The goal of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is to find out whether daily oral intake of the nutraceutical Olistic Next Women can reduce hair loss, improve hair growth and quality, and improve signs of skin aging in women with early female-pattern hair loss. One hundred healthy women aged 50-65 years with initial FPHL will be randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either Olistic Next Women or a matching placebo for 6 months. Participants will drink one vial per day for 28 days, rest 2 days each month, and repeat this cycle for the duration of the study. The main questions are whether Olistic Next Women, compared with placebo, (1) increases hair density and thickness, improves hair growth (anagen/telogen and terminal/vellus ratios), and reduces hair shedding; and (2) improves facial skin parameters related to aging, such as wrinkles, hydration, brightness, elasticity, and firmness. At baseline and at approximately 1, 3, and 6 months, participants will attend clinic visits where hair metrics at two scalp sites will be quantified using HairMetrix imaging; hair shedding will be assessed with standardized comb and wash tests; and hair fiber damage (in a subset) will be evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Facial skin will be evaluated using 3D wrinkle imaging, Glossymeter, Corneometer, and Cutometer measurements. Participants will also complete the Skindex-29 and a self-perception questionnaire at several time points while maintaining their usual diet and cosmetic routines and avoiding other hair-active treatments or supplements.
Hair loss in women and skin aging are multifactorial processes influenced by intrinsic factors (genetics, hormonal changes, chronological aging) and extrinsic factors (UV exposure, environmental stressors, lifestyle). Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is characterized by gradual thinning and a reduction in hair density, often associated with a decrease in the terminal/vellus hair ratio and changes in the anagen/telogen balance. In parallel, skin aging manifests as wrinkles, loss of elasticity and firmness, reduced hydration, and altered barrier function. Nutraceuticals containing bioactive compounds such as collagen-derived amino acids, plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals have been proposed as a supportive strategy to improve hair and skin parameters from within. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, 1:1 randomized cosmetic study, investigators will assess the efficacy of the oral supplement "Olistic Next Women" on hair loss/growth and age-related skin parameters in healthy adult women with initial FPHL. One hundred volunteers aged 50-65 years with early FPHL, confirmed through dermatological assessment, will be enrolled at Bionos Biotech S.L. (Valencia, Spain) after providing written informed consent and meeting predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomized to receive either Olistic Next Women or a matching placebo and will consume one vial daily for 28 consecutive days followed by 2 days of rest each month, for a total treatment duration of 6 months. The product and placebo are manufactured in compliance with relevant EU regulations regarding safety, microbiology, allergens, and heavy metals. Hair and skin assessments will be performed at baseline and during follow-up visits to enable comparisons over time between active and placebo groups. A dermatologist will conduct an initial hair evaluation, followed by standardized measurements at multiple time points. At baseline (D0), month 3 (D90), and month 6 (D180), hair density and growth parameters will be quantified at two scalp sites (behind the ear and at the top of the head, where FPHL is more evident) using HairMetrix® imaging. Parameters will include terminal/vellus ratio, average hairs per follicular unit, hair width, follicle count per cm², hair count per cm², anagen/telogen ratio, and short-term growth rate. Hair shedding will be evaluated at several visits using standardized comb and wash tests after controlled intervals without washing or combing. In a subset of 10 volunteers, hair fiber damage and integrity will be assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Hair volume, general appearance, and overall hair quality will be graded by clinical scoring, and hair shine will be measured using a Glossymeter® probe. Facial skin will be evaluated at baseline and follow-up visits using non-invasive instrumental methods. Wrinkle area, depth, and volume will be quantified by 3D imaging; skin brightness will be measured with a Glossymeter®; hydration will be assessed using a Corneometer®; and elasticity and firmness will be measured with a Cutometer®. Participants will also complete the Skindex-29 questionnaire to capture the impact of hair and skin status on quality of life, as well as a self-perception questionnaire to document subjective impressions of hair and skin changes over the course of treatment. Throughout the study, participants will be instructed to maintain their usual diet and basic hygiene habits, to avoid initiating new oral supplements or systemic/topical products with similar effects to the investigational product, and to refrain from intense or invasive cosmetic treatments. Major changes in hairstyle or routine that could interfere with measurements will not be permitted. Compliance with product intake and study instructions will be supported through written guidelines and regular contact with the research team. The primary analysis will compare changes from baseline to post-treatment time points between the Olistic Next Women and placebo groups using appropriate statistical methods for continuous outcomes, with two-sided tests and a significance level of 0.05. The planned sample size of 100 women is based on prior experience and is expected to provide adequate power to detect clinically relevant differences in key hair and skin parameters. The study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, applicable regulations, and local ethics committee approval. All participants will provide written informed consent prior to any study procedures. Data will be coded and handled under Spanish data protection law, and study records will be retained according to regulatory requirements.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
100
Participants will be provided with Olistic Next Women and instructed to drink one vial orally once daily for 6 months (28 consecutive days followed by 2 days of rest each month). Efficacy will be evaluated at baseline and at approximately 1, 3, and 6 months using HairMetrix® imaging (hair density and growth parameters), standardized hair shedding tests, 3D facial wrinkle imaging, Glossymeter® (shine/brightness), Corneometer® (hydration), Cutometer® (firmness, elasticity, fatigue), and patient-reported questionnaires (Skindex-29 and a self-perception questionnaire). Product is supplied in individual single-dose vials and stored according to the manufacturer's instructions. All procedures occur at Bionos Biotech S.L. facilities.
Participants will be provided with a matching placebo and instructed to drink one vial orally once daily for 6 months (28 consecutive days followed by 2 days of rest each month). Efficacy will be evaluated at baseline and at approximately 1, 3, and 6 months using HairMetrix® imaging (hair density and growth parameters), standardized hair shedding tests, 3D facial wrinkle imaging, Glossymeter® (shine/brightness), Corneometer® (hydration), Cutometer® (firmness, elasticity, fatigue), and patient-reported questionnaires (Skindex-29 and a self-perception questionnaire). Product is supplied in individual single-dose vials and stored according to the manufacturer's instructions. All procedures occur at Bionos Biotech S.L. facilities.
Bionos Biotech S.L., LabAnalysis Life Science
Valencia, Spain
Change from baseline in hair density (hair count per cm²) measured by HairMetrix®.
Change in hair density, expressed as hair count per cm², from baseline to follow-up visits. Hair density is assessed using standardized HairMetrix® imaging at predefined scalp sites. To ensure measurement accuracy and reproducibility, all assessments are performed 2 days after standardized scalp clipping, allowing sufficient hair regrowth for reliable detection and analysis.
Time frame: Baseline ( 2 days after clipping) 3 months (2 days after clipping), 6 months (2 days after clipping).
Change from baseline in terminal/vellus hair ratio (unitless) measured by HairMetrix®
Change in the terminal-to-vellus hair ratio from baseline to follow-up visits, assessed using standardized HairMetrix® imaging at predefined scalp sites. Measurements are performed 2 days after standardized scalp clipping at each time point to ensure consistent hair length and reliable classification of terminal and vellus hairs.
Time frame: Baseline ( 2 days after clipping) 3 months (2 days after clipping), 6 months (2 days after clipping).
Change from baseline in mean hair shaft width (µm) measured by HairMetrix®
Change in mean hair shaft width from baseline to follow-up visits at the predefined scalp site(s). To ensure measurement accuracy and reproducibility, all assessments are performed 2 days after standardized scalp clipping, allowing sufficient hair regrowth for reliable detection and analysis.
Time frame: Baseline ( 2 days after clipping) 3 months (2 days after clipping), 6 months (2 days after clipping).
Change from baseline in follicle count per cm² measured by HairMetrix®
Change in follicle count per cm² from baseline to follow-up visits at the predefined scalp site(s). To ensure measurement accuracy and reproducibility, all assessments are performed 2 days after standardized scalp clipping, allowing sufficient hair regrowth for reliable detection and analysis.
Time frame: Baseline ( 2 days after clipping) 3 months (2 days after clipping), 6 months (2 days after clipping).
Change from baseline in anagen/telogen ratio (unitless) measured by HairMetrix®
Change in anagen/telogen ratio from baseline to follow-up visits at the predefined scalp site(s). To ensure measurement accuracy and reproducibility, all assessments are performed 2 days after standardized scalp clipping, allowing sufficient hair regrowth for reliable detection and analysis.
Time frame: Baseline ( 2 days after clipping) 3 months (2 days after clipping), 6 months (2 days after clipping).
Change from baseline in short-term hair growth rate (mm/day) measured by HairMetrix®
Change in short-term growth rate from baseline to follow-up visits at the predefined scalp site(s). To ensure measurement accuracy and reproducibility, all assessments are performed 2 days after standardized scalp clipping, allowing sufficient hair regrowth for reliable detection and analysis.
Time frame: Baseline ( 2 days after clipping) 3 months (2 days after clipping), 6 months (2 days after clipping).
Change from baseline in wrinkle volume (mm³) measured by 3D imaging.
Change in wrinkle volume, expressed in mm³, from baseline to follow-up visits, assessed using standardized VISIA-PRIMOS® 5 three-dimensional facial imaging at predefined facial regions. Image acquisition and analysis are performed under controlled conditions to ensure reproducibility across time points.
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in wrinkle area (mm³) measured by 3D imaging
Change in wrinkle area, expressed in mm³, from baseline to follow-up visits, assessed using standardized VISIA-PRIMOS® 5 three-dimensional facial imaging at predefined facial regions. Image acquisition and analysis are performed under controlled conditions to ensure reproducibility across time points.
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in depth volume (mm³) measured by 3D imaging
Change in wrinkle depth, expressed in mm³, from baseline to follow-up visits, assessed using standardized VISIA-PRIMOS® 5 three-dimensional facial imaging at predefined facial regions. Image acquisition and analysis are performed under controlled conditions to ensure reproducibility across time points.
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in skin hydration (Corneometer units, a.u.)
Change in Corneometer® readings (arbitrary units) from baseline to follow-up visits at the predefined facial region(s).
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in skin gloss/brightness (Gloss units)
Change in Glossymeter® readings from baseline to follow-up visits at the predefined facial region(s).
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in skin elasticity (Cutometer® R2, unitless)
Change in skin elasticity, expressed by the R2 parameter (mm), from baseline to follow-up visits. Measurements are performed using a Cutometer® at predefined facial regions under standardized conditions to ensure reproducibility across all time points.
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in skin firmness (Cutometer® R0, mm)
Change in skin firmness, expressed by the R0 parameter (mm), from baseline to follow-up visits. Measurements are performed using a Cutometer® at predefined facial regions under standardized conditions to ensure reproducibility across all time points.
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in Skindex-29 overall score (0-100; higher = worse quality of life)
Change in the total score of the Skindex-29 questionnaire from baseline to follow-up visits. The Skindex-29 is a 29-item, patient-reported questionnaire assessing the impact of alopecia and scalp-related symptoms on quality of life (e.g., pain, itching, burning, irritation, emotional distress, social functioning, daily activities, and sexual life). Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (Never) to 4 (All the time). The total score ranges from 0 to 116, with higher scores indicating worse quality of life.
Time frame: before treatment, after 1-, 3 and 6 months treatment.
Change from baseline in Self-Perception Questionnaire total score
Change in participants' self-assessment of product performance and cosmetic acceptability from baseline to follow-up visits. Each parameter is rated on a 5-point agreement scale ranging from 1 (Agree), 2 (Partially agree), 3 (Slightly agree), 4 (Partially disagree) to 5 (Disagree). For data analysis, an overall acceptance score is calculated as the percentage of positive evaluations (responses of Agree, Partially agree, or Slightly agree) across all assessed parameters. An overall acceptance value ≥ 80% is considered indicative of high consumer acceptance.
Time frame: before treatment, after 1-, 3 and 6 months treatment.
Change from baseline in hair volume, general appearance, and hair quality assessed by clinical scoring
Change in hair volume, general appearance, and overall hair quality from baseline to follow-up visits, assessed using standardized clinical scoring. Evaluations are performed at predefined time points based on standardized photographs. Images are independently analyzed by external dermatologists blinded to treatment allocation to ensure objective assessment.
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in hair fiber integrity and thickness assessed by scanning electron microscopy
Change in hair fiber integrity and thickness from baseline to follow-up visits, assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in a subset of 10 volunteers. SEM imaging is used to evaluate hair fiber surface morphology and structural damage, allowing qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of fiber integrity and thickness over time.
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in number of fallen hairs after combing assessed by comb test
Change in the number of fallen hairs collected after standardized combing from baseline to follow-up visits, assessed using a comb test procedure. This outcome is used to evaluate changes in hair shedding and to assess a potential strengthening effect over time.
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
Change from baseline in number of fallen hairs after washing assessed by wash test
Change in the number of fallen hairs collected after a standardized washing procedure from baseline to follow-up visits, assessed using a wash test procedure. This outcome is used to evaluate changes in hair shedding and to assess a potential strengthening effect over time.
Time frame: Baseline and ~1, 3, 6 months.
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