Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about saw palmetto fruit extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: Most studies on this page tested saw palmetto for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), which is a medical condition, and most gave it by mouth. We share them for transparency. ORY^® saw palmetto products are cosmetics. They are not intended to grow hair, prevent hair loss, or change hormone levels.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Saw palmetto fruit extract comes from the berries of Serenoa repens (INCI: Serenoa serrulata), a palm native to the southeastern United States. It is rich in fatty acids and plant sterols. In ORY^® products, it helps skin and scalp look less oily.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Most research on saw palmetto concerns oral use for prostate health and hair loss. We found no Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) safety assessment for saw palmetto.

Citations:

- Evron, E., Juhasz, M., Babadjouni, A., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2020). Natural hair supplement: Friend or foe? Saw palmetto, a systematic review in alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders, 6(6), 329–337. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509905
  - What it shows: Systematic review of saw palmetto in alopecia.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: The extract is made from dried berries with supercritical CO₂ or ethanol (oil-soluble, rich in fatty acids and sterols) or with water and glycerin (water-dispersible, lower concentration).

Verification: Supported. In lab studies, saw palmetto’s fatty acids and sterols inhibit 5α-reductase, an enzyme in hormone metabolism. Changing hormone activity is a drug effect, and ORY^® does not claim it.

Citations:

- Evron, E., Juhasz, M., Babadjouni, A., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2020). Natural hair supplement: Friend or foe? Saw palmetto, a systematic review in alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders, 6(6), 329–337. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509905
  - What it shows: Describes composition and proposed mechanism.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Saw palmetto extract suits oily and combination skin. Dry skin may not need it.

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no cosmetic clinical studies by skin type.

Citations:

- Dobrev, H. (2007). Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6(2), 113–118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00306.x
  - What it shows: Small study in oily skin.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, saw palmetto extract helps the scalp look and feel less oily.

Verification: Limited evidence. Oral saw palmetto improved hair in a very small placebo-controlled pilot trial and was less effective than finasteride in a two-year comparison; a systematic review found modest benefit. An uncontrolled study of topical saw palmetto products in 50 men reported improved hair density. All of these studied a medical condition. Hair-growth and hair-loss claims are drug claims, and ORY^® makes none.

Citations:

- Prager, N., Bickett, K., French, N., & Marcovici, G. (2002). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-α-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8(2), 143–152. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2002.8.143
  - What it shows: Small oral pilot trial.
- Rossi, A., et al. (2012). Comparative effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: A two-year study. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 25(4), 1167–1173. https://doi.org/10.1177/039463201202500435
  - What it shows: Oral comparison with finasteride.
- Evron, E., Juhasz, M., Babadjouni, A., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2020). Natural hair supplement: Friend or foe? Saw palmetto, a systematic review in alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders, 6(6), 329–337. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509905
  - What it shows: Systematic review.
- Wessagowit, V., et al. (2016). Treatment of male androgenetic alopecia with topical products containing Serenoa repens extract. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 57(3), e76–e82. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.12352
  - What it shows: Uncontrolled topical study.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
  - What it shows: FDA treats hair-growth and hair-loss products as drugs.

5. Benefits

Claim: Saw palmetto extract helps skin and scalp look less shiny.

Verification: Limited evidence. In an uncontrolled 4-week study of 20 people, a cream containing saw palmetto, sesame, and argan extracts reduced surface oil by about 20%. The effect cannot be credited to saw palmetto alone. ORY^® does not make acne or hormone-related claims.

Citations:

- Dobrev, H. (2007). Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6(2), 113–118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00306.x
  - What it shows: Small uncontrolled cream study.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
  - What it shows: FDA acne drug rule.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Saw palmetto extract is used in ORY^® Haircare, Skincare, and Cosmetics, with limited use in soap.

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no CIR assessment. In bar soap it rinses away, so any benefit there is minimal.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	0.5–3% oil-soluble; 1–5% water extract	Oil-control serums, creams, and toners.
Haircare	1–3% oil-soluble; 2–5% water extract	Scalp serums, tonics, and shampoos.
Handmade Soap	0.5–1%	Added at trace; minimal rinse-off effect.
Cosmetics	0.5–2%	Mattifying primers and foundations.

Citations:

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
  - What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Claim: A popular botanical for oily skin and scalp care.

Verification: Limited evidence. Cosmetic evidence is limited.

Citations:

- Dobrev, H. (2007). Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6(2), 113–118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00306.x
  - What it shows: Small study.

8. Cons

Claim: Evidence is mostly oral and medical, topical studies are small and uncontrolled, and there is no CIR assessment.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Oral, medical evidence. Most studies gave saw palmetto by mouth for hair loss.
- Weak topical data. Topical studies were small and uncontrolled.
- Hormone questions. Because of its proposed hormone-related activity, people who are pregnant, nursing, or have hormone-sensitive conditions should ask a doctor first.
- No CIR assessment.

Citations:

- Evron, E., Juhasz, M., Babadjouni, A., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2020). Natural hair supplement: Friend or foe? Saw palmetto, a systematic review in alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders, 6(6), 329–337. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509905
  - What it shows: Evidence summary.
- Wessagowit, V., et al. (2016). Treatment of male androgenetic alopecia with topical products containing Serenoa repens extract. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 57(3), e76–e82. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.12352
  - What it shows: Topical study limits.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have a hormone-sensitive condition, unless your doctor approves.
- If you notice sudden hair shedding or thinning, see a dermatologist.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.

Citations:

- Evron, E., Juhasz, M., Babadjouni, A., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2020). Natural hair supplement: Friend or foe? Saw palmetto, a systematic review in alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders, 6(6), 329–337. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509905
  - What it shows: Evidence and safety summary.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Dobrev, H. (2007). Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6(2), 113–118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00306.x
- Evron, E., Juhasz, M., Babadjouni, A., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2020). Natural hair supplement: Friend or foe? Saw palmetto, a systematic review in alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders, 6(6), 329–337. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509905
- Prager, N., Bickett, K., French, N., & Marcovici, G. (2002). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-α-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8(2), 143–152. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2002.8.143
- Rossi, A., et al. (2012). Comparative effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: A two-year study. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 25(4), 1167–1173. https://doi.org/10.1177/039463201202500435
- Wessagowit, V., et al. (2016). Treatment of male androgenetic alopecia with topical products containing Serenoa repens extract. Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 57(3), e76–e82. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.12352

Government and regulatory sources

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines