Procyanidin B2

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 procyanidin B2. 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 procyanidin B2 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 procyanidin B2 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, with caveats. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded in 2023 that most apple-derived ingredients are safe; procyanidin B2 is not listed as a separate ingredient in that report.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Jr., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of apple-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 42(1 Suppl), 36S–56S (21 apple-derived ingredients safe; insufficient data for a few). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231156873
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment of apple-derived ingredients.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is described in the published studies.

Citations:

• • Takahashi, T., Kamiya, T., Hasegawa, A., & Yokoo, Y. (1999). Procyanidin oligomers selectively and intensively promote proliferation of mouse hair epithelial cells in vitro and activate hair follicle growth in vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 112(3), 310–316. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10084307/
    • What it shows: Describes the compound.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical skin studies of procyanidin B2.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Jr., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of apple-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 42(1 Suppl), 36S–56S (21 apple-derived ingredients safe; insufficient data for a few). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231156873
    • What it shows: Apple ingredient safety.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Studies in mice and small human trials in men with hair loss reported increased hair counts with topical procyanidin B2. These are hair-loss studies (a medical use); ORY^® does not claim it grows hair.

Citations:

• • Takahashi, T., Kamiya, T., Hasegawa, A., & Yokoo, Y. (1999). Procyanidin oligomers selectively and intensively promote proliferation of mouse hair epithelial cells in vitro and activate hair follicle growth in vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 112(3), 310–316. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10084307/
    • What it shows: Mouse and cell study.
  • Takahashi, T., Kamimura, A., Yokoo, Y., Honda, S., & Watanabe, Y. (2001). The first clinical trial of topical application of procyanidin B-2 to investigate its potential as a hair growing agent. Phytotherapy Research, 15(4), 331–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.800
    • What it shows: Small clinical trial in hair loss.
  • Kamimura, A., Takahashi, T., & Watanabe, Y. (2000). Investigation of topical application of procyanidin B-2 from apple to identify its potential use as a hair growing agent. Phytomedicine, 7(6), 529–536. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80040-9
    • What it shows: Clinical study.
  • Takahashi, T., Kamimura, A., Kagoura, M., Toyoda, M., & Morohashi, M. (2005). Investigation of the topical application of procyanidin oligomers from apples to identify their potential use as a hair-growing agent. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 4(4), 245–249. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2005.00199.x
    • What it shows: Follow-up 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 hair-growth rule.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Human data are small, single-group studies from one research team.

Citations:

• • Takahashi, T., Kamimura, A., Yokoo, Y., Honda, S., & Watanabe, Y. (2001). The first clinical trial of topical application of procyanidin B-2 to investigate its potential as a hair growing agent. Phytotherapy Research, 15(4), 331–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.800
    • What it shows: Trial.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. It oxidizes in soap.

Citations:

• • Takahashi, T., Kamimura, A., Yokoo, Y., Honda, S., & Watanabe, Y. (2001). The first clinical trial of topical application of procyanidin B-2 to investigate its potential as a hair growing agent. Phytotherapy Research, 15(4), 331–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.800
    • What it shows: Trial levels.
  • 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, with caveats. Small studies.

Citations:

• • Takahashi, T., Kamimura, A., Yokoo, Y., Honda, S., & Watanabe, Y. (2001). The first clinical trial of topical application of procyanidin B-2 to investigate its potential as a hair growing agent. Phytotherapy Research, 15(4), 331–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.800
    • What it shows: Trial.

8. Cons

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

• • Small studies from one team.
  • Oxidation. Opaque, airless packaging.
  • Cost.
  • Color. Can tint products.

Citations:

• • Takahashi, T., Kamimura, A., Kagoura, M., Toyoda, M., & Morohashi, M. (2005). Investigation of the topical application of procyanidin oligomers from apples to identify their potential use as a hair-growing agent. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 4(4), 245–249. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2005.00199.x
    • What it shows: Study.

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:

• • Johnson, W., Jr., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of apple-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 42(1 Suppl), 36S–56S (21 apple-derived ingredients safe; insufficient data for a few). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231156873
    • What it shows: Apple ingredient safety.

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: Procyanidin B2 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

• • Johnson, W., Jr., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of apple-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 42(1 Suppl), 36S–56S (21 apple-derived ingredients safe; insufficient data for a few). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231156873
  • Kamimura, A., Takahashi, T., & Watanabe, Y. (2000). Investigation of topical application of procyanidin B-2 from apple to identify its potential use as a hair growing agent. Phytomedicine, 7(6), 529–536. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80040-9
  • Takahashi, T., Kamimura, A., Kagoura, M., Toyoda, M., & Morohashi, M. (2005). Investigation of the topical application of procyanidin oligomers from apples to identify their potential use as a hair-growing agent. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 4(4), 245–249. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2005.00199.x
  • Takahashi, T., Kamimura, A., Yokoo, Y., Honda, S., & Watanabe, Y. (2001). The first clinical trial of topical application of procyanidin B-2 to investigate its potential as a hair growing agent. Phytotherapy Research, 15(4), 331–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.800
  • Takahashi, T., Kamiya, T., Hasegawa, A., & Yokoo, Y. (1999). Procyanidin oligomers selectively and intensively promote proliferation of mouse hair epithelial cells in vitro and activate hair follicle growth in vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 112(3), 310–316. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10084307/

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