TriNutra study finds black seed oil boosts hair density and scalp health

In a study released this week, TriNutra has shown that its cold-pressed black seed oil, B’utyQuin, demonstrates significant hair density improvement. The dermatologically controlled clinical study on a scalp lotion featuring 5% B’utyQuin was designed to support scalp health and visibly improve hair appearance. The proprietary black seed oil features 3% thymoquinone with low free fatty acids.

The study, which included 22 adults across genders, showed a 35% reduction in hair loss and a 7% increase in hair density, as well as visible stimulation of hair growth, and enhanced scalp comfort and hydration.

Personal Care Insights speaks to Liki von Oppen-Bezalel, PhD, business development director at TriNutra, about the four key benefits of B’utyQuin. She says that the ingredient’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mitochondrial, and microbiome support provides holistic support to skin, scalp, and hair.

“B’utyQuin is a potent active ingredient that helps support a healthy scalp environment and hair follicle vitality,” says von Oppen-Bezalel. “These results demonstrate how B’utyQuin can deliver noticeable hair and scalp health benefits in a relatively short period of time.”

Positive participant perception

The study inspected dermatological tolerance, standardized dry hair loss, and hair density. Participants applied the scalp lotion once a day for 28 days and were evaluated at baseline and at study completion.

Participants reported strong perceived benefits during the study period, with 82% reporting a visible reduction in hair loss and visible stimulation of hair growth. A majority of participants (77%) also reported stronger hair and increased volume. The study demonstrated an inoffensive sensory profile with 95% of participants describing the formula as gentle and suitable for the scalp.Clinical results show B’utyQuin may help reduce hair loss and improve hair appearance. 

“These published findings reinforce the potential of B’utyQuin as a cosmeceutical solution capable of delivering both visible cosmetic improvements and measurable performance outcomes,” says Morris Zelkha, CEO of TriNutra.

“In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, research shows that B’utyQuin boosts mitochondrial function, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, and provides antimicrobial benefits against pathogens and improved healthy microbiome diversity in a prebiotic-like effect, further contributing to scalp revitalization and protection.”

The company, which specializes in proprietary extracts and standardized cold-pressed black seed oil (Nigella sativa), reports that B’utyQuin is compatible with use in a range of formulations. It is applicable in creams, lotions, gels, serums, oils, and advanced active cosmetic formulations.

Multifaceted mechanisms of action

Von Oppen-Bezalel tells us how each of the ingredients’ four benefits — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mitochondrial, and microbiome support — contribute to hair density and hair loss reduction.

According to her, B’utyQuin’s antioxidant characteristics protect and prevent oxidative damage to the hair and the follicle while anti-inflammatory properties help relieve existing damage.

“The boosting and modulation of mitochondrial functions stimulate better metabolism and energy production as well as cells’ longevity, which includes the regenerating cells of the hair and the hair follicle,” von Oppen-Bezalel says. Black seed oil extract offers a multi-functional approach to hair and scalp care. 

For microbiome support, she explains that B’utyQuin aids in selective microbiome activity- increasing diversity, and suppressing opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Malassezia furfur, and Candida albicans.

“Supporting and increasing diversity of beneficial microorganisms creates a healthier and more balanced environment in the scalp and hair follicle where the hair grows.”

“It is the combined benefits that support the finding we have pertaining to higher hair density and reduced hair loss, and overall scalp health.”

Edible hair ingredient

Von Oppen-Bezalel elaborates on the growing consumer demand for clinically supported beauty-from-within and topical solutions, and how B’utyQuin fits into this landscape.

B’utyQuin is an edible topical active ingredient, with its food-grade twin is branded as ThymoQuin.

“This fits perfectly with product formulations using the same ingredient for beauty from the inside and outside. One can have, for example, a hair oil with B’utyQuin in a drop bottle for topical and edible use,” she tells us.

According to von Oppen-Bezalel, consumers can massage drops into their scalp or hair strands and can also ingest the ingredient orally. TriNutra’s B’utyQuin black seed oil active supports hair density and scalp health. 

Von Oppen-Bezalel tells us that, as there is currently no head-to-head comparative study on the ingredient, it is not possible to make a direct comparison between B’utyQuin and existing scalp health or hair growth ingredients on the market. However, she says that a differentiating factor for the black seed oil is its holistic approach, supporting hair health from multiple perspectives.

Dandruff efficacy

A previous in vitro study on the 5% scalp serum by TriNutra also demonstrated efficacy in seborrhea, dandruff, irritation, redness, and itchiness.

The 28-day study tested the symptoms of mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis in adults. The company reports that topical application of the serum resulted in significant improvements in scalp irritation, erythema, itchiness, scaling, and overall health of the scalp as compared to baseline. It also aided in reducing scalp oiliness.

“This formulation containing 5% of the standardized black seed oil may have the potential to inhibit overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens to support maintenance of a healthy skin microbiome and modulate the occurrence of symptoms in those prone to seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff,” read the clinical study’s findings.

“It may represent a safe and effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial preparations currently in use for seborrheic dermatitis, skin and scalp discomforts and disorders,” the study concludes.