Drugstore scalp serums for hair growth: what the TikTok comparison misses

A recent TikTok video asks which drugstore scalp serum is best for hair growth, featuring Pantene Abundant & Strong, Neutrogena Hair Restore, OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Scalp Serum, Dove Derma Scalp Density Boost Serum, and The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density. The creator notes that the answer is more complicated than most people realize, hinting at a follow-up to help viewers choose. While the clip is careful not to overpromise, it still leaves out critical context about how these products work and what evidence supports their ingredients.

What the clip is claiming

The video implies that comparing these serums requires looking beyond marketing claims, but it does not delve into the specific mechanisms or evidence for each formula. The caption suggests that a straightforward “best” answer is elusive, which is a fair starting point. However, the clip does not explain why—leaving viewers with a list of products and a vague sense that some are better than others.

What the research neighborhood actually covers

Hair growth research focuses on several pathways: prolonging the anagen (growth) phase, reducing inflammation, improving blood flow to follicles, and supporting keratin production. Ingredients commonly studied include minoxidil, ketoconazole, caffeine, and peptides. Peptides, in particular, have gained attention for their potential to modulate signaling pathways involved in follicle cycling. For example, copper peptides like GHK-Cu have been investigated for wound healing and hair follicle stimulation, though most evidence comes from in vitro or animal studies. Other peptides, such as those in The Ordinary’s serum, are proprietary blends with limited published data.

Limits, missing context, and what a 15-second clip cannot show

A short video cannot convey the nuances of formulation, concentration, or delivery systems. For instance, a serum may contain a peptide, but if it cannot penetrate the scalp or is present at sub-therapeutic levels, it may not be effective. Additionally, hair growth products often require months of consistent use to show results, and individual response varies based on genetics, hormonal status, and underlying causes of hair thinning. The clip also omits potential side effects or interactions, such as irritation from certain preservatives or fragrances. Finally, the “drugstore” label does not guarantee safety or efficacy; regulatory oversight for cosmetics is less stringent than for drugs.

How this maps to research compounds

While the TikTok video discusses consumer products, the underlying science connects to research peptides available for laboratory use. For example, GHK-Cu is a copper peptide studied for its role in collagen production and hair follicle growth. BPC-157, another peptide, has been investigated for tissue repair, though its relevance to hair is less direct. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) has been explored for wound healing and angiogenesis, which could theoretically support follicle health. However, these compounds are not approved for cosmetic use and are intended for research only. The drugstore serums likely contain cosmetic peptides with different structures and mechanisms, so direct comparisons are not scientifically valid.

Research-use caveat

All peptides mentioned in this article are sold for research purposes only and are not intended for human consumption or cosmetic application. The FDA has not evaluated them for safety or efficacy in treating hair loss. Researchers should handle these compounds with appropriate precautions and adhere to institutional guidelines.

Open the full video fact-check page (transcript, takeaways, embedded clip).