Supplements claiming to support hair growth or prevent hair loss—especially those made with brewer’s yeast and biotin—lack scientific evidence to support such claims, according to a recent investigation by South Korea’s consumer watchdog. (Image created by AI/ChatGPT)
SEOUL, April 2 (Korea Bizwire) — Supplements marketed as promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss—particularly those containing brewer’s yeast and biotin—have no scientific basis for their claims, according to a new investigation by South Korea’s consumer watchdog.
The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) announced on Tuesday that it reviewed 30 hair health products sold online and found that none demonstrated clinically proven effectiveness. The agency is now urging all manufacturers to revise their labels and advertising claims.
Brewer’s yeast, a protein-rich byproduct of beer fermentation, is often touted as a hair health booster. Biotin, a form of vitamin B7, is known to aid metabolism and energy production, but has not been recognized for any specific role in improving hair condition or treating hair loss. Despite their popularity, neither ingredient is scientifically validated as effective for scalp or hair health, the KCA stated.
Fifteen of the tested products contained biotin and were classified as health functional foods rather than general supplements. Nonetheless, their claims regarding hair health were deemed misleading.
Stock image related to hair loss treatment
The agency found that all 30 products relied on unsubstantiated marketing, with 14 of them using phrases like “hair loss prevention,” “hair loss treatment,” or “hair loss supplement”—language that could mislead consumers into thinking the products were officially approved treatments. The remaining 16 products were flagged for deceptive testimonials and exaggerated claims.
More troubling, KCA’s analysis revealed inconsistencies in product contents. One supplement labeled as containing both brewer’s yeast and biotin had no detectable biotin. Two others contained only 1% and 10% of the advertised amounts. In 28 of the products, biotin levels ranged from 0.1 to 350 times the recommended daily intake of 30 micrograms.
While excessive biotin intake is generally not harmful to healthy individuals, the nutrient is already widely available in a normal diet, and deficiency is rare.
The KCA has advised all 30 manufacturers to correct their labels and advertising practices and plans to request further scrutiny from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety regarding false claims related to hair loss and hair health.
“Consumers experiencing hair loss should seek professional medical advice,” the agency said. “And when purchasing health supplements, they should carefully check for official health claims and functional food certification marks.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
