74 SCALP CARE Average % change in hair shaft thickness (µm) Placebo ■ Active treatment ■ T28 VS T0 -0.90% 5.00% T56 VS T0 -1.70% 8.20% -1.60% T84 VS T0 -2.50 -0.00 2.50 5.00 Mean % Variation Figure 4: Hair shaft thickness


■ +33.5% after 84 days (statistically significant) In contrast, the placebo group was non- significant at each time point.


Hair shaft thickness Hair shaft thickness improved significantly after 84 days of treatment. Percentage changes for the active formulation were: ■ +5% after 28 days (statistically significant) ■ +8.2% after 56 days (statistically significant) ■ +10.6% after 84 days (statistically significant) In contrast, the placebo group was non- significant at each time point.


Scalp hydration Scalp hydration improved substantially in the active treatment group. Percentage changes for the active formulation


were: ■ +17.5% after 28 days (statistically significant) ■ +19.1% after 56 days (statistically significant) ■ +22.2% after 84 days (statistically significant) In contrast, the placebo group was non- significant at each time point.


Sebum level Sebum level was impacted substantially in the active treatment group. Percentage changes for the active formulation


were: ■ -15.4% after 28 days ■ -29.2% after 56 days (statistically significant) ■ -30.2% after 84 days (statistically significant) In contrast, the placebo group was non- significant at each time point.


Discussion The results of this study demonstrate that a topical cosmetic treatment containing biomimetic fibroblast growth factor-2 delivered via plant- derived oleosome carriers can influence multiple biological processes associated with scalp ageing. Statistically significant improvements were


PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE May 2026


observed across several parameters related to both follicular activity and scalp condition. The most notable improvements included


enhancements in hair cycle balance, hair density, hair shaft thickness, scalp hydration, and sebum regulation. Together, these parameters reflect the biological activity of hair follicles as well as the quality of the scalp microenvironment that supports hair growth. One of the most important findings was


the increase in the anagen/telogen ratio. This parameter reflects the proportion of follicles actively engaged in the growth phase of the hair cycle. Under healthy conditions, the majority of follicles remain in the anagen phase. However, ageing, environmental stress, and inflammatory processes can shift follicles prematurely into the telogen phase, leading to increased shedding and reduced hair density. The increase in the anagen/telogen ratio observed in the active treatment group suggests stimulation of follicular activity and a shift toward the growth phase. Improvements in hair density further support


this observation. Hair density represents the number of actively producing follicles within a defined scalp area and is commonly used as an indicator of follicular productivity. The increases observed during the study indicate that the formulation may help support active follicle function and improve overall hair coverage. Increases in hair shaft thickness were also


observed. Hair fibre diameter contributes significantly to the visual perception of hair volume, and even modest increases in shaft thickness can translate into noticeable improvements in hair fullness. Beyond follicular activity, improvements in


scalp hydration and sebum balance suggest beneficial effects on the scalp environment. Adequate hydration supports barrier integrity and optimal skin physiology, while balanced sebum levels help maintain lipid protection at the


skin surface. Together, these factors contribute to creating a favourable microenvironment for follicular function. An important aspect of these findings is the


combination of biological signaling with delivery technology. Growth factors such as FGF-2 are inherently sensitive proteins that can rapidly lose activity in conventional cosmetic formulations. The oleosome delivery system provides a


protective lipid microenvironment that helps preserve protein structure while maintaining compatibility with the skin barrier. By coupling this delivery system with plant biofactory production, it becomes possible to manufacture stabilized biomimetic proteins that retain biological activity in topical formulations. Overall, the results suggest that combining


biologically active proteins with plant-derived lipid delivery structures may represent a promising new strategy for addressing multiple biological drivers of scalp ageing through cosmetic treatments.


Conclusion This randomized clinical study demonstrates that a cosmetic scalp treatment containing biomimetic fibroblast growth factor-2 delivered through plant- derived oleosome carriers can significantly improve several biological parameters associated with scalp ageing. The formulation produced measurable improvements in hair cycle dynamics, hair density, hair shaft thickness, and scalp hydration while contributing to a more balanced scalp environment. These findings suggest that combining


biologically active proteins with lipid-based delivery structures may offer a new approach to cosmetic hair care by addressing multiple biological drivers of scalp ageing simultaneously. Biomimetic growth factor technologies


produced through plant biofactories therefore represent a promising emerging category of cosmetic ingredients capable of supporting scalp health and improving the appearance of hair density and quality.


7.50 10.60% 10.00


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