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According to the Korean Society for Alopecia, around 10 million people in South Korea experience hair loss, which is roughly 20% of the population—or one in five individuals. Hair loss is no longer just a concern for middle-aged men; the number of people in their 20s and 30s experiencing hair thinning has risen sharply, and cases among women are also on the rise. The topic of hair loss even became a major issue during the recent presidential election, though no concrete policies were implemented.

Over the past five years, the number of people seeking treatment for hair loss has steadily risen. According to the Statistics on Diseases and Medical Treatment in Daily Life by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients with hair loss increased from 224,840 in 2018 to 247,915 in 2022, marking an increase of over 10%. The age group most affected by hair loss in 2021 was individuals in their 30s, with 52,722 patients (21.6%) treated for pathological alopecia, making them the largest group. Notably, four out of 10 hair loss patients were in their 20s and 30s. Additionally, the proportion of women suffering from hair loss has been rising, with 54.6% of male patients and 45.4% of female patients. The percentage of women with hair loss has doubled compared to a decade ago.

Hair loss is closely linked to scalp health, as the scalp plays a critical role in supporting healthy hair growth. Using products that contain scalp-protecting ingredients can help prevent hair loss. Three key ingredients recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for their effectiveness in reducing hair loss symptoms include salicylic acid, panthenol and menthol.

Salicylic acid, a key ingredient recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a functional cosmetic for relieving hair loss symptoms, is also known as Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA). First discovered in the 18th century by Richard Stone, who extracted salicin from the bark of the white willow tree (Salix alba), salicylic acid has become a widely used ingredient in skincare and scalp care products due to its powerful exfoliating properties. Because it is fat-soluble, salicylic acid penetrates the pores of the skin and scalp, effectively dissolving sebum and breaking down dead skin cells. This makes it an ideal choice for maintaining a clean and healthy scalp, especially when used at the right concentration. Our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every 28 days, but when these cells don't shed properly, they can clog pores and lead to breakouts or scalp issues. Salicylic acid helps to clear away these old cells, keeping pores unclogged and promoting a healthier scalp. Additionally, salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it effective in treating acne-prone skin and improving scalp health, helping prevent conditions that contribute to hair loss.

The official name for panthenol is dexpanthenol, and it is recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a functional cosmetic that helps relieve hair loss symptoms. As an alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), panthenol is commonly found in ointments for diaper rash and is effective in treating both acute and chronic dermatitis. In many countries, panthenol is also used as a supplement for hair loss, operating through mechanisms similar to those of skin regeneration. It provides pantothenic acid, which activates the production of coenzyme A (CoA) and is crucial for synthesizing collagen, the main component of hair. Additionally, panthenol helps reduce sebum production, creating a scalp environment that supports hair growth. A study published in the Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice on May 31, 2017, found that a dosage of 100 mg of calcium pantothenate had a significant positive impact on hair thickness compared to conventional treatments in women experiencing pattern hair loss, showing the most notable improvement in hair density among oral supplements.

Menthol is a natural ingredient extracted from the leaves and stems of peppermint, widely used in medicine, food, and cosmetics. It is recognized for its cool, minty scent and refreshing sensation. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has classified menthol as a functional cosmetic ingredient that helps alleviate hair loss symptoms. Menthol works by expanding blood vessels, which promotes better blood circulation and enhances the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp, hair roots, and hair. This process can significantly reduce hair thinning and loss. Additionally, its cooling properties lower the scalp's temperature, helping to prevent hair loss associated with heat. Menthol also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve itching. When combined with other hair loss-reducing ingredients like salicylic acid and panthenol, menthol can yield even better results.

Menthol is a natural ingredient extracted from the leaves and stems of peppermint, widely used in medicine, food, and cosmetics. It is recognized for its cool, minty scent and refreshing sensation. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has classified menthol as a functional cosmetic ingredient that helps alleviate hair loss symptoms. Menthol works by expanding blood vessels, which promotes better blood circulation and enhances the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp, hair roots, and hair. This process can significantly reduce hair thinning and loss. Additionally, its cooling properties lower the scalp's temperature, helping to prevent hair loss associated with heat. Menthol also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve itching. When combined with other hair loss-reducing ingredients like salicylic acid and panthenol, menthol can yield even better results.