Hydrolyzed Eggshell Membrane Improves Hair Density in Middle Aged Adults

by | Apr 17, 2025 | Hair and Nails, Recent Articles

Written by Chrystal Moulton, Science Writer. Intergroup analysis showed that participants who received BiovaBio™ had significantly higher hair density than those in the placebo (P<0.05).

woman with long hairThe beauty industry is a multi-billion-dollar business with products for hair, nails, and skin1. In 2017 alone, Americans spent $5.16 billion dollars on beauty and personal care products1. The magnitude of products on the market makes it especially pressing for consumers to determine which products are truly effective in addressing their specific needs as it relates to beauty and personal care especially, as we age. Hydrolyzed eggshell membrane contains a number of bioactive components including hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate, and heparan sulfate. These compounds can be classified as glycosaminoglycans or GAGs2. Proline and hydroxyproline can also be found in hydrolyzed eggshell membrane3. Altogether, these compounds have been proven to improve skin and hair appearance in clinical trials4-7. In the current study, researchers investigated the effectiveness of a specific proprietary compound on the health and appearance of hair, skin, and nails of middle-aged adults8.

This clinical trial was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study recruiting healthy men and women between 35-65 years old. Participants were required to stop taking any supplements which support hair, skin, and nail health 14 days prior to randomization and discontinue use of such supplements the duration of the trial. The trial lasted 12 weeks. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either 450mg of BiovaBio™ [hydrolized eggshell membrane] or placebo, which they were instructed to take once daily. Researchers used the TrichoScan HD to measure changes in hair growth, density, and the status of the hair root. Skin analysis was conducted using a modified version of the FACE-Q questionnaire and the Canfield Visia®-CR system (photographic analysis software). To analyze the effect on nail growth, researchers used a questionnaire based on the Likert scale (0= strongly disagree, 4= strongly agree). Statistical analysis was conducted on each parameter to measure any within and between group changes from baseline to week 4, 8, and 12.

A total of 88 participants (63 women and 25 men) were randomized to receive BiovaBio™ or placebo for 12 weeks. Each group contained 44 participants. No significant differences were observed between groups at baseline. Within group hair analysis revealed a significant increase in hair density in both the placebo and treatment group throughout the trial. However, intergroup analysis showed that participants who received BiovaBio™ had significantly higher hair density than those in the placebo (P<0.05). There was some significant breakage within the placebo group at weeks 4 and 8 (P<0.05) as well as within the treatment group at week 4 (P=0.0128). However, no significant difference was observed between groups for hair breakage or hair growth. Skin and nail analysis showed no significant changes within or between groups during the trial.

Results from this clinical trial showed that BiovaBio™ was effective in improving hair density in middle aged adults. Additional studies will be needed to verify these findings.

Source: Kalman, Douglas S., and Susan Hewlings. “The effect of oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane on the appearance of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle‐aged adults: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 19, no. 6 (2020): 1463-1472.

© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Click here to read the full text study.

Posted April 17, 2025.

Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, I

References:

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