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Eflornithine
A cream that slows hair growth by blocking the polyamine pathway, improving unwanted female facial hair in trials, with growth returning within 8 weeks of stopping.
What it is
Eflornithine 15% cream is used for unwanted facial hair in women. We did not verify regulatory status by country; it is a prescription product in many markets, so check locally.
How it works
It irreversibly blocks ornithine decarboxylase, the enzyme that makes polyamines, and so slows hair growth in the follicle. Spermidine, a polyamine, boosted follicles in a dish (see spermidine).
What the studies show
- A review of clinical studies found under 1% of the cream is absorbed. After 24 weeks 58% improved versus 34% on placebo, and 32% versus 8% had marked improvement. Growth returned to baseline within 8 weeks of stopping. The main side effects were stinging and burning. Balfour 2001
How it's used in studies
15% cream twice daily on the affected facial area.
Side effects and safety
Skin burning, stinging and tingling. It slows growth rather than removing hair.
Bottom line
Modest and temporary for slowing unwanted facial hair; not for scalp hair. Discuss with a doctor.
Fun facts
- An anti-hair cream and a pro-hair supplement act on the same polyamine pathway from opposite ends. Balfour 2001
Studies 1
Balfour JA, McClellan K. Topical eflornithine. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2001
Tested: eflornithine 15% cream
Result: Under 1% absorbed; after 24 weeks 58% vs 34% placebo improved; growth returned to baseline within 8 weeks of stopping.
Read the study ↗Related
- SpermidineA natural compound sold as a longevity supplement lengthened human hair follicles grown in a dish at tiny concentrations, but nobody has shown it grows hair on a head.
- MinoxidilThe most widely used hair-growth treatment, available as a cheap over-the-counter lotion or foam and as a prescription tablet, with a mechanism that is still only partly understood.