Anagain (Pea Sprout Extract)

Anagain is a plant-derived active made from pea sprouts, used in both of Mystic Dust’s hair growth formulas. Here’s what the actual published study behind it found — and where the evidence has real limits.

Description

What is it?

Anagain is a cosmetic active derived from Pisum sativum (pea) sprout extract. It’s designed to work on the hair follicle directly, targeting the biology of the hair growth cycle rather than acting as a simple scalp conditioner.

What does it actually do?

A study on pea sprout extract’s mode of action (Grothe T, Wandrey F, Schuerch C. “Pea sprout extract effective against hair loss.” Phytotherapy Research, 2020) found that applying a fluid containing 2% pea sprout extract to a defined scalp area increased expression of two genes relevant to hair growth — FGF7 (fibroblast growth factor-7) and noggin — by 56% and 85% respectively, in a study of 10 volunteers. A separate pilot study in 21 volunteers found that daily oral intake of 100mg pea sprout extract for 8 weeks significantly reduced hair loss starting from day 28, with no adverse events reported. (DOI)

(Note: this is a real, peer-reviewed study, but it was conducted by Mibelle AG, Anagain’s own manufacturer, and the topical arm involved only 10 volunteers — both genuine limitations, named here rather than glossed over. A 2025 independent review of topical hair-loss actives (Bikash C. “Topical Alternatives for Hair Loss: Beyond the Conventional.” International Journal of Trichology, 2025) specifically flags this pattern across the category — Anagain, Redensyl, Procapil and similar actives are “mostly studied as combined formulations… with limited sample size” — worth stating plainly rather than presenting single-ingredient studies as more conclusive than they are. DOI)

Who is it good for?

Anyone in a hair-thinning-prevention routine, as one active among several in a formula — not positioned or evidenced as a standalone cure for hair loss.

No real precautions — plant-derived, well tolerated in the cited studies with no reported adverse events.

How Mystic Dust uses it

Formulated in Hair Growth Shampoo and Hair Growth Serum at confirmed concentrations of 0.5% and 3% respectively, alongside Redensyl, Procapil (shampoo) or Capilia Longa (serum), and Caffeine. Also formulated into Scalp Strength Advanced Hair Growth Shampoo.