Adenosine

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 adenosine. 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 about hair studies: Some studies on this page tested adenosine in people with hair loss (such as androgenetic alopecia), which is a medical condition, or in cell cultures or animals. Under FDA rules (21 CFR 310.527), a product that claims to grow hair or prevent hair loss is a drug. ORY^® products that contain adenosine are cosmetics that help hair look fuller and thicker and help the scalp feel refreshed; they are not intended to grow hair or treat hair loss.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded in 2024 that adenosine and its phosphates are safe in the present practices of use and concentration.

Citations:

• • Cherian, P., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of adenosine and adenosine phosphates as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 50S–63S (safe in the present practices of use and concentration). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231221790
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment (2024).

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is documented in the CIR report.

Citations:

• • Cherian, P., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of adenosine and adenosine phosphates as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 50S–63S (safe in the present practices of use and concentration). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231221790
    • What it shows: Describes chemistry.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a study using skin-surface imaging, adenosine-containing products reduced measures of wrinkle depth and roughness. That was a study of specific formulas.

Citations:

• • Abella, M. L. (2006). Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS technique. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28(6), 447–451. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00349.x
    • What it shows: Instrumental wrinkle study.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. In placebo-controlled and follow-up studies of people with pattern hair loss, topical adenosine increased the proportion of thick hairs. Those were studies of a medical condition; ORY^® does not claim adenosine grows hair or treats hair loss.

Citations:

• • Oura, H., Iino, M., Nakazawa, Y., et al. (2008). Adenosine increases anagen hair growth and thick hairs in Japanese women with female pattern hair loss: A pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Dermatology, 35(12), 763–767. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2008.00564.x
    • What it shows: Placebo-controlled trial in women with pattern hair loss.
  • Watanabe, Y., Nagashima, T., Hanzawa, N., et al. (2015). Topical adenosine increases thick hair ratio in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 37(6), 579–587. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12235
    • What it shows: Study in men with androgenetic alopecia.
  • Iwabuchi, T., Ideta, R., Ehama, R., et al. (2016). Topical adenosine increases the proportion of thick hair in Caucasian men with androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Dermatology, 43(5), 567–570. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26508659/
    • What it shows: Study in men with androgenetic alopecia.
  • 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 hair-growth rule.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Evidence comes from instrumental wrinkle measurement and trials in hair loss. Wrinkle claims stay at the level of appearance (“reduces the look of wrinkles”).

Citations:

• • Abella, M. L. (2006). Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS technique. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28(6), 447–451. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00349.x
    • What it shows: Wrinkle study.
  • Oura, H., Iino, M., Nakazawa, Y., et al. (2008). Adenosine increases anagen hair growth and thick hairs in Japanese women with female pattern hair loss: A pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Dermatology, 35(12), 763–767. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2008.00564.x
    • What it shows: Hair study.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. It is water-soluble and would rinse away in soap.

Citations:

• • Cherian, P., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of adenosine and adenosine phosphates as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 50S–63S (safe in the present practices of use and concentration). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231221790
    • What it shows: Reported uses.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
    • What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review and published studies.

Citations:

• • Cherian, P., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of adenosine and adenosine phosphates as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 50S–63S (safe in the present practices of use and concentration). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231221790
    • What it shows: Safety.
  • Oura, H., Iino, M., Nakazawa, Y., et al. (2008). Adenosine increases anagen hair growth and thick hairs in Japanese women with female pattern hair loss: A pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Dermatology, 35(12), 763–767. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2008.00564.x
    • What it shows: Human trial.

8. Cons

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

• • Modest effect. Results take regular use for months.
  • Leave-on only.
  • Hair data are from hair-loss studies (a medical use).
  • Cost.

Citations:

• • Oura, H., Iino, M., Nakazawa, Y., et al. (2008). Adenosine increases anagen hair growth and thick hairs in Japanese women with female pattern hair loss: A pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Dermatology, 35(12), 763–767. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2008.00564.x
    • What it shows: Trial.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Cherian, P., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of adenosine and adenosine phosphates as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 50S–63S (safe in the present practices of use and concentration). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231221790
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.

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 the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, see a dermatologist.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Adenosine is not used in ORY^® soap because it would rinse away or break down.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Abella, M. L. (2006). Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS technique. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 28(6), 447–451. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00349.x
  • Cherian, P., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of adenosine and adenosine phosphates as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 50S–63S (safe in the present practices of use and concentration). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231221790
  • Iwabuchi, T., Ideta, R., Ehama, R., et al. (2016). Topical adenosine increases the proportion of thick hair in Caucasian men with androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Dermatology, 43(5), 567–570. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26508659/
  • Oura, H., Iino, M., Nakazawa, Y., et al. (2008). Adenosine increases anagen hair growth and thick hairs in Japanese women with female pattern hair loss: A pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Dermatology, 35(12), 763–767. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2008.00564.x
  • Watanabe, Y., Nagashima, T., Hanzawa, N., et al. (2015). Topical adenosine increases thick hair ratio in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 37(6), 579–587. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12235

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 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20