Is ozonated oil good for the scalp? Benefits, use and scientific evidence
Short answer: Ozonated oil is olive or sunflower oil treated with ozone and used in scalp care. Lab and clinical studies show activity against fungi and bacteria, so it may support care in dandruff and itching. A small human study reported about a 25% rise in skin microcirculation with an ozonide cream, and animal studies show findings supporting new vessel formation. However, human studies have not shown that ozonated oil increases hair growth or stops hair loss.
What is ozonated oil, and how is it different?
Ozonated oils are made by passing ozone gas through plant oils such as olive or sunflower oil under controlled conditions, forming compounds called ozonides. Applied to the scalp, these may act against microorganisms and influence oxygen-related processes in tissue.
That is why ozonated oils interest people with dandruff, itchy scalp or fungal scalp problems. Ozonated oil is a topical care product, different from ozone therapy given through the blood.
Does ozonated oil help dandruff and scalp fungus?
Lab studies show ozonated oils are active against bacteria and fungi, and clinical studies report good results in athlete’s foot and nail fungus. This makes them interesting as supportive care in fungus-related scalp problems such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Less scalp inflammation also benefits the environment of the hair roots, but human studies on the scalp are still limited.
Does ozonated oil improve scalp blood flow? Effect on the hair follicle
The hair follicle is one of the fastest-dividing tissues and needs plenty of oxygen and nutrients during the growth (anagen) phase. Its surrounding capillary network expands during growth and regresses at rest. Experiments show that more vessels around the follicle enlarge the follicle, thicken the hair and speed regrowth; part of minoxidil’s effect is explained this way. Reducing low-grade scalp inflammation may also slow follicle miniaturisation.
Effects of ozone products on skin blood flow have been studied:
- Human study (2018): in 18 people, an ozonide cream applied to the forehead twice daily for a month was linked to about a 25% rise in skin microcirculation (laser Doppler) in the 6-person group using it.
- Animal studies: ozonated olive oil (2009) and ozonated sunflower oil (2026) on skin wounds showed new vessel formation and tissue repair.
These results are promising but limited: the human study was very small with no placebo comparison, and the animal studies measured vessel density in wounds, not blood flow. It has not been shown in humans that ozonated oil improves blood flow in a healthy scalp or supports hair growth, and it is not expected to remove the effect of DHT, the main driver of genetic hair loss. Weakened but living follicles may benefit most; lost follicles do not return.
Does ozonated oil moisturise the scalp?
Being plant-oil based, ozonated oils can help moisturise a dry scalp and leave hair softer and shinier.
How should ozonated oil be used on hair?
Choose the right product. Ozonated oils differ in ozone content (peroxide value), so results from one study product do not apply to every oil. Beginners may prefer lighter ozonated olive oil.
Application. Warm a small amount in your palms and massage gently into the scalp in circular motions; massage itself supports scalp circulation. Follow the label’s contact time. There is no good evidence that overnight use works better, and long contact may irritate sensitive skin.
Patch-test first. Allergy and irritation can occur. Apply a little behind the ear and wait 24 hours; do not use if redness, burning or itching appears.
Is ozonated oil better than other scalp products?
Some scalp products strip natural oils and cause dryness; ozonated oils, being oil based, can help keep moisture balance.
They do not replace proven shampoos and treatments for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, nor stronger-evidence hair-loss options such as minoxidil, hair PRP or hair mesotherapy; they can be used alongside them as care. User reports of less flaking, itching and dandruff make it worth researching, but are not scientific evidence.
What to look for when choosing ozonated oil in Türkiye
In Türkiye ozonated oils are mostly sold as cosmetics; they are not medicines and may not be marketed as treating disease.
- The label should state the oil type and, ideally, ozone content or peroxide value.
- Manufacturer, the company responsible in Türkiye, batch number and expiry date should be on the pack.
- Ozonated oils are sensitive to light and heat; store in a dark bottle at the advised temperature.
- Be cautious with products promising to “stop hair loss” or “regrow hair”.
Our personal care products are available at drbalin.com.tr.
Hair loss can be caused by anaemia, thyroid disease, hormonal disorders, stress or genetics. For patients in Ataşehir and Istanbul, the right approach is to find the cause first and then, if needed, plan hair treatments alongside plant-based care.
Clinic in Ataşehir, Istanbul and nearby districts
For questions on this topic and a personal assessment, you can book an appointment at Op. Dr. Salim Balin’s clinic in Ataşehir.
The clinic is in Atatürk Mahallesi, Ataşehir, in Metropol İstanbul Block B. Besides the Barbaros, İçerenköy, Küçükbakkalköy, Kayışdağı, Yenisahra and Ferhatpaşa neighbourhoods of Ataşehir, we see patients from Kadıköy (Kozyatağı, Bostancı, Göztepe, Erenköy), Ümraniye, Maltepe, Çekmeköy, Sancaktepe, Üsküdar, Kartal and other districts of Istanbul.
Address: Atatürk Mahallesi, Ertuğrul Gazi Cad. No: 2H, Metropol İstanbul B Blok, Floor 18, No: 282, 34750 Ataşehir/Istanbul · Monday–Saturday 09:00–18:00 · +90 506 520 30 55 · WhatsApp · Address and directions
Frequently asked questions
Is ozonated oil good for hair?
Its antimicrobial and moisturising properties may support scalp care in dandruff and itching. Human studies have not shown it increases hair growth.
Does ozonated oil increase scalp blood flow?
A small human study with an ozonide cream reported about a 25% rise in skin microcirculation, and animal studies support new vessel formation, but this has not been shown on the scalp.
Does ozonated oil stop hair loss?
No human study shows that. It may support the follicle environment, but hair loss has many causes, so the cause should be found first.
Does ozonated oil help dandruff?
Its activity against fungi and bacteria is shown in lab and clinical studies, so it may support care, but it does not replace proven treatments.
How often should ozonated oil be applied?
Use it a few times a week as needed, or as your doctor advises. Watch your scalp’s response and follow the label.
Can ozonated oil be used on coloured hair?
Oil-based products usually do not affect hair colour; test on a small area first.
Can ozonated oil cause allergy?
Rarely, allergy and irritation occur. Patch-test behind the ear before first use and stop if a reaction occurs.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
The usage of laser Doppler flowmetry for evaluation of the efficiency of ozone-containing drugs for external use (human study, 2018) ↗Kim HS et al. Therapeutic effects of topical application of ozone on acute cutaneous wound healing. J Korean Med Sci. 2009 ↗Ozonated sunflower oil in a rat burn model: vessel and fibroblast density. Ozone: Science & Engineering. 2026 ↗Yano K et al. Control of hair growth and follicle size by VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. J Clin Invest. 2001 ↗This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor before starting any new care or treatment.
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Get in touch with your questions about Ozonated oil and the scalp or to request an appointment.
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