phase (anagen)
CaffeineAdenosinePanthenol
Caffeine matched 5% minoxidil on anagen ratio (+10.59% vs +11.68%, not significantly different); pantothenic acid lifted the anagen rate 73 to 81% (p = 0.008).
More thick, terminal hairs
AdenosineMethyl VanillateNiacinamide
Adenosine raised the thick-hair ratio +10.4% vs +6.1% for niacinamide (p = 0.033); methyl vanillate lifted hair mass index +12%.
Less shedding
Caffeine
A caffeine shampoo cut premature hair loss by 73% versus 33% with a control shampoo.
Delivery into the follicle
CaffeineChitosanDimethyl Isosorbide
Caffeine reaches ~200 µm in 2 minutes and stays detectable 24+ hours; a chitosan hydrogel drove actives ~2000 µm into skin; dimethyl isosorbide keeps the actives dissolved and is itself skin-permeable, helping carry them in.
Switched-on growth signals
ChitosanMethyl Vanillate
Chitosan raised FGF-7 ~2× and VEGF 1.5-2× in dermal-papilla cells; methyl vanillate raised WNT10B +32%.
A balanced scalp environment
Zinc PCANiacinamidePanthenolLeucidal SF
1% pyrithione zinc raised total visible hair count vs placebo (p < 0.05); a niacinamide + panthenol shampoo raised crown count +17.76%; a Lactobacillus ferment (Leucidal SF) adds antifungal, microbiome-balancing support.

Effect sizes are from studies of the individual active ingredients in the published literature, not of MH-01 as a finished product. Citations are listed under each ingredient below. MH-01 is a cosmetic serum, not an FDA-approved drug.

The full evidence

Every Active, In Depth

Nine ingredients, each chosen for what the published research actually shows, not marketing. For every one: the real mechanism, the numbers behind it, and every paper, laid out in full.

Caffeine

Energizes the follicle, extends the active growth (anagen) phase, and curbs shedding. The rare cosmetic active studied head-to-head against minoxidil.

Caffeine vs minoxidil, head to head

Anagen ratio after 6 months +10.59%Caffeine 0.2% +11.68%5% Minoxidil≈Premature hair-loss reduction -73%Caffeine -33%Control

Statistically tied with the leading drug on growth phase (95% CI -2.72 to 4.89).

Caffeine
Absorbs in ~2 minutes, then works all day.Reaches the follicle reservoir and stays detectable 24+ hours.
10-50 µg/mLReverses testosterone-induced growth suppression (ex vivo)
▸What the studies measured
  • Randomized multicenter trial, 210 men with AGA, 6 months: 0.2% caffeine raised the anagen ratio +10.59% vs +11.68% for 5% minoxidil, statistically noninferior (95% CI -2.72 to 4.89). Caffeine-1
  • Caffeine shampoo studies: 73% reduction in premature hair loss vs 33% with control shampoo; satisfaction 85% vs 36%. Caffeine-2
  • Ex vivo human follicles: caffeine reversed testosterone-induced growth suppression and stimulated hair-shaft elongation at 10-50 µg/mL. Caffeine-2
  • Follicular penetration: reached ~200 µm depth within 2 minutes and remained detectable for 24+ hours. Caffeine-4 / Caffeine-5
▸References & DOIs
  1. Dhurat R, et al. An open-label randomized multicenter study assessing the noninferiority of a caffeine-based topical liquid 0.2% versus minoxidil 5% in male AGA. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2017;30(6):298-305. doi:10.1159/000481141
  2. Völker JM, et al. Caffeine and its pharmacological benefits in the management of androgenetic alopecia: a review. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2020;33(3):93-109. doi:10.1159/000508228
  3. Suchonwanit P, et al. The use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors for the treatment of alopecia. J Dermatolog Treat. 2019;30(7):659-666. doi:10.1080/09546634.2019.1592097
  4. Otberg N, et al. Follicular penetration of topically applied caffeine via a shampoo formulation. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2007;20(4):195-198. doi:10.1159/000101389
  5. Lademann J, et al. Analysis of the penetration of a caffeine-containing shampoo into the hair follicles by in vivo laser scanning microscopy. Laser Phys. 2010;20(11):2070-2073. doi:10.1134/s1054660x10030102

Adenosine

Increases the proportion of thicker, terminal hairs and shrinks vellus-like miniaturization, with effect sizes benchmarked against minoxidil.

Thick-hair ratio increase (hairs >= 60 µm, 6 months)

Adenosine 0.75% +10.4%Niacinamide 0.1% +6.1%

Adenosine beat niacinamide head-to-head (p = 0.033); dermatologist-rated improvement 80.4% vs 32%.

Adenosine
p = 0.047Hair density gain vs placebo
p = 0.015Fewer miniaturized vellus hairs
= 5% minoxidilRecovery on par (p = 0.17)
▸What the studies measured
  • Double-blind placebo trial, Caucasian men with AGA, 6 months: 0.75% adenosine increased the thick-hair ratio for hairs ≥ 60 µm (p < 0.0001), raised hair density (p = 0.047), and decreased vellus-like hairs < 40 µm (p = 0.015). Adenosine-1
  • Japanese male AGA, 6 months: thick-hair ratio rose +10.4% with adenosine vs +6.1% with niacinamide control (p = 0.033); dermatologist-rated improvement 80.4% vs 32%. Adenosine-2
  • Female pattern hair loss, 12 months: anagen growth rate increased significantly (p = 0.014) and thick-hair ratio beat placebo (p = 0.0405). Adenosine-3
  • Head-to-head: recovery rates were not significantly different from 5% minoxidil over 6 months (p = 0.17). Adenosine-2
▸References & DOIs
  1. Oura H, et al. Topical adenosine increases the proportion of thick hair in Caucasian men with androgenetic alopecia. J Dermatol. 2015;42(6):567-570. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.13159
  2. Oura H, et al. Topical adenosine increases thick hair ratio in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2015;37(6):579-587. doi:10.1111/ics.12235
  3. Oura H, et al. Adenosine increases anagen hair growth and thick hairs in Japanese women with female pattern hair loss: a pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Dermatol. 2008;35(10):651-657. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2008.00564.x

Methyl Vanillate

Activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, switching on WNT10B, a master signal that tells follicles to grow.

Change vs baseline after 6 months

+32% WNT10B gene+12% Hair mass+6% Hair count

The WNT10B jump tracked with real hair-count gains (Spearman rho 0.52, p < 0.05).

Methyl Vanillate
rho 0.52WNT10B rise correlated with hair-count gain
▸What the studies measured
  • Open-label pilot, 20 women with early AGA, 6 months: hair count rose +6% (p < 0.01) and hair mass index +12% (p < 0.001) by TrichoScan / HairCheck. MV-1
  • Molecular substudy (10 women): WNT10B mRNA expression increased +32% (p < 0.001). MV-1
  • The rise in WNT10B correlated with hair-count improvement (Spearman rho 0.52) and hair-mass gain (rho 0.44), tying the pathway to the outcome. MV-1
▸References & DOIs
  1. Tosti A, Zaiac MN, Canazza A, et al. Topical application of the Wnt/β-catenin activator methyl vanillate increases hair count and hair mass index in women with androgenetic alopecia. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016;15(4):469-474. doi:10.1111/jocd.12225

Niacinamide

Supports the scalp environment and increases the proportion of thicker hairs. A scalp-care active rather than a stimulant.

Thicker hairs after 6 months (within group)

Thick-hair ratio by caliber +6.1%Hairs >= 60 µm +2.5%Hairs >= 80 µm

Within-group improvement, p < 0.001.

Niacinamide
+17.76%Crown hair count in a multi-active shampoo
p = 0.04Photographic fullness vs placebo
▸What the studies measured
  • Comparator study, 102 Japanese men, 6 months: 0.1% niacinamide increased the thick-hair ratio +6.1% (≥ 60 µm) and +2.5% (≥ 80 µm) within group, p < 0.001. Niacinamide-4
  • Double-blind RCT shampoo (niacinamide + panthenol + salicylic acid), 24 weeks: crown hair count rose +17.76% (76 to 82 hairs/cm²) while placebo fell, p < 0.05. Niacinamide-3
  • Female pattern alopecia pilot, 60 women: niacin-derivative treatment improved standardized photographic hair fullness vs placebo, p = 0.04. Niacinamide-2
  • Mechanistic review positions niacinamide as a scalp-environment active, not a minoxidil-type stimulant. Niacinamide-1
▸References & DOIs
  1. Oblong JE, et al. Topical niacinamide does not stimulate hair growth based on the existing body of evidence. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2020;42(2):217-219. doi:10.1111/ics.12599
  2. Draelos ZD, et al. A pilot study evaluating the efficacy of topically applied niacin derivatives for treatment of female pattern alopecia. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2005;4(4):258-261. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2005.00201.x
  3. Kim SY, et al. Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of a hair-loss-prevention shampoo containing salicylic acid, panthenol, and niacinamide in alopecia patients. Toxicol Environ Health Sci. 2022;14:173-185. doi:10.1007/s13530-022-00126-9
  4. Watanabe Y, et al. Topical adenosine increases thick hair ratio in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia (niacinamide comparator arm). Int J Cosmet Sci. 2015;37(6):579-587. doi:10.1111/ics.12235

Panthenol (B5)

Normalizes the active-growth (anagen) rate and protects the keratinocytes that build the hair shaft.

Anagen (growth-phase) hair rate

Baseline 6 months 81%Active (B5) 76%Placebo

B5 lifted the growth-phase rate where placebo stalled (between-group p = 0.008).

Panthenol (B5)
+17.76%Crown hair count (multi-active shampoo)
100%Reported more growth in a 9-man case series
▸What the studies measured
  • Double-blind placebo RCT, 30 women with telogen effluvium, 6 months: a pantothenic-acid supplement raised the anagen rate from 73% to 81% (vs 75-76% placebo), between-group p = 0.008. B5-2
  • Double-blind shampoo RCT, 24 weeks: a 0.2% panthenol multi-active formula increased crown hair count +17.76% vs a placebo decline, p < 0.05. B5-6
  • Case series, 9 men with AGA: 100% reported a slight-to-moderate increase in hair growth; quality-of-life (DLQI) improved 10.44 to 8.0. B5-5
  • In vitro: a cystine + B5 formula maximized keratinocyte protection, viability, and proliferation. B5-3 / B5-4
▸References & DOIs
  1. Slyshenkov VS, et al. Pantothenic acid protects Jurkat cells against ultraviolet light-induced apoptosis. Free Radic Biol Med. 2001;30(11):1303-1310. doi:10.1016/S0891-5849(01)00523-8
  2. Lengg N, Trüeb RM. Dietary supplement increases anagen hair rate in women with telogen effluvium: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Therapy. 2007;4(1):59-65. doi:10.2217/14750708.4.1.59
  3. Riegel K, et al. L-Cystine-containing hair-growth formulation supports protection, viability, and proliferation of keratinocytes. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:499-510. doi:10.2147/CCID.S254720
  4. Hengl T, et al. Cystine-thiamin-containing hair-growth formulation modulates the response to UV radiation in an in vitro model. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2018;189:50-60. doi:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.09.005
  5. Kutlu Ö. Dexpanthenol may be a novel treatment for male androgenetic alopecia: analysis of nine cases. Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(4):e13381. doi:10.1111/dth.13381
  6. Kim SY, et al. Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of a hair-loss-prevention shampoo containing salicylic acid, panthenol, and niacinamide. Toxicol Environ Health Sci. 2022;14:295-309. doi:10.1007/s13530-022-00126-9

Chitosan

Switches on follicle growth-factor signaling (FGF-7, VEGF) in dermal-papilla cells, and acts as a delivery vehicle that carries every other active deeper.

Follicle growth-factor signaling (fold vs baseline)

1x baselineFGF-7 (chitosan) ~2×VEGF (chitosan) ~1.8×FGF-7 (minoxidil) no rise

Chitosan switched on growth factors; minoxidil did not, and reduced cell proliferation.

Chitosan
p < 0.0001Beat commercial 2% minoxidil (nanoparticle)
~2000 µmActive delivery depth (hydrogel, ex vivo)
▸What the studies measured
  • In vitro human follicle dermal-papilla cells: chitosan increased proliferation (p < 0.01 to 0.05) while minoxidil decreased it; it raised FGF-7 up to ~2× and VEGF ~1.5-2× (p < 0.05), where minoxidil did not raise FGF-7. Chitosan-1
  • Mouse model (C57BL/6, day 12): chitosan + deacetylated chitin nanofibers increased hair length and anagen follicle count vs control (p < 0.01), outperforming minoxidil. Chitosan-1
  • Drug delivery: minoxidil-loaded chitosan nanoparticles produced greater hair growth than commercial 2% minoxidil at day 21 (p < 0.0001), at a lower dose, with ~82% encapsulation efficiency. Chitosan-2 / Chitosan-4
  • A PGA/chitosan hydrogel drove actives ~2000 µm into ex vivo skin with sustained release. Chitosan-3
▸References & DOIs
  1. Azuma K, Koizumi R, Izawa H, et al. Hair growth-promoting activities of chitosan and surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019;126:11-17. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.135
  2. Naeini AH, Mahdavipour K, Rastegari A, et al. Chitosan and its amphiphilic derivative nanoparticles loaded with minoxidil for induction of hair growth: in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Int J Biol Macromol. 2024;259:129122. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129122
  3. Kim HS, Kwon HK, Lee DH, et al. Poly(γ-glutamic acid)/chitosan hydrogel nanoparticles for effective preservation and delivery of fermented herbal extract for enlarging hair bulb and enhancing hair growth. Int J Nanomedicine. 2019;14:8409-8419. doi:10.2147/ijn.s227514
  4. Gelfuso GM, Gratieri T, Simão PS, et al. Chitosan microparticles for sustaining the topical delivery of minoxidil sulphate. J Microencapsul. 2011;28(7):650-658. doi:10.3109/02652048.2011.604435

Zinc PCA

Keeps the scalp environment balanced and supports the hair cycle. Zinc status itself tracks with hair loss.

Serum zinc is lower in hair loss

70 110 µg/dL 84.3 Hair-loss patients 97.9 Healthy controls

Across 302 patients, lower zinc tracked with hair loss (p = 0.002).

Zinc PCA
p < 0.05Hair count vs placebo (topical RCT)
OR 4.02Low-zinc risk in alopecia areata
5 / 5Improved on zinc repletion
▸What the studies measured
  • Randomized controlled trial, 200 men with AGA, 26 weeks: 1% pyrithione zinc increased total visible hair count vs placebo from week 9, sustained through week 26 (p < 0.05), roughly 5-6 hairs/cm². Zinc-1
  • Cross-sectional study, 302 hair-loss patients vs controls: serum zinc was lower in hair loss (84.3 vs 97.9 µg/dL, p = 0.002); zinc < 70 µg/dL was enriched in alopecia areata, OR 4.02. Zinc-4
  • Zinc-deficiency telogen effluvium: 5/5 patients improved or were cured with zinc repletion; one relapsed off-treatment and responded again on re-dosing. Zinc-2
  • Alopecia areata, low-zinc patients: oral zinc normalized serum zinc and produced a positive therapeutic effect in 66.7%. Zinc-3
▸References & DOIs
  1. Berger RS, et al. The effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Dermatol. 2003;149(2):354-362. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05435.x
  2. Karashima T, et al. Oral zinc therapy for zinc deficiency-related telogen effluvium. Dermatol Ther. 2012;25(2):210-213. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01443.x
  3. Park H, et al. The therapeutic effect and the changed serum zinc level after zinc supplementation in alopecia areata patients who had a low serum zinc level. Ann Dermatol. 2009;21(2):142-146. doi:10.5021/ad.2009.21.2.142
  4. Kil MS, et al. Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25(4):405-409. doi:10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.405
  5. Kondrakhina IN, et al. Plasma zinc levels in males with androgenetic alopecia as possible predictors of subsequent conservative therapy effectiveness. Diagnostics. 2020;10(5):336. doi:10.3390/diagnostics10050336
  6. Płonka PM, et al. Quantitative changes in eumelanin and pheomelanin in hair shafts after high-dose zinc exposure. Exp Dermatol. 2005;14(11):844-853. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0625.2005.00365.x
  7. Płonka PM, et al. Zinc as an ambivalent but potent modulator of murine hair growth in vivo. Br J Dermatol. 2006;155(1):39-49. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07376.x

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Supporting ingredient, not an active

An amphiphilic co-solvent that keeps every active dissolved and is itself skin-permeable, so it helps carry them into the scalp instead of leaving them sitting on the surface.

Caffeine delivered into skin at 24 h (µg/cm²)

DMI + EDG cream ~790Best commercial ~200Lowest commercial ~60

In the lab's caffeine-cream study, the DMI-optimized cream (DMI + ethoxydiglycol) drove the most caffeine into the skin of any cream tested, roughly 4x the best commercial cream over 24 h (p < 0.05). The lab creams also released over 85% of their caffeine.

Dimethyl Isosorbide
Skin-permeableDMI itself crosses into skin, co-diffusing the actives dissolved in it
Dual-solubilityDissolves water- and oil-soluble actives in one phase
▸What the studies measured
  • DMI is itself skin-permeable (~12% permeated in 24 h, mouse skin), crossing faster than the co-formulated drug and co-diffusing it deeper, the basis for its carrier role. DMI-1
  • It is a strong co-solvent for poorly-soluble actives, sharply raising their solubility so they stay dissolved and available to absorb rather than sitting on the surface. DMI-2
  • In a controlled caffeine-cream study, a DMI-optimized cream (DMI + ethoxydiglycol) delivered the most caffeine into the skin of any cream tested: roughly 4x the best commercial cream over 24 h (p < 0.05), while releasing over 85% of its caffeine. DMI-3
▸References & DOIs
  1. Squillante E, Needham T, Maniar A, et al. Codiffusion of propylene glycol and dimethyl isosorbide in hairless mouse skin. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 1998;46(3):265-271. doi:10.1016/S0939-6411(98)00030-7
  2. Zia H, Ma JK, O'Donnell JP, Luzzi LA. Cosolvency of dimethyl isosorbide for steroid solubility. Pharm Res. 1991;8(4):502-504. doi:10.1023/A:1015807413141
  3. Reyes R, Abou-Dahech MS, Nguyen NG, et al. Skin penetration of caffeine from commercial eye creams and eye creams designed and optimized using Hansen solubility parameters. Int J Pharm. 2023;639:122973. doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122973

Leucidal SF Complete

Supporting ingredient, not an active

A Lactobacillus-ferment-and-fermented-coconut system that protects the formula naturally, its antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) and coconut lauric acid are antibacterial and antifungal, and emerging research suggests Lactobacillus ferments help rebalance the scalp.

A similar Lactobacillus ferment: scalp-symptom relief (28-day study)

Itching 100%Dandruff 96%Tightness 96%Prickling 96%Burning 92%

Subjects reporting relief at 28 days. The same Lactobacillus-ferment complex also significantly reduced Malassezia toward healthy-scalp levels (p < 0.01). The study was uncontrolled, open-label, and used a related ferment, not this exact ingredient, so we read it as supportive, not proof.

Leucidal SF Complete
AntifungalCoconut lauric acid + Lactobacillus peptides (bacteriocins)
Scalp microbiomeA Lactobacillus ferment lowered Malassezia (p < 0.01)
NaturalSoy-free broad-spectrum preservative
▸What the studies measured
  • It is a soy-free natural broad-spectrum preservative, Lactobacillus bacteriocins (antimicrobial peptides) plus fermented-coconut lauric acid (antifungal), with documented activity against bacteria and fungi including Candida and Aspergillus. SF-1
  • In a 28-day human scalp study, a Lactobacillus-ferment complex significantly reduced Malassezia toward healthy-scalp levels (p < 0.01) and relieved itching in 100% of subjects, with dandruff, tightness and burning relieved in 92-96%, though it was uncontrolled and used a related ferment, not this exact ingredient. SF-2
  • In vitro, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum blunted Malassezia-driven inflammation and restored skin-barrier proteins in keratinocytes (IL-1β / IL-18 fully inhibited, p < 0.001). SF-4
  • Preclinical: an oral Lactobacillus paracasei strain raised hair-regrowth rate to 62% vs 9% in mice and boosted dermal-papilla VEGF, early and indirect (oral dosing, a different strain), but a promising direction. SF-3
  • A 2024 meta-analysis of probiotics found improved hair thickness (SMD 0.92) and dandruff control (OR 5.39), but the authors call the field preliminary and hair-count change was not significant. SF-5
▸References & DOIs
  1. Active Micro Technologies. Leucidal SF Complete, product page & technical datasheet (Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract). activemicrotechnologies.com (manufacturer data).
  2. Wang Y, et al. Effects of a postbiotic Saccharomyces and Lactobacillus ferment complex on the scalp microbiome of Chinese women with sensitive scalp syndrome. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:2623-2635. doi:10.2147/CCID.S415787
  3. Lee H, et al. Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 and Lycopus lucidus extract promote dermal papilla cytoprotection and hair regrowth in C57BL/6 mice. Molecules. 2022;27(23):8235. doi:10.3390/molecules27238235
  4. Fusco A, et al. Regulatory ability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on human skin health by counteracting in vitro Malassezia furfur effects. J Fungi (Basel). 2023;9(12):1153. doi:10.3390/jof9121153
  5. Yin C-S, et al. Efficacy of probiotics in hair growth and dandruff control: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2024;10(9):e29539. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29539

The studies above evaluate the individual active ingredients in the published scientific literature, not MH-01 as a finished product. MH-01 is a cosmetic serum; it is not an FDA-approved drug and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition.

Full transparency

The full formula

Water (Aqua)

Solvent base

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Helps actives absorb

Leucidal SF Complete

Natural preservative

Niacinamide

Circulation & strength

Adenosine

Density & follicle longevity

Chitosan Lactate

Adds body, reduces breakage

Panthenol

Conditions & hydrates

Zinc PCA

Balances scalp sebum

Caffeine

Stimulates follicles

Methyl Vanillate

Supports growth signaling