Viviscal Hair Growth Treatment: Does It Really Work?

Viviscal is a well-known brand offering hair growth treatments and dietary supplements designed to support thinning hair. Its formulas contain ingredients such as marine collagen and biotin, which are commonly associated with healthier-looking hair.

The hair supplement market is crowded with products promising to slow, stop, or even reverse hair thinning. However, many fail to meaningfully stimulate new hair growth or address the underlying causes of shedding.

Viviscal remains one of the more recognizable names in this category. As consumers research options and compare brands—often reading about Nutrafol bad reviews or searching for “Nutrafol bad reviews consumer reports” to weigh alternatives—Viviscal frequently appears as a competing solution.

If you’ve searched online for treatments for thinning hair, chances are you’ve encountered Viviscal in your results.

The supplement has even been mentioned by celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Cate Blanchett, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

We conducted a detailed review of Viviscal to understand how it works, what science says about its ingredients, and what kind of outcomes you can realistically anticipate.

What is Viviscal?

Viviscal is a hair wellness brand that produces several products, including shampoos, topical serums, and its flagship offering: oral hair growth supplements.

Viviscal supplements are marketed to enhance the appearance and thickness of hair that is prone to excessive shedding or breakage. The formula aims to protect existing strands while supporting new growth within the natural hair cycle.

The primary active ingredients in Viviscal hair growth supplements include:

• horsetail extract
• silica
• biotin
• vitamin C
• iron
• niacin
• zinc
• calcium
• marine collagen

According to the company’s website, Viviscal adheres to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) manufacturing requirements, although the supplement itself is not FDA-approved.

How it works

A small 2012 study  indicated that Viviscal may have a measurable impact on female hair growth.

In the 180-day trial, women experiencing thinning hair received either Viviscal Maximum Strength or a placebo twice daily. Results showed that participants taking Viviscal experienced significant hair growth, along with improvements in hair shine and skin smoothness.

The study concluded: “The oral supplement assessed in this study safely and effectively promotes significant hair growth in women with temporary hair thinning.”

Viviscal combines several nutrients known to help maintain normal hair health. Some of these ingredients are particularly beneficial for individuals whose hair loss is related to specific nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron or zinc levels.

Researchers in the 2012 study suggested that the key contributor to regrowth was the proprietary Viviscal AminoMar C extract, which contains shark cartilage and fish oil. Other ingredients may help reduce shedding, particularly in cases linked to nutrient deficiency, but are not independently proven to trigger new hair growth.

Here’s a closer look at the supplement’s active ingredients:

• AminoMar C. Viviscal’s signature marine complex made from shark cartilage and mollusk powder.
• Biotin (Vitamin B7). A B-vitamin that supports normal hair structure and strength.
• Vitamin C. Enhances iron absorption and supports scalp health.
• Iron. Essential for cellular repair and growth, including hair follicles. Iron deficiency is a common contributor to excessive shedding.
• Niacin. Has been shown  to increase hair density in individuals with alopecia.
• Zinc. Plays a role in maintaining healthy hair. Zinc deficiency is frequently associated with thinning.
• Calcium. Calcium  supports normal hair growth processes.

Do experts recommend it?

We consulted healthcare professionals for their clinical perspective.

Greta Yadav, MD, dermatologist and medical director at Skin Science Dermatology, notes that while there is evidence supporting Viviscal, it is limited in scope.

“There is some evidence for it working, but the evidence is hardly robust, and I would say that this isn’t exactly a game-changer when it comes to hair loss and finding a meaningful way to decrease hair shedding for women and men,” she explains.

In short, results are not guaranteed. However, for individuals without seafood allergies, the supplement is unlikely to pose harm.

Giulia Guerrini, lead pharmacist at digital pharmacy Medino, believes Viviscal may be especially useful for those with nutrient-related hair thinning.

“This supplement looks like a good option if your hair loss is thought to be caused by iron, biotin, and zinc deficiency,” she says. “It contains iron in the form of ferrous fumarate, which is gentler on the stomach, but still provides a good amount of iron.”

She also highlights that the vitamin C content enhances iron absorption, potentially improving effectiveness in deficiency-related cases.

Warning Do not take Viviscal if you have a shellfish allergy, as it contains shark cartilage and mollusk powder.

Pros and cons

Pros

• One of the few hair supplements supported by a clinical study  demonstrating noticeable regrowth in a significant number of women.
• Contains multiple vitamins and minerals known to support hair health.
• No adverse side effects were reported in clinical trials.
• Generally positive customer feedback.

Cons

• Not vegan or organic.
• Unsuitable for individuals with shellfish allergies.
• Not FDA-approved.
• Relatively costly compared to standard multivitamins.

Where is it sold?

Viviscal can be purchased directly from the brand’s official website.

It is also available through retailers such as:

• Amazon
• Dermstore
• Ulta
• Target

Price

A 60-tablet supply of Viviscal generally ranges from $30 to $50, covering approximately 60 days of use.

Popular alternative products

Viviscal is particularly recognized for its AminoMar C complex. However, other supplements on the market target similar concerns, especially among individuals comparing options after reading Nutrafol bad reviews for hair loss or researching “Nutrafol bad reviews consumer reports” for balanced insights.

Nutrafol Core for Women

Nutrafol Core for Women  is a widely used supplement formulated to enhance hair density in women experiencing thinning related to stress, environmental influences, or hereditary factors.

According to company-sponsored clinical studies, 80 percent of women reported improved growth.

The formula includes Synergen Complex, which contains:

• Sensoril ashwagandha
• tocotrienol complex
• marine collagen

Unlike Viviscal, Nutrafol includes a DHT inhibitor, targeting a hormone commonly associated with hair loss in both men and women.

However, it costs approximately $88 per month and contains fish-derived ingredients, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Pros

• Extensive clinical testing.
• Strong customer reviews.
• Transparent ingredient information.
• Includes a DHT inhibitor.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Contains fish.
• Not vegan.

Moon Juice SuperHair

Moon Juice SuperHair is another supplement formulated to support regrowth and thickness.

Key ingredients include ashwagandha, saw palmetto, kelp, and a broad vitamin blend. While customer reviews are favorable, no clinical studies have been conducted specifically on this product. It costs around $60 per month.

Hum Hair Sweet Hair

The Hum Hair Sweet Hair gummies provide biotin, folic acid, zinc, and Fo-Ti extract. They are vegan and more affordable, though not supported by clinical trials.

Foundation Skincare UnTangled Hair Supplement

The Foundation Skincare UnTangled Hair Supplement includes marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, pantothenic acid, niacinamide, saw palmetto, horsetail, and essential vitamins and minerals. It was developed by a board certified dermatologist but lacks published clinical trial data.

Takeaway

Based on available clinical research and user feedback, Viviscal appears to be helpful for many women experiencing temporary thinning, particularly when nutritional deficiencies play a role.

That said, it is not a guaranteed solution for regrowing hair. Some users may notice improved shine and strength rather than dramatic density changes.

If you are considering hair supplements—whether comparing Viviscal to competitors discussed in Nutrafol bad reviews consumer reports or exploring other clinically studied options—it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider, especially if your hair loss is sudden or severe. Identifying underlying causes such as iron deficiency, hormonal imbalance, or medical conditions can help guide the most effective treatment plan.