Ecklonia cava

Ecklonia cava is edible brown seaweed. It is mainly harvested in the deep oceans surrounding the islands of the Jeju Province, South Korea. This seaweed has a very high polyphenol content and is widely studied for health properties. Since the 11th century, there has been a belief in Korea and Japan that it is beneficial for the beauty and growth of the hair.

Ecklonia cava and its role in hair growth

Hairs are produced form hair follicles embedded in the innermost layer of the skin (dermis). Hair follicles consist of dermal papilla cells. Hair growth is closely related to the status of the dermal papilla cells. Ecklonia cava elicits several pathways involved in the multiplication of dermal papilla cells, ultimately resulting in hair growth. (Kim et al., 2013)

Ecklonia cava, more specifically the active component Dioxinodehydroeckol, improves hair shaft elongation, improved dermal papilla cell growth and the release of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) (Bak et al,. 2013)
Ecklonia cava also decreases 5-alpha-reductase activity and therefore decreases the amount of DHT in the body. Dieckol is the most active component in ecklonia cava for the reduction of 5-alpha-reductase. (Kang et al., 2012)

Ecklonia cava compared with known medicinal products

Ecklonia cava has been studied against two known drugs for the treatment of hair loss. These products inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase and promote the growth of dermal papilla cells. Studies have shown that ecklonia cava performs both functions.

Compared to minoxidil, ecklonia cava shows that after 37 days of treatment, the size, depth and length of the hair follicles increase. While the hair follicles of the control group were still in the telogen (resting) phase, those in the ecklonia cava and minoxidil treated groups were in the anagen (growing) phase. (Bak et al., 2013). In a comparison between hair follicle lengthening due to treatment with minoxidil and ecklonia cava, 1 µg / ml ecklonia cava had a mean increase of 12.4% in hair follicle length compared to the control group. This is more than the results with 1 µg / ml minoxidil (+ 10.9%) (Kang et al., 2012).

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Hair Growth Stimulating Lotion

An advanced lotion formulated to combat hair loss, promote hair regrowth, and improve scalp health. Powered by Neoxyl® 7%, this water-based, non-greasy solution is suitable for both men and women experiencing hereditary or hormonal hair loss.

  • 92% reported an improvement after 90 days
  • Contains 7% Neoxyl: 41% more cell growth compared to Minoxidil
  • Efficacy booster: better absortion in the hair follicle
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What results can ecklonia cava help achieve?

Liam

After 6 months of consistent use of the Neofollics Hair Growth Stimulating Lotion in combination with the Neofollics Hair Growth Enhancing Scalp Roller, the hair has become visibly fuller and stronger, with new hair growth as a result.

Liam uses:

Hair Growth Enhancing Scalp Roller

Lucas

Over a period of 3 months, the Beard Growth Stimulating Serum was combined with the Beard Growth Enhancing Roller. This combination resulted in visible improvements, including fuller and more even beard growth and stronger hair structure. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Neofollics Beard Growth product line in promoting beard growth and strengthening hair fibers.

Lucas uses:

Beard Growth kit

Key learnings

The referenced studies show that ecklonia cava and its active components stimulate hair growth through the growth of dermal papilla cells, the inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase activity, hair shaft elongation and the release of IGF-1. These findings indicate that ecklonia cava extract is a potential therapeutic compound for the treatment of hair loss and could be used in topical form as a natural alternative to hair growth stimulating drugs.

12%

greater hair follicle length was recorded after treatment with 1 µg/ml ecklonia cava extract compared with untreated controls

11%

lengthening occurred with the same concentration of minoxidil, showing that ecklonia cava outperformed the established drug in this comparison

Beard Growth Stimulating Serum

A targeted serum designed to enhance beard density and fill in patchy areas. This innovative product combines Neoxyl® 7% with botanical extracts to activate dormant follicles and stimulate beard growth naturally.

  • Promotes thicker, fuller beard growth
  • Improves skin and follicle health
  • Quick absorption for a non-greasy feel
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Our expert answers

Which Neofollics products contain ecklonia cava?

Neofollics offers four products containing ecklonia cava: Hair Growth Stimulating Lotion, Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo, Hair Growth Stimulating Conditioner and Beard Growth Stimulating Serum. Each formulation uses ecklonia cava’s active compounds to stimulate hair follicle cell growth, reduce DHT production and support longer, stronger hair and beard.

Why does Neofollics use ecklonia cava?

Neofollics uses ecklonia cava because its unique polyphenols activate key pathways in dermal papilla cells, triggering their multiplication and boosting the release of growth factors such as IGF-1. Ecklonia cava also inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, reducing DHT levels, which together supports stronger, thicker and healthier hair.

Scientific studies

Promoting hair growth

“Ecklonia cava promotes hair growth”
Bak SS, Ahn BN, Kim JA, Shin SH, Kim JC, Kim MK, Sung YK, Kim SK

Dieckol Promotes Hair Growth

“Effect of Dieckol, a component of ecklonia cava, on the promotion of hair growth”
Kang JI, Kim SC, Kim MK, Boo HJ, Jeon YJ, Koh YS, Yoo ES, Kang SM, Kang HK