Nutrafol and Viviscal for Pattern Hair Loss: 2022 Evidence Review Research Summary
This is a plain-language summary of the original published research. We do not add conclusions or opinions of our own. This is not medical advice — consult a certified healthcare practitioner before making any decision.
Original research published in PMC (open access), 2022
Nutrafol and Viviscal for Pattern Hair Loss
Study conclusion
Narrative review summarised clinical evidence for Nutrafol and Viviscal in men and women with pattern hair loss. Both showed modest but statistically significant hair growth compared to placebo in their respective clinical studies. Most evidence was funded by the manufacturers. The review concluded both are best used as adjuncts to pharmaceutical treatments.
Strength of evidence
This was a narrative review — it describes and summarises existing studies without statistical pooling. The score is very limited because most underlying studies were industry-funded by the respective supplement manufacturers, sample sizes were small, and independent replication is absent for both products.
Who it applies to
Who was studied
Adults with pattern hair loss from clinical studies of Nutrafol and Viviscal branded supplements.
Who was NOT studied
People using unprescribed generic ingredients rather than branded formulations. People with other types of hair loss.
What to look for when shopping
Both Nutrafol and Viviscal are branded multi-ingredient supplements available without prescription. Neither is FDA-approved for hair loss. Clinical evidence is primarily from industry-funded studies.
What research cannot help you decide
Whether generic ingredients produce the same benefit as the branded formulations. Whether either supplement works as well as minoxidil or finasteride.
Key findings
- Both Nutrafol and Viviscal showed modest but statistically significant hair growth vs placebo in industry-funded clinical studies
- The review concluded both supplements are best used as adjuncts to pharmaceutical treatments, not replacements
- Most clinical evidence for both products was funded by their manufacturers
- Neither product is FDA-approved for hair loss
- Independent replication of results for either product is limited
What they did
Researchers reviewed published clinical evidence for Nutrafol and Viviscal. Studies were identified and summarised narratively without statistical pooling. The review covered both the ingredient rationale and clinical outcomes from available studies.
What they found
| Comparison | Result | Significant? |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrafol vs placebo — hair density | Significant improvement in industry-funded studies | Yes |
| Viviscal vs placebo — terminal hair count | Significant improvement in industry-funded studies | Yes |
| Both supplements vs FDA-approved treatments | Not directly compared | No |
What this study does not show
- 1.Whether either supplement would show the same benefit in a large independently-funded trial.
- 2.How either supplement compares to FDA-approved treatments like minoxidil.
- 3.Whether the active ingredients in each formulation are individually responsible for the observed effects.
Limitations
- 1.Narrative review without statistical pooling
- 2.Most underlying studies were industry-funded by the respective supplement manufacturers
- 3.Small study samples for both products
- 4.No independent large-scale replication for either product
- 5.Neither product is FDA-approved for hair loss
Who funded it
No separate funding for this review declared. Most underlying studies reviewed were industry-funded.
Used in these articles
Links added as fact-checks and articles citing this study are published.