The Science
What the studies actually show, said plainly.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
A 2014 randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that 400mg of pumpkin seed oil daily increased hair count by 40% over 24 weeks, compared to 10% in the placebo group. Pumpkin seed oil contains beta-sitosterol, a compound that inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT — the hormone most linked to hair thinning.
Worth noting honestly: that trial was conducted in men with androgenetic alopecia, not specifically in perimenopausal women. We use this ingredient because the underlying hormonal mechanism (DHT) is relevant to hormonally-driven hair thinning broadly — not because it’s been proven in a study of women in this exact life stage. We’d rather tell you that plainly than overstate it.
Saw Palmetto
A 2020 meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials (502 participants) found that 320mg of standardized saw palmetto extract daily lowered serum DHT by roughly 30% over six months.
The Peptide Complex
Redensyl®, Procapil®, Capixyl™, Baicapil™, AnaGain™
Five specialty ingredient complexes, each independently developed and studied by cosmetic ingredient labs, combined in The Elizabeth serum to support the appearance of fuller, denser-looking hair.
This information is for educational purposes and describes published research on individual ingredients — it is not a claim that any Esther & Ruth product treats, cures, or prevents any medical condition. Statements about our dietary supplement have not been evaluated by the FDA.