Centella asiatica L. Urb. Extracellular Vesicle and Growth Factor Essence for Hair and Scalp Health: A 56-Day Exploratory Randomized Trial

Hair loss and scalp dysfunction are prevalent concerns with limited non-medicinal long-term solutions. Growth factors and plant-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) represent promising regenerative approaches. In this exploratory randomized controlled trial, 60 healthy adults (18–60 years) were randomly assigned into five groups: (A) placebo; (B) base formula with 0.1% caffeine and panthenol; (C) base + recombinant Fc-fusion long-acting insulin-like growth factor-1 (rIGF-1) and fibroblast growth factor-7 (rFGF-7); (D) base + Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) EV; and (E) base + rIGF-1, rFGF-7, and C. asiatica EV. Participants applied their assigned product once daily for 56 days. Scalp and hair parameters, including sebum content, hair length, thickness, density, and hair loss, were assessed at baseline and Days 14, 28, 42, and 56. The combination of C. asiatica EV with rIGF-1 and rFGF-7 (Group E) showed the greatest improvements across all endpoints, including significant increases in hair thickness, density, and length, and a reduction in sebum content and hair loss by Day 56 compared with placebo. The results support further study of topical use of C. asiatica-derived EV with recombinant long-acting growth factors as a novel, naturally derived, cosmetic intervention for scalp and hair care.