If you are researching nutrafol ingredients, you want to know exactly what goes into this popular hair growth supplement and how each component targets healthier, fuller hair. Nutrafol has gained recognition for its clinically tested, multi-targeted approach to hair health. In this guide, we break down the 7 key Nutrafol ingredients, explain how each one works, and discuss why the combination matters — especially if you deal with hair thinning from stress, hormonal changes, or inflammation.
At CityHealth, our dermatology providers frequently discuss hair health concerns with patients at our Oakland and San Leandro locations. If you have questions about hair loss, our dermatology team is here to help.
The 7 Nutrafol Ingredients and What They Do
Each active ingredient in Nutrafol addresses a specific biological pathway that contributes to hair thinning. Together, they form a multi-targeted formula rather than a single-ingredient supplement. Here is what the science says about each one.
1. Saw Palmetto — The Natural DHT Blocker
Saw Palmetto is one of the most studied Nutrafol ingredients for hair loss. It works by blocking DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone derived from testosterone that binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink. By inhibiting the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, Saw Palmetto helps protect hair follicles and reduce thinning.
This ingredient comes from the berries of a small palm tree native to the southeastern United States. Traditional medicine has used Saw Palmetto for centuries. Moreover, modern research has validated its effectiveness for both men and women experiencing hair thinning related to DHT sensitivity. Users of Nutrafol typically notice less shedding and improved hair density over a 3–6 month period.
Because genetics, stress, and age all influence DHT sensitivity, addressing this hormone at the root level makes Saw Palmetto one of the most impactful Nutrafol ingredients in the formula. According to a 2020 review published in Dermatologic Therapy, saw palmetto showed positive outcomes in patients with androgenetic alopecia.
2. Ashwagandha — Stress-Related Hair Loss Support
Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen included in Nutrafol because of the well-documented link between chronic stress and hair shedding. When your body is under prolonged stress, cortisol levels rise. Elevated cortisol can trigger telogen effluvium — a condition where large numbers of hair follicles enter a resting phase and shed prematurely.
Ashwagandha modulates cortisol production, regulating the body’s stress response naturally. By keeping stress hormones in check, this ingredient creates a more favorable internal environment for hair growth. Furthermore, clinical research supports Ashwagandha as an adaptogen, showing measurable reductions in cortisol and improvements in overall wellbeing.
For patients dealing with stress-related hair loss, addressing the root hormonal cause is more effective than treating only the symptoms. Therefore, dermatologists who recommend nutritional support for hair health often look for formulas that include adaptogens like Ashwagandha.
3. Tocotrienol Complex — Antioxidant Protection for Hair Follicles
Tocotrienol Complex is a lesser-known but highly effective form of Vitamin E. Unlike the more common tocopherol form, tocotrienols carry significantly stronger antioxidant properties. Nutrafol includes this ingredient to combat oxidative stress on the scalp — a key factor in follicle damage and hair loss.
Free radicals accumulate from environmental pollutants, UV exposure, and internal metabolic processes, causing oxidative stress. These molecules can damage the cells in and around hair follicles, weakening them over time. The Tocotrienol Complex in Nutrafol acts as a protective shield, neutralizing these harmful molecules and preserving follicle function.
A study in the Tropical Life Sciences Research journal found that tocotrienol supplementation produced measurable increases in hair count for individuals with hair loss, making this one of the most evidence-backed Nutrafol ingredients in the blend.
4. Curcumin — Fighting Scalp Inflammation
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Scalp inflammation is a common but often overlooked contributor to hair loss. Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and folliculitis all involve inflammation that can damage follicles and disrupt the hair growth cycle.
By including curcumin in its formula, Nutrafol addresses this inflammation at a systemic level. Curcumin inhibits a key inflammatory signaling pathway in the body, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that harm follicle health. Consequently, this can slow the cycle of damage that leads to thinning.
If you experience scalp conditions alongside hair thinning, consulting a dermatologist is worth your time. Our CityHealth dermatology team can evaluate your scalp and recommend appropriate treatments, including both topical and nutritional approaches.
5. Marine Collagen — Structural Support for Hair Fibers
Marine Collagen comes from fish sources and is one of the most bioavailable collagen forms available. Collagen is a structural protein that provides the amino acid building blocks for keratin — the primary protein that makes up each strand of your hair.
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen naturally. This decline can result in hair that is thinner, more brittle, and prone to breakage. By supplementing with Marine Collagen, Nutrafol provides the amino acids needed to support keratin production and strengthen the hair shaft from within.
Marine Collagen also supports the dermis layer of the scalp where hair follicles anchor. A healthier dermis means better follicle stability and reduced hair fall. In addition, many users report improvements in hair texture and thickness after consistent use of collagen-containing formulas.
6. Biotin — The Essential Hair Growth Vitamin
Biotin (Vitamin B7) is perhaps the most recognized of all Nutrafol ingredients in the context of hair health. Your body needs biotin for keratin synthesis — it acts as a coenzyme that supports the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, all of which fuel healthy hair growth.
Biotin deficiency links to brittle nails, skin rashes, and hair thinning. While outright deficiency is uncommon in well-nourished adults, suboptimal biotin levels are more widespread than many people realize. This is particularly true for individuals who eat heavily processed diets or take certain medications that interfere with biotin absorption.
Nutrafol includes a therapeutic dose of biotin to ensure that hair follicles have access to this critical vitamin. As the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes, adequate biotin intake supports normal hair growth. Users who are deficient often see improvements in hair quality — reduced breakage, improved texture, and stronger growth — within the first few months of supplementation.
7. EvnolMax — Scalp Circulation and Vitamin E Support
EvnolMax is a patented, full-spectrum Vitamin E complex derived from palm fruit. Nutrafol includes it for its ability to enhance scalp microcirculation and provide comprehensive antioxidant protection beyond what standard Vitamin E offers.
Good scalp circulation delivers nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. When circulation drops, follicles can become starved of the inputs they need to sustain healthy hair growth cycles. EvnolMax supports this circulation while also reducing oxidative damage — a dual benefit that makes it one of the more sophisticated Nutrafol ingredients in the formula.
Beyond scalp health, improved Vitamin E status supports skin and immune function, making EvnolMax a versatile addition to the Nutrafol blend.
Do Nutrafol Ingredients Work? What the Research Shows
The strength of Nutrafol lies in the combination of these ingredients rather than any single component. Hair loss rarely comes from one factor — it typically results from multiple overlapping contributors including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, inflammation, and oxidative damage. The Nutrafol formula addresses all of these pathways simultaneously.
Clinical studies on Nutrafol show statistically significant improvements in hair growth rate, thickness, and reduced shedding compared to placebo in both men and women. Individual results vary based on the underlying cause of hair loss, consistency of use, and overall health. Most providers recommend at least 3–6 months of consistent use before evaluating results.
When Should You See a Dermatologist About Hair Loss?
Nutritional support can be an important part of a hair health strategy, but some types of hair loss require professional evaluation and treatment. You should consult a dermatologist if you lose more than 100 hairs per day, notice patchy hair loss or a receding hairline, experience a red or itchy scalp, or if over-the-counter supplements alone have not helped after 6 months.
At CityHealth dermatology clinics in Oakland (Montclair) and San Leandro, our providers diagnose the underlying cause of hair loss and create a personalized treatment plan. We offer convenient appointments and accept most major insurance plans.
How Long Does Nutrafol Take to Work?
A common question about nutrafol ingredients is how long they take to show results. Hair growth is a slow process — most people see initial improvements in hair texture and reduced shedding within 3 months. Significant regrowth typically becomes visible between 4 and 6 months of consistent daily use.
Moreover, results vary depending on the underlying cause of hair thinning. Stress-related shedding may respond faster than hormonal or genetic hair loss. Therefore, patience and consistency are essential when using any hair supplement. Additionally, pairing Nutrafol with professional guidance from a dermatologist helps identify whether supplements alone are sufficient or whether additional treatment is needed.
Ready to address your hair health concerns? Book an appointment at CityHealth and speak with one of our dermatology providers today.
