What's in Mellenza, and Why
Mellenza's actives are not chosen for marketing. They're chosen against the mechanism described in our About page: DHT shortens the anagen growth phase of the hair cycle locally at the follicle, and a topical serum has to do three things — extend anagen, support the follicle's microenvironment, and support the integrity of the new hair as it emerges.
This page explains what's in the formula and what the research literature actually says. We are deliberately careful with claim language — none of these ingredients are described as "proven to grow hair" or as "cures." They are described as what they are: actives associated with specific mechanisms in the published literature.
Caffeine
What it is
Caffeine, the same molecule found in coffee. In Mellenza, used in topical concentration at the scalp.
Why it's in the formula
Caffeine is associated in topical application studies with extension of the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. The mechanism most often cited is partial inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase activity at the follicle — the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. Less local DHT means less compression of the growth phase. Topical caffeine has been studied in trichology research dating back to the early 2000s.
Why topical, not oral
The follicle silencing is local. A cup of coffee delivers caffeine systemically, where almost none of it reaches the follicle. A topical serum delivers caffeine directly to the scalp, where the silencing is happening. This is the entire reason Mellenza is a serum and not a tablet.
Polygonum multiflorum root extract
What it is
An extract of the root of Polygonum multiflorum, a plant used in East Asian traditional medicine for centuries. In modern dermatology research it's also referred to as Fallopia multiflora.
Why it's in the formula
Korean dermatology research has examined polygonum multiflorum root extract for its effects on hair follicle proliferation in vitro and in animal models. The published work suggests an association with anagen-supportive activity and modulation of pathways involved in follicle dormancy. The research is not yet at the level of large randomised human trials — we say this clearly. It is an active with promising published context, used in topical application.
L-arginine
What it is
L-arginine is an amino acid. In topical hair care, it's used for its role in nitric oxide production at the skin surface.
Why it's in the formula
Arginine supports microcirculation through its role as a nitric oxide precursor. Better blood flow at the follicle means better nutrient delivery to the new hair as it forms. The follicle's metabolic demands during anagen are real — extension of anagen without adequate microcirculation is a partial intervention. Arginine is the supportive complement to the caffeine + polygonum mechanism layer.
Biotin
What it is
Vitamin B7. In Mellenza, used topically at the scalp as a structural support for new hair as it emerges.
Why it's in the formula
Biotin supports the integrity of keratin formation in new hair. We include it in the topical formula not to "fix" a biotin deficiency (most women in the UK are not biotin-deficient — this is widely overclaimed in the supplement market). We include it because once the follicle is producing new hair, that new hair has to be structurally robust. Topical biotin contributes to the cuticle quality of emerging hair.
Ginger root extract
What it is
Extract of Zingiber officinale root. Used in trichology formulations for its scalp-warming and circulation-supporting context.
Why it's in the formula
Ginger extract supports the scalp microenvironment through warming and mild circulation effects. It is the smallest mechanism contributor in the formula — included as a complement to arginine on the microcirculation side, not as a load-bearing active.
What's NOT in Mellenza
- No minoxidil. Minoxidil is its own category with its own mechanism (vasodilation at the follicle) and its own commitments (permanent use, dread-shed). Mellenza is built around DHT-related anagen extension, not vasodilation.
- No finasteride or topical finasteride. These are systemic-class molecules with their own clinical considerations and are not appropriate for an over-the-counter consumer formula.
- No oral or systemic ingredients. Mellenza is topical only.
- No sulfates, parabens, or silicones. The formula is built to leave a clean scalp, not coat it.
- No artificial fragrance designed to mask anything. The serum has a faint herbal note from the polygonum and ginger extracts.
Where to read more
- The 12-week protocol — how to apply.
- About Mellenza — the mechanism in plain English.
- FAQ — common questions, including stacking with HRT and minoxidil.
Important: Mellenza is a topical cosmetic product, not a medicine. We are not making medical claims about diagnosis, cure, or treatment. If you have a specific medical question — including questions about stacking with prescribed treatments — speak to your GP or a trichologist.