Revivogen® is a dermatologist-formulated, all-natural solution for hair loss and thinning hair. It’s made from nature’s most powerful ingredients and is designed to attack the causes of hair loss effectively and safely. Both men and women suffering from hair loss can use Revivogen®. Ingredients include gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid, oleic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin B6, zinc, saw palmetto extract, beta-sitosterol, and procyanidin oligomers. These active ingredients were specifically chosen by a dermatologist because of their proven inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. 5-alpha reductase is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is one of the main androgen hormones responsible for hair loss and is present in the hair follicles and scalp at high levels. Revivogen® works by blocking the androgen receptors, thereby, promoting the growth of normal, healthy hair.
Revivogen Features:
- Safely and effectively fights thinning hair and hair loss
- Stimulates hair growth
- Promotes fuller, healthier and thicker hair growth
- Works for men and women
- Has no systemic side effects
The main active ingredients in the Revivogen formula have been scientifically proven to reduce the production of DHT by blocking the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone to DHT (a contributor to hair loss) and is present in the hair follicles and scalp at high levels. Other ingredients block the androgen receptors and stimulate hair growth.
By blocking the activity of 5-alpha-reductase and lowering the concentration of DHT in the scalp, Revivogen helps to revitalize and protect the hair follicle. Because Revivogen is applied topically, it provides concentrated delivery of the active ingredients to the hair follicle- where DHT is produced- without any systemic effects.
How Revivogen Works?
- GLA, ALA, Linoleic Acid & Oleic Acid
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Linoleic, and Oleic Acid are essential fatty acids derived from plant oils proven to inhibit 5-Alpha Reductase. They inhibit both Type II 5-alpha reductase, as well as Type I. Type 1 5-alpha reductase is present in high concentrations in the scalp, sebaceous glands, and the skin. In addition, GLA, ALA, and Oleic acid exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory characteristics. - Azelaic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Zinc
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid originating in whole grain cereals, rye, barley, and animal products. While FDA approved as a topical acne treatment, convincing scientific evidence supports that both Azelaic Acid and Zinc are effective inhibitors of 5-Alpha-Reductase. Azelaic acid, Vitamin B6, and Zinc are believed to work together against 5-alpha reductase as an effective treatment for hair loss. - Saw Palmetto Extract
Saw Palmetto extract is the lipotropic extract of the fruit of Saw Palmetto. It has been widely studied over the years for the treatment of enlarged prostate and hair loss in men. Saw Palmetto has been shown to successfully block DHT and is also thought to block the androgen receptors found on hair follicles. - Procyanidin Oligomers
Procyanidin Oligomers (also known as Proanthocyanidin) are naturally derived ingredients that have been shown to stimulate hair growth in a similar fashion to Rogaine®. According to recent studies by Japanese scientists, Procyanidin Oligomers have growth stimulation activity toward hair epithelial cells in vitro and stimulate the hair growth cycle of hair follicles in vivo. Procyanidin Oligomers were added to the Revivogen formula with the intention to stimulate new hair growth.
Any Side Effects?
Revivogen®’s active ingredients are made of all-natural compounds and have a long history of use both orally and topically. The only side effect noted with the use of this product has been transient mild scalp irritation in less than 2% of users.
How To Use?
Revivogen® is a Simple Three-Step Method. Revivogen Scalp Therapy is first applied, followed by the Bio-Cleansing Shampoo, and ending with the Revivogen® Thickening Conditioner. The Scalp Therapy should be rubbed into the scalp for 10-20 seconds each evening. The Bio-Cleansing Shampoo should be lathered and massaged into the scalp, and let sit a few minutes. Both the Scalp Therapy and Bio-Cleansing Shampoo are comprised of the same DHT-fighting compound. After rinsing the scalp of shampoo, follow up with the Revivogen® Thickening Conditioner. The conditioner has natural proteins that give hair more volume.
How Long to Results?
Revivogen® is intended to produce hair loss results after three months of use. Clinical tests have shown that the ingredients in this product actually stop the hair loss cycle and support new hair growth. Within the first two to four-week period after beginning Revivogen®, some users may experience increased shedding. This is because Revivogen® is activating a new growth cycle for the hair follicles, which causes the hairs in the resting phase to shed. In two to three months, hair should be visibly thicker and one should have notably less hair loss. After about a year and a half, the daily use of products is no longer necessary and can be reduced to three to five times per week to maintain results.
Interesting Revivogen study:
Revivogen Scalp Therapy works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, significantly reducing DHT production (up to 90%) in reconstructed skin models and clinical studies, thereby protecting hair follicles from DHT’s miniaturizing effects, leading to improved hair growth and density in men and women with pattern hair loss. It targets DHT locally, offering an effective topical anti-androgen approach without significant systemic side effects.
The Evidence Reality Check
I’ve been treating hair loss for 35 years. Seen thousands of products come and go. Let me be straight about Revivogen.
What the Research Actually Shows
The linked study examined testosterone metabolism in reconstructed epidermis. Lab model, not human scalp. Important difference.
Individual ingredients show promise in isolated studies. Saw palmetto, azelaic acid, and fatty acids have theoretical DHT-blocking properties. But theory doesn’t equal clinical results.
No large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials exist for the complete Revivogen formula. The gold standard studies that prove minoxidil and finasteride work? Revivogen doesn’t have those.
Evidence Quality Grade: C
Based on ingredient studies and limited clinical data. Not based on rigorous human trials comparing Revivogen to placebo or standard treatments.
Who Responds and Who Doesn’t
Not everyone responds to topical DHT blockers. Reality.
I tell patients: if you’ve been using Revivogen for 6 months with zero improvement, it’s not working for you. Move on.
Realistic Usage Expectations
The original article says “after about a year and a half” you can reduce frequency. That’s optimistic.
Actual Timeline
Months 1-2: Possible increased shedding (not guaranteed). Months 3-6: If it works, you’ll see reduced hair loss. Visible regrowth takes longer. Months 6-12: Maximum benefit becomes apparent.
After 12-18 months, yes, some people maintain with reduced frequency. But many need continued daily use. Hair loss resumes when you stop completely.
Daily Commitment Required
Evening scalp therapy application (10-20 seconds). Morning or evening shampoo routine (5-10 minutes). Conditioner application (2-3 minutes).
Total time: 15-20 minutes daily. Forever, essentially.
Some patients find this manageable. Others don’t stick with it.
Limitations and What Revivogen Can’t Do
Doesn’t Regrow Completely Dead Follicles
If follicles are completely miniaturized (visible scalp, no vellus hairs), topical treatments won’t bring them back. Need transplant at that point.
Variable Effectiveness
Works better for some people than others. No way to predict who responds before trying it.
Maintenance, Not Cure
Stop using it, hair loss resumes. True for all topical treatments including minoxidil.
Won’t Match Finasteride Results
Oral finasteride blocks systemic DHT conversion. More effective than topical DHT blockers for most people. That’s just pharmacology.
Revivogen vs Standard Treatments
How does it compare to proven options?
Revivogen vs Minoxidil
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
FDA-approved since 1988. Decades of clinical data. Works by increasing blood flow to follicles. 5% solution shows 30-40% regrowth in responders after 16 weeks.
Effectiveness: Proven in large trials.
Side effects: Scalp irritation (common), unwanted facial hair growth (women), rare cardiac effects.
Cost: $15-30/month generic.
Revivogen
Not FDA-approved. Limited clinical trial data. Works by DHT blocking. Response rates unclear from published data.
Effectiveness: Some supporting evidence, not definitive.
Side effects: Scalp irritation (2% of users reported).
Cost: $50-80/month for complete system.
Revivogen vs Finasteride
Finasteride (Propecia)
FDA-approved since 1997. Gold standard for male pattern baldness. Blocks 70% of DHT systemically. 90% of men stop further hair loss. 65% see regrowth.
Effectiveness: Highest among non-surgical options.
Side effects: Sexual dysfunction (2-4% of users), rare but concerning.
Cost: $15-60/month.
Revivogen
Topical only. Minimal systemic absorption. DHT blocking limited to scalp.
Effectiveness: Less data, likely less effective than oral finasteride.
Side effects: Minimal systemic effects.
Cost: $50-80/month.
Revivogen vs Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT Devices (iRestore, HairMax)
FDA-cleared (not approved, different standard). Stimulates cellular activity via light energy. 20-30 minute sessions 3x weekly.
Effectiveness: Modest improvements in clinical trials. 40-50% increase in hair density over 6 months in responders.
Side effects: Rare scalp irritation.
Cost: $200-$800 device, no ongoing costs.
Revivogen
Chemical DHT blocking. Daily application required.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
Revivogen Complete System Cost
Scalp Therapy: $30-35 per bottle (30-day supply).
Bio-Cleansing Shampoo: $20-25 per bottle.
Thickening Conditioner: $20-25 per bottle.
Total monthly: $70-85.
Annual cost: $840-1,020.
Compared to Alternatives
Generic minoxidil: $180-360/year.
Generic finasteride: $180-720/year.
Combination (minox + fin): $360-1,080/year.
Revivogen costs similar to combination therapy. But combination therapy has stronger evidence.
Insurance Coverage
None. Cosmetic treatment. All out-of-pocket.
Practical Usage Protocol
If you decide to try Revivogen, here’s the proper way.
Evening Routine
- Dry scalp, clean hair.
- Apply Scalp Therapy directly to thinning areas.
- Massage with fingertips for 10-20 seconds.
- Don’t rinse. Leave on overnight.
Morning Routine
- Wet hair thoroughly.
- Apply Bio-Cleansing Shampoo.
- Massage into scalp for 60-90 seconds.
- Let sit 3-5 minutes (important, don’t rush).
- Rinse completely.
- Apply Thickening Conditioner to hair (not scalp).
- Leave 1-2 minutes, rinse.
Common Mistakes
Potential Side Effects (Complete List)
“All-natural” doesn’t mean side effect-free. Here’s what actually happens to some users.
Common (1-5% of users)
Mild scalp irritation or redness. Itching that resolves within weeks. Oily or dry scalp (depends on baseline).
Uncommon (0.1-1%)
Persistent scalp burning. Contact dermatitis. Increased hair shedding beyond first month.
Rare (under 0.1%)
Severe allergic reaction. Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles). Skin discoloration at application site.
What to Do If Side Effects Occur
When to Stop Using Revivogen
Clear Non-Response
Six months of consistent use, zero improvement. Actually getting worse despite use. Scalp irritation that won’t resolve.
Better Alternatives Available
Doctor prescribes finasteride or dutasteride. Starting minoxidil with better evidence. Planning hair transplant (may still use post-op).
Lifestyle Factors
Can’t maintain daily routine. Cost becomes prohibitive. Pregnancy (women should stop all DHT-blocking treatments).
Combining Revivogen with Other Treatments
Can you stack treatments? Yes. Should you? Depends.
Revivogen + Minoxidil
Different mechanisms (DHT blocking vs blood flow). Potentially complementary. Apply minoxidil first, let dry 2-4 hours, then Revivogen.
Some patients report better results combining both. No studies confirm this.
Revivogen + Finasteride
Finasteride blocks DHT systemically. Revivogen blocks topically. Overlap in mechanism but different delivery.
Safe to combine. Whether it adds benefit beyond finasteride alone? Unknown.
Revivogen + Low-Level Laser
No interaction concerns. Can use laser therapy 3x weekly and Revivogen daily. Probably safe to do both.
Revivogen + Hair Transplant
Stop Revivogen 2 weeks before surgery. Resume 4 weeks post-op once incisions healed. Helps maintain non-transplanted hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Revivogen actually FDA-approved?
No. Not FDA-approved for hair loss treatment. Individual ingredients like azelaic acid are FDA-approved for other uses (acne). But the complete Revivogen formula hasn’t gone through FDA approval process for hair loss.
That doesn’t automatically make it ineffective. Minoxidil worked long before FDA approval. But lack of approval means less rigorous testing.
How does “all-natural” translate to effectiveness?
It doesn’t. “All-natural” is marketing language, not medical terminology.
Saw palmetto is natural. So is poison ivy. Natural doesn’t mean safe or effective. What matters is clinical evidence, not ingredient source.
Some natural compounds work. Many don’t. Revivogen ingredients have theoretical basis. Limited clinical confirmation.
Can women use Revivogen safely?
Yes. No systemic absorption means safe during pregnancy? Actually unclear. Most doctors recommend avoiding all DHT-blocking treatments during pregnancy out of caution.
Women who aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding can use Revivogen. May help female pattern hair loss. But again, evidence limited compared to minoxidil for women.
What if I’m already on finasteride, is Revivogen worth adding?
Probably not. Finasteride blocks 70% of DHT systemically. Adding topical DHT blocker might block another 5-10% at scalp level. Marginal benefit at best.
Better to add minoxidil to finasteride. Different mechanism, proven synergy. Revivogen on top of that? You’re spending $1,000+ yearly on treatments. Diminishing returns.
Does insurance cover any of this?
No. Hair loss treatments considered cosmetic. Not covered by health insurance. All out-of-pocket expense.
HSA/FSA funds usually work for purchasing. Check your specific plan.
Dr. Cole’s Honest Assessment
Revivogen isn’t snake oil. Ingredients have scientific rationale. Some patients report benefits.
But it’s not a miracle cure. Evidence is limited. Results are modest when they occur. Cost is significant for uncertain benefit.
👍 When I Recommend It
Patients who can’t tolerate finasteride. Women with androgenetic alopecia looking for non-hormonal option. As adjunct to minoxidil in early hair loss. Maintenance after hair transplant for non-transplanted areas.
👎 When I Don’t Recommend It
Advanced hair loss (need transplant). As sole treatment when finasteride or minoxidil indicated. Patients wanting strongest evidence-based care. Budget-conscious patients (better options for the money).
Bottom Line
Revivogen is a reasonable option for specific situations. Not first-line treatment. Not backed by strongest evidence. But not worthless either.
Set realistic expectations. Give it 6 months. If no improvement, move to proven alternatives.
