Spanish nutraceutical specialist Pharmactive Biotech Products has officially entered the "beauty-from-within" category with the launch of Kyoh®, its first dedicated nutricosmetic. Formulated specifically to support hair follicle health, the single-ingredient extract represents a strategic shift toward targeted biological pathways in a segment previously dominated by broad wellness claims.
The launch addresses a significant global market, as approximately 50% of women and 70% of men experience hair thinning during midlife. Additionally, younger demographics are increasingly seeking natural, preventative solutions to maintain hair thickness and overall scalp health.
Targeted Approach to Hair Follicle Health
Hair follicle health is emerging as a high-growth sub-sector within the broader nutricosmetics industry. As the category evolves, brands are moving beyond generic beauty concepts and toward ingredients with a clear biological focus. Kyoh is developed from Eruca sativa (rocket) leaves, a botanical from the Brassicaceae family of cruciferous vegetables.
While rocket seed oil has traditionally been used as a hair-care tonic in South Asia, Pharmactive’s innovation is based on scientific studies of the leaf extract. By focusing on the follicular environment rather than a general beauty-from-within approach, Kyoh provides a more defined application for developers of hair health supplements.
Botanical Composition and Standardisation
A primary challenge in botanical nutricosmetics is ensuring consistency across different production batches. Kyoh addresses this through a proprietary extraction process and a defined phytochemical composition. This analytical control is essential for ensuring reproducibility in commercial formulation development.
The standardised composition of Kyoh includes:
Erucosides®: More than 1.5%.
Flavonol Glycosides: A range of 1.5% to 3.0%, quantified by HPLC.
Key Derivatives: Includes specific derivatives of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin.
This high density of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provides a robust nutritional foundation for the follicular microenvironment.
Preclinical Insights and Biological Pathways
The interest in Kyoh is supported by preclinical research exploring the interaction between the extract and biological pathways associated with hair follicle function. A study published in the journal Molecules in 2025 evaluated the flavonol-rich extract using human dermal follicle papilla cells under laboratory conditions.
According to the publication, the ingredient demonstrated the following effects:
Cell Growth Stimulation: Enhanced activity and growth of dermal papilla cells.
Genetic Modulation: Influencing the expression of growth factors such as VEGF and FGF7, which are critical to the follicular lifecycle.
Oxidative Balance: Supporting the cellular stress response within the follicular environment.
While these findings contribute mechanistic insight, they serve as a foundation for ongoing investigation into how the ingredient supports hair fibre formation and follicular signalling.
Supply Chain Transparency and Formulation Stability
Kyoh is positioned as a clean-label botanical with a transparent supply model. The raw materials are sourced exclusively from European farmers, and the production process aligns with non-GMO standards and non-irradiation practices.
This focus on transparency is designed to appeal to manufacturers developing "next-generation" nutricosmetics where ingredient provenance is a key marketing pillar. The extract is engineered for stability, making it a versatile option for various product formats, from traditional capsules to functional gummies and powders.
Targeted Hair Health
The entry of Pharmactive into the nutricosmetic space reflects a broader maturation of the beauty-from-within market. As the sector becomes more competitive, successful brands are increasingly differentiating through specialised nutritional claims and research-backed ingredients.
By combining a traditional botanical origin with modern analytical and targeted biological concepts, Pharmactive is positioning Kyoh to lead the shift toward performance-led hair health solutions. As consumer demand for natural alternatives to synthetic hair treatments continues to rise, standardised extracts like Kyoh are expected to become central to premium supplement portfolios globally.
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