FDA Bans All OTC Baldness Cures as Useless

The Food and Drug Administration said today it is banning the sale of non-prescription creams and lotions whose manufacturers claim they grow hair or prevent baldness, because none has proven effective.

The FDA said in today’s Federal Register that no manufacturer has been able to show that such a product works.

The ban applies to products available without a prescription that are used externally. These products are usually sold by mail or through barbers or beauticians.

The ban will become effective in six months, the FDA said.

The FDA also said there is no evidence that vitamins, food supplements or other products taken orally retard baldness or grow hair. The agency said it will remove these products from the market on a case-by-case basis if their distributors continue to make such claims.

The only product approved by the FDA for stimulating hair growth on the crown of the head is a prescription drug that is a 2% solution of minoxidil, which is applied externally. The drug is manufactured by the Upjohn Co. and sold under the name Rogaine.

The FDA’s ban is based on a recommendation of an advisory panel that evaluated a number of ingredients, including lanolin, olive oil, wheat germ oil and vitamins. The panel found none of these prevent baldness or promote hair growth.

The FDA said that once the ban is in effect, manufacturers of any non-prescription drug claiming to prevent baldness or grow hair will have to provide proof to the agency that it is safe and effective before it can be put on the market.