Ingredient Spotlight: What We Chose Not To Use In Not Today, Grey, and Why.

When researching ingredients for Arey products, the decision to incorporate an ingredient into our formulas starts with studying existing scientific evidence. We then work with those ingredients to make products that are not only efficacious, but are also safe and enjoyable to use. Within that process, an equally important exercise is determining what ingredients not to use.

Here are some ingredients often used in other anti-grey products that we have decided to exclude from Not Today, Grey, and why…

—Catalase

What is Catalase?

It's one of the most important antioxidant enzymes that brings about (catalyzes) the reaction by which hydrogen peroxide is decomposed to water and oxygen. The formation of hydrogen peroxide in cells is an attempt by the body to protect itself from an even more dangerous substance, superoxide. Oxygen is a double-edged sword. We can’t live without it, but it also plays a big role in the aging process. Here’s what happens: electrons are the “glue” that hold atoms together in molecules, and all sorts of electron transfers occur between molecules when they engage in the numerous chemical reactions that go on in our body all the time. Sometimes during these reactions, an electron is transferred to oxygen, converting it into a highly reactive “superoxide” ion that attacks and rips other molecules apart.

Will taking catalase help with grey hair?

Research in this area is being carried out by many scientists at different laboratories exploring different aspects of how catalase can be used. The potential of catalase as a therapeutic drug in the treatment of several oxidative stress-related diseases is not adequate and is still being explored. Additional research is needed to confirm if catalase may be used as a drug in the treatment of various age-related disorders.

Supplements that contain the enzyme are available. However, there isn’t any scientific evidence that these supplements actually affect catalase levels. In fact, Consumer Reports warns that the research is not clear on Catalase being effective for gray hair.

—Horsetail Stem Extract

What is Horsetail Stem Extract? 

Horsetail refers to various plant species of the Equisetum genus. It may help reduce fluid retention, but might cause vitamin B1 deficiency when used long-term. The chemicals in horsetail might have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but they might also work like “water pills” (diuretics) and increase urination. Horsetail contains silicon, and it is suggested that hair strands with higher silicon content tend to have a lower falling rate and higher brightness. Additionally, silicon is essential for optimal collagen synthesis, improving skin strength and elasticity.

Prolonged use of even the safe form of horsetail (E. arvense) is also not advised. Taking horsetail by mouth may cause levels of vitamin B1 (thiamin) in the body to drop. If you take horsetail on a regular basis, you should also take a quality multivitamin or at least a B complex supplement daily. When possible, select products with guaranteed potency or standardized extracts, however few studies have investigated horsetail's effect in humans.

—L-Tyrosine

What is L-Tyrosine?

Tyrosine is a type of amino acid, which are the building blocks of protein. The body makes tyrosine from another amino acid called phenylalanine. In the diet, tyrosine can be consumed in dairy products, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, oats, and wheat. The body uses tyrosine to make chemical messengers that are involved in conditions affecting the brain, such as mental alertness. “People most commonly use tyrosine in protein supplements for an inherited disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU). It is also used for alcohol use disorder, cocaine dependence, and memory and thinking skills, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.” It seems to be safe when taken in doses up to 150 mg/kg daily for up to 3 months, but Tyrosine supplements can cause insomnia, restlessness, palpitations, headache, upset stomach, and heartburn. Since tyrosine is involved in the production of thyroid hormones, you should not use L-tyrosine if you have a thyroid condition such as hyperthyroidism or Graves disease.

Will L-Tyrosine help with grey hair?

There has only been one study on the effectiveness of L-Tyrosine in increasing the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for hair and skin color) on dogs, but there haven’t been any studies on its effects on humans. From the research that is available, L-Tyrosine is most often used for brain health, energy and fatigue. Our bodies naturally produce Tyrosine and it’s rare to be deficient. The Tyrosine that our bodies naturally produce helps increase melanin,, but there isn’t research supporting the link between supplementing L-Tyrosine and melanin production in humans.

At Arey, we’re dedicated to including only the most researched ingredients that are proven to be effective, and safe for the body. Have questions about something on our ingredient list? Feel free to reach out to us at hey@areygrey.com.