The 5 Best Hair Growth Serums of 2025 (and the One Backed by Clinical Testing)

By Dr. Dana Ellis, MD

Updated on September 23, 2025

A smart, science‑first guide to at-home options written for shoppers who want results, not hype.

You’ve seen the influencer favorites and the viral oils. But you’re not here for ‘cool’ trends ‐ you’re here for hard, compelling evidence.

More and more people are turning to serums as everyday, at‑home support for thinning or increased hair shedding ‐ They’re easy to use, simple to apply, affordable, and can slot into an existing routine, making them an ideal for readers who aren’t ready for prescriptions or procedures.

Below, we break down what’s inside the most‑searched serums of 2025, how they’re intended to work to stimulate hair growth, and the practical trade‑offs of each.

Let’s get into the Top 5, then explain how we ranked them!

Best Overall

Scandinavian Biolabs Bio‑Pilixin® Activation Serum (Editor’s Pick)

Type: Leave‑in serum

Key Ingredients: Capilia Longa®, Niacinamide, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Panthenol, Amino acid complex, Zinc PCA

Dosage: Apply ~2 pipettes to scalp daily; massage; leave on ≥ 6 hours

Vegan / Dermatologically Tested: Yes / Patch‑tested under derm control

Let’s be honest: the best routine is the one you’ll actually stick with. Bio‑Pilixin® makes that surprisingly simple: dispense with the dropper, massage in, and go about your day. Users often notice the first sign of progress as less hair in the brush or shower drain within the first month; the brand’s 150‑day study then reports measurable changes in density for many participants by month five. We also appreciate the clear safety call‑outs (warming sensation is normal; discontinue if persistent irritation) and the 150‑day guarantee, which aligns with typical hair‑cycle timelines. If you want a clean, evidence‑minded serum you can use every day, this is our top pick.

Rick, 52, says: “I’m 52, and I was getting very thin hair on top, so I decided to use Scandinavian Biolabs. And the results so far are fantastic. Much thicker and much healthier. I’m really happy!”

Best Overall, Runner-Up

MDhair Growth Serum (Subscription‑Based System with Medical Backing)

Type: Personalized system (customized topical serum + shampoo + supplement; optional collagen)

Key Elements: AI scalp/photo assessment, dermatologist guidance, plant‑based complexes, supportive hair‑care actives

Dosage: Per personalized plan (typically daily serum application; daily supplement; regular shampoo use)

Dermatologist‑Formulated / Research Cited: Yes / Third‑party studies referenced by brand

If you want a hands-on, guided program with personalization and ongoing support, MDhair stands out. The trade‑off is commitment: you’re opting into a recurring system with several moving parts. For shoppers who appreciate structure and check‑ins, it’s a strong runner‑up; for those who prefer a simple, single‑bottle routine, our Editor’s Pick may be the easier daily fit.

Mylene says: “I’m happy to share my photos with everyone! I want to inspire more people on how the MDhair products boost my confidence. Thank you for all the wonderful products you provide for customers like me. I’m more than happy and a satisfied product user.”

Best Budget Friendly

Rogaine / Regaine 2% Minoxidil (Affordable but Drug‑Based)

Type: Leave‑in topical (foam or solution)

Active Ingredient: Minoxidil 2% (women’s formulations)

Dosage: As labeled (commonly 1 mL twice daily for 2% solution; foam per pack directions)

Regulatory Status: OTC drug; FDA‑approved for androgenetic alopecia

If you’re comfortable with a medication‑based route and want a widely studied, lower‑cost option, minoxidil is a practical entry point. If you prefer a drug‑free formula or have a sensitive scalp, consider our Editor’s Pick for a simpler daily routine.

letip93 says: “I’ve been using rogaine for three months now and I’ve had noticeable results! I use as suggested in the label and my hair growth has improved significantly after two months of use. The packaging makes it easy to apply and to bring in when traveling too.”

Best For Hair Thinning

Moerie Mineral Hair Growth Serum (Good for Thinning, Botanical Appeal)

Type: Leave‑in serum (dropper)

Key Ingredients: Fulvic acid + trace minerals/plant extracts, Caffeine, Biotin (B7), Niacinamide (B3), Menthol, Amino acids

Dosage: Apply ~1.5 mL to clean scalp once daily; massage; do not rinse

Vegan / Cruelty‑Free: Yes (brand notes PETA certification)

If you’re prioritizing a botanically leaning, topical‑only option to help hair look and feel thicker in early stages, Moerie is a good pick. But if you want clinical measurements of density and a drug‑free formula with third‑party testing, our Editor’s Pick may be a better match.

Catalina says: “Expensive product but it does what it says it does. Hair grows quicker, feels softer, smells great, looks shinier… Great investment for your hair.”

Best For Fuller-Looking Hair

Champo Ayurvedic Growth Serum (Unique Herbal Formula)

Type: Leave‑in serum (dropper)

Key Ingredients: Haritaki fruit extract (Ayurvedic), Caffeine, Creatine, Biomimetic peptide amino acids, Red clover (biochanin A) complex, Essential oils (geranium, neroli, petitgrain)

Dosage: Apply daily to scalp; massage; do not rinse (per brand directions)

Vegan / Cruelty‑Free: Yes / Yes

If you’re drawn to heritage herbal formulas and enjoy a calming, aromatherapeutic routine, Champo offers a refined experience for early‑stage thinning. If you prefer modern, third‑party clinical evidence over tradition‑led marketing, consider our Editor’s Pick for a data‑forward approach.

Rachelle says: “I have tried every top-rated serum there is for thinning at my hairline. From American brands to the most expensive and highly rated European brands. I’m not sure any of them ever did anything. I am now about two months in and have used about half of a large size jar of Champo, and finally, I have found the first one to actually work. I am honestly in shock, and oh so grateful. It feels like a genuine miracle. Thanks to everyone who worked on this formula and never gave up.”

Best For Hairline Activation

Scandinavian Biolabs: Visible Hairline Changes in ~90 Days

Type: Leave‑in serum

Key Ingredients: Capilia Longa®, Niacinamide, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Panthenol, Amino acid complex, Zinc PCA

Dosage: Apply ~2 pipettes to scalp daily; massage; leave on ≥ 6 hours

Vegan / Dermatologically Tested: Yes / Patch‑tested under derm control

If your main goal is hairline support (think postpartum temples or an early‑widening part) Bio‑Pilixin® is easy to aim exactly where you need it. The precision dropper + daily consistency make it a strong pick for targeted areas, while the longer 150‑day window sets realistic expectations for density changes.

Sophie says: “My biggest takeaway from using the products is that my hair no longer falls out in clumps. My hair loss is gone, and the bottom layer now grows out. My hair is healthier, fuller, and I am more confident.”

Best Shampoo

Scandinavian Biolabs Shampoo Complements Serum for a Full Routine

Type: Gentle, leave‑on‑then‑rinse shampoo

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Caffeine, Amino acid complex, Capilia Longa® (Curcuma longa callus conditioned media), Eucalyptus oil

How to Use: Massage into scalp, rinse; follow with Bio‑Pilixin® Activation Serum (leave on ≥ 6 hours) and Conditioner as desired

Dermatologically Tested / Made in: Yes / Denmark

If you’re building a complete, drug‑free routine, this shampoo is a sensible first step that complements the Bio‑Pilixin® serum. It focuses on scalp cleanliness and strand conditioning so your leave‑in can be applied to a fresh, balanced surface, reinforcing the brand as a comprehensive solution rather than a single‑product quick fix.

Skye Q. says: “I’ve tried so many different natural shampoos that are meant to be good for your hair with mixed results. Only the incredibly expensive ones seemed to work okay but didn’t offer the benefits of helping to prevent hair loss. I noticed extreme hair loss and thinning last year after an extremely stressful experience. My scalp had become dry and irritated with red raw flaky patches, and my hair was lifeless and looked like straw. I couldn’t grow it anymore due to the ends splitting and breaking. After using this shampoo coupled with the conditioner and serum my scalp is calm and my hair is fuller with more body. It’s not limp Anymore or heavy. This shampoo doesn’t overly dry or moisture the hair. It just seems to balance it perfectly, and the price is very reasonable for the benefits it offers.”

What Actually Matters When Choosing a Hair Growth Serum

Start with the why. Hair thinning and increased shedding can stem from multiple factors: genetics, stress, nutrition, postpartum or peri‑menopause shifts, tight hairstyles, illness.

Evidence over hype. Prioritize formulas with clinical testing or third‑party evaluations, not just influencer reels or before/afters without context.

Drug‑free or drug‑based. Minoxidil is an FDA‑approved drug for hereditary hair loss and can be a budget‑friendly choice if you’re comfortable with medication. If you want a drug‑free path, look for supportive actives (peptides, caffeine, niacinamide, plant growth factors) with credible testing, and set realistic timelines.

Delivery and daily use. Great ingredients need practical delivery: dropper tips for the hairline/temples, textures that sit well under styling, and clear instructions you can actually follow. Simple once‑daily routines are easier to maintain.

Safety and tolerability. Scan for potential sensitizers (fragrance/essential oils, warming agents). A patch test is smart.

Reviews with context. Look for verified reviews that mention how long the person used the product, where they applied it (hairline/temples), and how consistently they followed the routine. Transparency about both wins and trade‑offs is a good sign.

Value and support. Consider long‑term cost (serums often require months), guarantees that match hair‑cycle timing, and access to guidance (derm chat, trichologist support, or clear FAQs).

Red flags to skip: “overnight growth” promises; no ingredient list or no published data; all marketing and no instructions; heavy reliance on influencer claims without third‑party evidence; aggressive fragrance or irritants with no patch‑test guidance.

Bottom line: choose a consistent, evidence‑minded routine you can stick with daily and give it enough time to work.

150 Days. 12 Weeks. No Cutting Corners.

First, we looked for clear, apples‑to‑apples evidence: before‑and‑after photos taken the same way (same lighting, angle, and part line), objective hair counts or density checks using scalp‑imaging tools, and simple shed counts collected with a comb or standardized method.

Next, we checked for consistency. Products were used daily exactly as labeled over realistic time frames ‐ about 12 weeks for many brands, and roughly 150 days in Bio‑Pilixin’s third‑party study. During those windows we kept routines steady, avoiding new salon treatments or extra actives that could muddy the results.

When we say “results,” we mean things you can actually see and measure: less hair fall by around day 45 for many users, visible fill‑in along the part or hairline in comparable photos, and measurable density changes around months three to five. Everyone’s different, and early‑stage thinning generally responds best.

Bio‑Pilixin® scored well because its third‑party trial ran for about 150 days with scalp imaging and shed counts, and many participants reported less shedding by ~45 days with density gains by the end. As always, results vary and consistency matters.

Developed by Experts. Endorsed by Doctors.

Bio‑Pilixin® is produced in Denmark, dermatologically tested, and built on science‑led formulation with third‑party evaluations referenced throughout this guide.

“We strongly recommend a 3-month supply as clinical studies show that it takes at least 45 days to see the reduction in hair loss and 150 days to help improve scalp and hair vitality”

– Edna Skopljak, Medical Doctor (MD)

“The Bio‑Pilixin® Serum transformed my hair, promoting new growth and alleviating traction alopecia risks.”

– Nabiah Malik, Medical Doctor (MD) and Aesthetics Doctor

Why We Stand Behind This One

We look at two things: proof and practicality. Bio‑Pilixin® has third‑party testing that lines up with realistic hair‑cycle timelines, a drug‑free formula you can use every day, and clear directions that make it easy to stick with.

There’s a human story here, too. The company was started by someone who struggled with his own hair loss and wanted better options, like cleaner formulas, real testing, and a routine people can actually follow. That ethos shows up in the product design and the 150‑day money‑back guarantee, which matches the time it typically takes to judge results.

Bottom line: if you want a plant-based, evidence‑minded serum from a brand that backs its claims with data and a realistic guarantee, Bio‑Pilixin® is easy to recommend!

Dr. Dana Ellis, MD

Board-certified dermatologist

13 years clinical practice

Dr. Dana Ellis, MD

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