C
Pumpkin seed oil regrows hair
One 2014 trial of a branded capsule blend, funded by its maker. Hair counts rose about 40% with the capsules and about 10% with placebo.
RCT · Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2014 · PMID 24864154
Skin and hair claims, graded by the evidence.
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This week's grades
A
Tretinoin softens fine wrinkles
A 2022 review of 7 randomized trials found it improved wrinkles and uneven pigment from sun damage. Expect peeling and dryness at first.
Systematic review · Int J Womens Dermatol, 2022 · DOI 10.1097/JW9.0000000000000003
C
Rosemary oil works as well as minoxidil
One 2015 trial, against the weaker 2% minoxidil, with no placebo group. No significant difference isn't proof they're equal.
RCT · Skinmed, 2015 · PMID 25842469
Myth
Biotin supplements grow hair
A 2017 review found 18 reported cases where biotin helped. Every one had an underlying condition, such as a biotin deficiency.
Review · Skin Appendage Disorders, 2017 · PMID 28879195
C
Collagen supplements give you younger skin
Pooled, 23 trials showed gains. Trials without industry funding, and the higher-quality trials, showed no significant effect.
Meta-analysis · Am J Med, 2025 · DOI 10.1016/j.amjmed.2025.04.034
A
Minoxidil regrows hair in pattern hair loss
A 2017 review of placebo-controlled trials: it beat placebo in men at 2% and 5%, and in women at 2%. It takes at least four months.
Meta-analysis · J Am Acad Dermatol, 2017 · DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.02.054
D
“Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles”
In the US, cosmetics don't need FDA approval before they're sold. With no public study behind the line, all there is to grade is company data.
Regulator guidance · FDA · Wrinkle treatments and anti-aging products
B
Daily sunscreen slows visible skin aging
903 adults, four and a half years. Daily users showed 24% less skin aging than people who used it when they chose. One trial.
RCT · Ann Intern Med, 2013 · PMID 23732711
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Personal Evidence Report
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How we grade
A · StrongConsistent results across good trials in people
B · GoodSolid trials in people, with one trial or one known limit
C · Early or mixedSmall, conflicting or flawed trials
D · WeakOnly lab, animal or manufacturer data
MythA popular claim the evidence doesn't support
A grade rates all the evidence behind a claim. The study design is only where it starts. It drops for industry-only funding, no placebo, tiny samples, results that conflict, or a claim bigger than what was tested.
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- We don't sell products, use affiliate links, or take money from brands.
- Every grade names its study by DOI or PMID.
- When we get one wrong, we correct it in public, with the date.
- Reel voiceovers are AI-generated. A person checks the research.
- Education, not medical advice. Ask your doctor about your own care.