Hair loss and follicle weakening have traditionally been addressed by one main approach: stimulating hair growth. However, this approach is based on an incomplete premise.
Today, we know that in many cases, hair loss is not only due to a lack of stimulation, but because the hair follicle enters a “biological shutdown” state, losing its natural ability to produce hair. This requires a shift in focus: moving beyond the hair fiber and addressing the condition of the scalp and the follicle itself.
ProliCell® Malva is a clear example of this new generation of actives. Developed by our represented company ACTV Biotechnology, it is obtained from Malva sylvestris using a technology based on plant stem cells and extracellular vesicles enriched with small RNAs.
Rather than simply stimulating growth, ProliCell® Malva aims to reprogram the hair cycle, restoring the follicle’s natural ability to generate hair.
Mechanism of action on the hair follicle
The efficacy of ProliCell® Malva lies in its ability to act on the main mechanisms involved in hair loss:
- Hair cycle reactivation: it activates key growth-related pathways such as β-catenin (CTNNB1) and reduces inhibitory signals like TGF-β1, which are responsible for maintaining the follicle in a resting phase. This means it does not force growth, but reactivates the follicle’s natural activity.
- Protection against hormonal factors: it reduces 5α-reductase activity, helping to limit the impact of DHT and protecting the follicle from progressive weakening.
- Improved microcirculation: it stimulates factors such as VEGF, promoting oxygen and nutrient supply and creating optimal conditions for stronger, more sustained hair growth.
- Scalp hydration from within: it increases hyaluronic acid synthesis (HAS3) and enhances water transport through AQP3 activation, improving internal hydration of the scalp.
- Anti-aging action: it promotes melanin synthesis, helping maintain the natural color of the hair and supporting an overall anti-aging approach.
ACTV Biotechnology. ProliCell® Malva – Technical Data Sheet. ACTV Biotechnology
Visible results
The effectiveness of this approach has been confirmed in clinical studies conducted over 3 months in volunteers with alopecia or excessive hair loss:
- Hair loss reduction of 73% (pull test) and 66% (wash test)
- Visible improvement in hair density and thickness
- Healthier and more balanced scalp
- 22% increase in melanin content
Users also reported stronger, softer, and shinier hair, reflecting an overall improvement in hair quality.
Applications in hair care formulations
Thanks to its activity profile, ProliCell® Malva can be incorporated into a wide range of hair care products:
- Anti-hair loss shampoos
- Hair serums
- Scalp treatments
- Oils or hair creams
- Hair dyes
The active is typically used at concentrations between 2–5%.
ProliCell® Malva represents a new way of understanding hair care: an approach that addresses the root cause of the problem, rather than just its visible effects.
A biotechnological active for hair care
Plant biotechnology enables the development of ingredients capable of acting on the cellular processes involved in hair growth.
ProliCell® Malva combines plant stem cells from Malva sylvestris with extracellular vesicles enriched in small RNAs to stimulate hair follicles, reduce hair loss, and protect the scalp.
Discover more about ProliCell® Malva and its applications in formulation by visiting our product page.
