The most important ingredient in TruVarin is varin-rich hemp oil.

Studies suggest hemp oil rich in varins (including THCV, CBDV, and CBD-rich hemp strains) can stimulate hair growth, making it a potentially new treatment option for baldness, thinning hair, a receding hairline, and other hair growth issues.

Dr. Smith and his team added complementary ingredients to enhance the effects even further.

Here are all of the active ingredients in TruVarin and how they work:

Varin: Dr. Smith describes the active ingredient in TruVarin as “varin,” claiming varin is a “natural nutrient” that can prevent hair shedding and revive hair growth. More specifically, TruVarin uses varin-rich hemp extract to stimulate hair growth. Varin is a molecule naturally present in the hemp plant. Growing research has connected this molecule specifically to hair growth. Some hemp strains have more varin in them than others. Dr. Smith claims to have identified a specific varin-rich hemp plant native to Mongolia, adding it to his formula to promote hair growth.

Menthol: TruVarin contains menthol, a natural molecule found within peppermint oil. Menthol is known for its cooling effect, and some apply menthol formulas to their skin daily to soothe aching joints. Dr. Smith uses menthol to “trick your hair follicles into thinking it’s cold.” Dr. Smith’s research showed that people lose more hair during the summer than during the winter months, and people living at colder, northern latitudes (like native Mongolians) tend to have more hair than people living close to the equator. Menthol tricks your body into thinking it’s cold, stimulating hair growth.

Caffeine: According to Dr. Smith, caffeine “seems to ‘wake up’ sleeping hair follicles,” helping to stop shedding and revive hair growth. The formula has just a small amount of caffeine—roughly the equivalent of a few sips of coffee. Very little of this caffeine enters your bloodstream. Most of it enters your hair follicle, stimulating hair growth. It’s one reason why some shampoos and hair growth formulas contain caffeine.

Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto is a plant extract typically used by men to balance hormones. Dr. Smith said saw palmetto “lowers DHT uptake in men and women.” Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the #1 cause of hair loss in men, and lowering DHT uptake can make it easier for your body to stimulate hair growth on its own. If your body is converting too much testosterone into DHT, then you’re at a greater risk of hair loss regardless of sex.

MCT Oil: TruVarin uses medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil as a carrier. The MCT oil helps the active ingredients cling to your hair and scalp for maximum absorption.

Distilled Water & Ethanol: TruVarin contains distilled water and ethanol for similar reasons as MCT oil: as a natural carrier to help the active ingredients stay stable and absorbed into your body.

Dimethicone: TruVarin contains a natural moisturizer called dimethicone. Your hair doesn’t grow as strong in a dry scalp. Many hair loss formulas moisturize the hair and scalp, helping kickstart growth.

Green Tea Extract: “has been shown to boost hair growth in men,” according to Dr. Smith, citing placebo-controlled clinical trials published in peer-reviewed medical journals.