5-Alpha Reductase Testing Services for Hair Growth Products
What is 5-alpha reductase activity?
5-alpha reductase activity testing for hair growth measures how effectively cosmetic ingredients inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, the hormone responsible for androgenetic alopecia. Labs use in vitro assays with human scalp tissue to quantify inhibition percentages, providing brands with concrete efficacy data for anti-hair loss formulations before clinical trials.
Why do you need this service?
Cosmetic labs use 5-alpha reductase inhibition assays to validate anti-hair loss ingredients and formulations before market launch. These enzyme activity tests measure how effectively your DHT-blocking compounds work at the molecular level, providing quantifiable proof of efficacy that supports regulatory submissions and marketing claims for hair growth serums, shampoos, and scalp treatments.
Who provides 5-alpha reductase activity services?
All cosmetic labs providing 5-alpha reductase activity services
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibition Testing for Hair Growth Products
5-alpha reductase inhibition testing measures how effectively your hair care ingredients block the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, the primary cause of androgenetic alopecia. This biochemical assay provides quantifiable data on your product’s potential to prevent hair loss at the molecular level.
Enzyme Activity Measurement Protocols
Labs use spectrophotometric methods to track 5-alpha reductase activity in real-time. The standard protocol measures NADPH consumption at 340nm wavelength as the enzyme converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Results show percentage inhibition compared to control samples.
Key testing parameters include:
- IC50 values (concentration needed for 50% inhibition)
- Dose-response curves across multiple concentrations
- Type I and Type II enzyme specificity testing
- Stability assessment under various pH conditions
Screening Applications for Product Development
This testing helps you identify the most potent ingredients before moving to expensive clinical trials. Labs can screen botanical extracts, synthetic compounds, or finished formulations to rank their DHT-blocking potential. The data supports marketing claims and guides formulation optimization.
Testing typically takes 2-3 weeks and costs $800-1,500 per sample depending on the number of concentrations tested. Many labs offer package deals when screening multiple ingredients simultaneously.
Contact labs on our platform to discuss your specific testing needs and get detailed protocols for your hair growth product development.
Practical Applications of 5-Alpha Reductase Activity Testing for Hair Growth Products
Cosmetic labs use 5-alpha reductase activity testing to validate hair growth formulations and support product claims with scientific data that regulatory bodies and consumers expect.
Anti-Hair Loss Product Development
Labs measure how effectively ingredients inhibit 5-alpha reductase enzymes, which convert testosterone to DHT—the primary cause of androgenetic alopecia. Testing protocols expose enzyme samples to various concentrations of active compounds like saw palmetto extract, finasteride analogs, or proprietary botanical blends.
Results show percentage inhibition rates at different dosages, helping formulators optimize ingredient ratios. A typical test might reveal 60% enzyme inhibition at 0.5% concentration, guiding minimum effective dosing for commercial products.
| Testing Parameter | Measurement Method | Typical Results |
|---|---|---|
| Enzyme Inhibition | Spectrophotometric assay | 20-80% reduction |
| IC50 Values | Dose-response curves | 0.1-10 μg/mL |
| Selectivity Testing | Type I vs Type II enzyme | Ratio analysis |
Regulatory Compliance and Marketing Claims
Brands submit 5-alpha reductase inhibition data to support efficacy claims in product registration documents. Labs generate standardized reports showing statistical significance, methodology validation, and reproducibility across multiple test runs.
These studies enable marketing teams to make specific claims like “clinically proven to reduce DHT production” or “blocks 5-alpha reductase activity by 45%.” The data also supports patent applications for novel hair growth compounds and differentiates products in competitive markets.
Ready to validate your hair growth formulation? Contact specialized labs on our platform to discuss 5-alpha reductase testing protocols tailored to your product requirements.