Evidence, organised

Skin & Hair

Explore skincare, hair regrowth and cosmetic claims, from established treatments to viral oils, serums and devices.

Skin hydration, wrinkle appearance and lasting structural change are different questions. We distinguish laboratory mechanisms from trials in people, and a studied formulation from every product carrying the same ingredient.

Questions to explore

Can Your Face Really Reveal Low Iron or Ferritin? — WEAK. Iron deficiency can cause symptoms and anaemia can cause pallor. But appearance cannot reliably diagnose low iron, measure ferritin or identify the reason for a change. Blood tests and clinical context are needed.

More investigations to explore

Do Red-Light Hair Caps Really Regrow Thinning Hair? — MODERATE.
Does PRP Really Regrow Hair? — MODERATE.

Explore relevant Evidence Shelf recommendations →

Filter by topic, evidence or outcome

Evidence vs Hype editorial still life of an unbranded PRP tube beside a scalp consultation model, without graphic injection or a regrowth promise.

Does PRP Really Regrow Hair?

MODERATE — PRP injections can improve hair density in some people with pattern hair loss. Moderate evidence supports a benefit, but preparation varies and PRP has not clearly outperformed minoxidil on key ou...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype editorial image of an unbranded red-light hair cap and natural thinning hair, without a before-and-after claim.

Do Red-Light Hair Caps Really Regrow Thinning Hair?

MODERATE — Selected low-level light and laser devices can improve hair density in androgenetic alopecia. Evidence is moderately convincing for this specific type of hair loss, not for every cap or every caus...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype artwork pairing a naturally photographed adult face with an unbranded laboratory blood sample; asks if looks reveal low iron.

Can Your Face Really Reveal Low Iron or Ferritin?

WEAK — Iron deficiency can cause symptoms and anaemia can cause pallor. But appearance cannot reliably diagnose low iron, measure ferritin or identify the reason for a change. Blood tests and clinical contex...

Read the evidence →

Three sealed research-style vials and a skin-texture magnifier illustrate the GLOW peptide blend investigation.

Does the GLOW Peptide Blend Really Repair Skin and Heal Injuries?

WEAK — Direct controlled human evidence for the GLOW combination was not identified in this review. Repair-related biology and limited component research do not establish that mixing these peptides improves ...

Read the evidence →

Two collagen powder scoops and a neutral skin close-up illustrate collagen tripeptide superiority claims.

Are Collagen Tripeptides Really Superior to Regular Collagen?

WEAK — Some tripeptide-containing products have improved skin measurements in small trials. That does not establish that tripeptides are generally superior to ordinary hydrolysed collagen. Most supportive st...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype conceptual artwork investigating urea cream, using subject-specific unbranded imagery.

Does Urea Cream Really Repair Dry, Rough and Ageing Skin?

MODERATE — Urea is a useful moisturising and skin-softening ingredient with supportive clinical evidence for dry and scaly skin. That does not make it a proven age-reversal treatment, and concentration chang...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype conceptual artwork investigating tranexamic acid serum, using subject-specific unbranded imagery.

Does Tranexamic Acid Serum Really Fade Melasma and Dark Spots?

MODERATE — Topical tranexamic acid has supportive human trials for melasma, usually over weeks to months. Benefits vary by formulation, and evidence for a topical serum should be separated from oral treatmen...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype conceptual artwork investigating powder sunscreen, using subject-specific unbranded imagery.

Can Powder Sunscreens Really Protect Your Skin as Well as SPF Cream?

WEAK — A powder may have a tested SPF, but real protection depends on the amount and evenness of application. Evidence does not justify assuming that a light dusting replaces a properly applied sunscreen layer.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype conceptual artwork investigating retinol body lotion, using subject-specific unbranded imagery.

Does Retinol Body Lotion Really Reduce Crepey Skin and Stretch Marks?

LIMITED — A controlled study supports improvement in fine wrinkles on naturally aged arm skin with one retinol lotion. Evidence for ordinary retinol body lotions removing stretch marks is much weaker; resear...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype conceptual artwork investigating fragrance free skincare, using subject-specific unbranded imagery.

Is Fragrance-Free Skincare Really Better for Sensitive Skin?

MODERATE — Avoiding fragrance is a useful way to remove a potential trigger, especially with fragrance allergy or eczema. It cannot guarantee that a product will suit every sensitive skin type, because other...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype conceptual artwork investigating eyelash growth serum, using subject-specific unbranded imagery.

Do Viral Eyelash Growth Serums Really Work — and Are They Safe?

LIMITED — Bimatoprost has controlled clinical evidence for eyelash growth. That does not validate every cosmetic peptide or conditioning serum, and prostaglandin-type products can have important eye-area adv...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype conceptual artwork investigating EGF skincare, using subject-specific unbranded imagery.

Do EGF Growth-Factor Skincare Products Really Repair Skin and Reverse Wrinkles?

LIMITED — Topical growth-factor products have some human evidence for modest cosmetic improvements. Results depend on the formulation, and strong claims of regeneration or reliable wrinkle reversal go beyond...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype conceptual artwork investigating KPV peptide, using subject-specific unbranded imagery.

Does the KPV Peptide Really Reduce Gut Inflammation and Heal Your Skin?

WEAK — KPV has anti-inflammatory effects in cells and mouse models. Verified clinical evidence that it treats gut disease or heals skin in living people is missing from the regulatory evidence assessed here;...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype conceptual artwork asking whether senolytic skin cream reverses skin age, with an unbranded cream jar and skin detail.

Can a Senolytic Skin Cream Really Reverse Your Biological Skin Age?

WEAK — Early human studies show interesting skin and biomarker changes. They do not yet establish lasting reversal of skin ageing, and an experimental medicine is different from a cosmetic sold as senolytic.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype NAD+ skincare artwork with a generic serum bottle and mature skin portrait, asking whether skin ageing can be reversed.

Can NAD+ Face Serums Really Reverse Skin Ageing?

WEAK — Cellular and delivery research is interesting, but ordinary NAD+ serums have not been shown here to reverse human skin ageing.

Read the evidence →

Black and gold Evidence vs Hype artwork comparing generic retinal and retinol bottles beside a natural mature skin portrait; no before-and-after result.

Is Retinal Really Faster and Better Than Retinol?

LIMITED — A small direct trial favoured a particular retinal formulation, but universal claims of faster results and less irritation go beyond the evidence.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype Sculptra investigation artwork with a middle-aged woman and a clinical tray containing a generic vial and syringe; no treatment is being performed.

Does Sculptra Really Stimulate Collagen and Reverse Facial Ageing?

MODERATE — Sculptra has human evidence for collagen stimulation and improvements in selected facial wrinkles. Cosmetic improvement is not evidence that it reverses biological ageing.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype collagen and loose skin investigation artwork with collagen powder, a tape measure and a partially visible adult torso; no before-and-after comparison.

Can Collagen Supplements Really Prevent Loose Skin After GLP-1 Weight Loss?

WEAK — Some collagen trials report changes in hydration or cosmetic skin measures. They do not establish prevention of substantial loose skin during major weight loss or GLP-1 treatment.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype ectoin skincare artwork showing moisturiser in an unbranded jar and cream being applied to an adult cheek.

Does Ectoin Really Repair Your Skin Barrier and Protect Against Ageing?

LIMITED — Small human studies support selected hydration and barrier-related benefits from ectoin formulations. Evidence for dependable anti-ageing effects or superiority to established moisturisers remains ...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype microneedle patch artwork showing a cosmetic eye patch, an enlarged view of its tiny projections and a patch beneath an adult eye.

Do Microneedle Patches Really Deliver Skincare Ingredients Better Than Ordinary Creams?

LIMITED — Small human studies support selected wrinkle benefits from particular dissolving patches. Better penetration is not proof that every patch, ingredient or skin concern improves more than a cream.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype anti-dandruff shampoo investigation artwork showing an unbranded shampoo bottle, lather and an adult hair parting.

Can Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Really Regrow Thinning Hair?

LIMITED — Ketoconazole treats dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Small hair-loss studies suggest a possible adjunctive benefit, but dependable regrowth or equivalence to established treatments is not estab...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype azelaic-acid artwork with an unbranded serum bottle and natural facial skin, including a conceptual skin-texture inset. No anti-ageing result is depicted.

Does Azelaic Acid Serum Really Improve Acne, Redness and Skin Ageing?

MODERATE — Azelaic acid has support for defined acne and rosacea outcomes. We separate cosmetic serums from studied formulations and unsupported anti-ageing promises.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype kojic-acid-soap artwork with a soap bar, foam and natural facial pigmentation. Conceptual illustration without before-and-after claims.

Does Kojic Acid Soap Really Remove Dark Spots?

WEAK — Leave-on kojic acid has some pigmentation evidence. A wash-off soap cannot automatically borrow it. We assess clinical studies, contact time and irritation.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype pumpkin-seed-oil artwork with seeds, an oil bottle and scalp hair, plus a conceptual follicle inset. It does not show trial results or promised regrowth.

Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Really Regrow Hair?

LIMITED — Small oral and topical trials show a hair-growth signal. We examine product differences, what the 40% result means and why minoxidil equivalence is unproven.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype whey-and-acne investigation with an unbranded shaker and powder beside an adult cheek with mild blemishes; no inevitable adverse effect is implied.

Does Whey Protein Really Cause Acne?

UNCLEAR — Case reports and observational research suggest a possible trigger, but a small randomised trial found no worsening. Individual susceptibility remains uncertain.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype skin cycling and skincare investigation with serum, moisturiser and tube

Does Skin Cycling Really Repair Your Skin Barrier and Clear Acne?

WEAK — Reducing irritation and using effective acne treatments can help. The popular complete four-night routine has not been established as superior to a tailored, evidence-based regimen. Its ingredients an...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype spicule serums and skincare investigation with serum bottle and conceptual spicule inset

Do Spicule Serums Really Work Like Microneedling in a Bottle?

WEAK — Some small studies suggest that particular spicule-containing formulations can improve selected skin measures. They do not establish that commercial serums reproduce professional microneedling’s depth...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype minoxidil and hair regrowth investigation in black, white and gold

Does Minoxidil Really Regrow Thinning Hair?

STRONG — Topical minoxidil can improve hair growth in male and female pattern hair loss. Response varies, takes months and generally requires continued treatment. It is not a universal remedy for every kind ...

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype sunscreen and skin ageing investigation in black, white and gold

Does Wearing Sunscreen Every Day Really Prevent Wrinkles and Skin Ageing?

STRONG — Regular sunscreen use helps prevent additional UV-related ageing. That does not mean it stops all ageing or reliably erases wrinkles that are already there.

Read the evidence →

Evidence vs Hype Skin Booster Devices: Deeper Serums? investigation cover, with a handheld skincare device and amber serum bottle on a black and gold research backdrop.

Do Viral At-Home “Skin Booster” Devices Really Push Serums Deeper, Firm Skin and Shrink Pores?

Certain technologies can increase measured penetration of selected formulations. That does not establish that every home device firms skin or reduces visible pores.

Read the evidence →

Browse the complete Skin & Hair collection →

Evidence first. Products second.

The Evidence Shelf: Skin & Hair

Useful for defined needs. Start with who may benefit, then consider whether buying anything would add value.

Editorial imagery for the skin hair buying guide

Product links for

UK-led options. Evidence applies to the defined use; formulas and guidance can differ by country.

Illustrative product type

Broad-spectrum sunscreen

STRONGEvidence for sunburn and UV-damage prevention

Best supported for

Prevents sunburn; reduces additional UV-related skin damage.

Why we selected it

Clear UVA/UVB labelling and a formula you will use adequately are the priorities.

Do you actually need it?

Useful for exposed skin when UV protection is needed, alongside shade and clothing.

Safety before use: Irritation/allergy possible. Reapply as directed, generally every two hours outdoors and after swimming/towelling. Water resistant is not waterproof. Sunscreen does not justify longer exposure.

View the evidence →

Who may benefit & who can skip it

You might benefit: People with exposed skin when UV protection is needed, alongside clothing and shade.

You probably do not need it: No need for an expensive facial formula if a comfortable compliant lower-cost product is used adequately.

What to look for & important limitations

What to look for

Choose labelled UVA/UVB protection, a suitable SPF and a texture you will use generously. UK Altruist SPF50 and US Anthelios SPF60 are different formulas. Check the local pack and water-resistance instructions.

Important limitations

Hughes et al. followed 903 adults for 4.5 years: daily use reduced the odds of measured photoageing progression (relative odds 0.76). This was not a 24% reduction in every wrinkle or a trial of today's shortlisted brands. The stricter MODERATE rating here applies to direct long-term photoageing trial evidence; the existing site article rates its broader UV-ageing claim STRONG and has not been changed.

Ordinary or free alternatives

Comfort, affordability and enough applied product matter more than premium positioning. Compare cost per 100 mL and realistic use, not tiny pack price.

The evidence & product checks

The evidence

What is checked about the product?

Official regional pages document these exact options. Altruist’s UVA/PPD figures are manufacturer claims. The photoageing trial did not compare these brands or show either is superior.

Intervention evidence, product-label checks and independent testing are separate. These examples are not claims that one brand is scientifically best.

Evidence reviewed: October 2026. Ratings assess the stated intervention and outcome, not a brand. Product links here are ordinary links with no affiliate tracking. We have not laboratory-tested these products. Affiliate disclosure · How we assess evidence.

Explore all nine Shelf categories →

Browse by category

Evidence rating

Does PRP Really Regrow Hair?

Do Red-Light Hair Caps Really Regrow Thinning Hair?

Can Your Face Really Reveal Low Iron or Ferritin?

Does the GLOW Peptide Blend Really Repair Skin and Heal Injuries?

Are Collagen Tripeptides Really Superior to Regular Collagen?

Does Urea Cream Really Repair Dry, Rough and Ageing Skin?

Does Tranexamic Acid Serum Really Fade Melasma and Dark Spots?

Can Powder Sunscreens Really Protect Your Skin as Well as SPF Cream?

Does Retinol Body Lotion Really Reduce Crepey Skin and Stretch Marks?

Is Fragrance-Free Skincare Really Better for Sensitive Skin?

Do Viral Eyelash Growth Serums Really Work — and Are They Safe?

Do EGF Growth-Factor Skincare Products Really Repair Skin and Reverse Wrinkles?

Does the KPV Peptide Really Reduce Gut Inflammation and Heal Your Skin?

Can a Senolytic Skin Cream Really Reverse Your Biological Skin Age?

Can NAD+ Face Serums Really Reverse Skin Ageing?

Is Retinal Really Faster and Better Than Retinol?

Does Sculptra Really Stimulate Collagen and Reverse Facial Ageing?

Can Collagen Supplements Really Prevent Loose Skin After GLP-1 Weight Loss?

Does Ectoin Really Repair Your Skin Barrier and Protect Against Ageing?

Do Microneedle Patches Really Deliver Skincare Ingredients Better Than Ordinary Creams?

Can Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Really Regrow Thinning Hair?

Does Azelaic Acid Serum Really Improve Acne, Redness and Skin Ageing?

Does Kojic Acid Soap Really Remove Dark Spots?

Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Really Regrow Hair?

Does Whey Protein Really Cause Acne?

Does Skin Cycling Really Repair Your Skin Barrier and Clear Acne?

Do Spicule Serums Really Work Like Microneedling in a Bottle?

Does Minoxidil Really Regrow Thinning Hair?

Does Wearing Sunscreen Every Day Really Prevent Wrinkles and Skin Ageing?

Do Viral At-Home “Skin Booster” Devices Really Push Serums Deeper, Firm Skin and Shrink Pores?

The Evidence Shelf: Skin & Hair

Broad-spectrum sunscreen

Best supported for

Why we selected it

Do you actually need it?

What to look for

Important limitations

Ordinary or free alternatives

The evidence

What is checked about the product?

Keep exploring