Latest TikTok fad touting ‘miracle oil’ to remove hair is flawed | Opinion

One of the latest TikTok beauty trends is Cyperus rotundus oil, a plant extract from the nut-grass root that’s touted as a natural alternative to laser hair removal.

The hype traces back to a small study published in 2014 in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, which claimed the oil reduced unwanted hair growth “as effectively as the Alexandrite laser.”

There is, however, a key issue with that study that negates its results. The truth is this oil is unlikely to effectively remove hair, although it is safe for women to try.

Study limitations

The major design flaw in this study is that in addition to using the oil and/or undergoing laser treatments, participants were also removing hair with a process known as sugaring. Laser hair removal relies on pigment in the hair root to absorb light energy and disable the follicle.

If the hair is repeatedly pulled out from the root, the laser has no target to act on. Thus, the laser likely couldn’t perform properly, making the comparison to the oil unreliable.

What does Cyperus rotundus oil do?

Cyperus rotundus oil does not remove hair. At best, it may slow regrowth over time.

Some theories suggest it could interfere with androgen activity, possibly by affecting pathways like 5-alpha reductase, the same enzyme involved in converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair growth. However, solid clinical proof for this mechanism is lacking.

As far as downsides go, the oil may clog pores, and men should avoid it because of its potential anti-androgen effects. Androgens are male hormones similar to testosterone.

Better hair removal options

If your goal is to effectively remove hair, there are more effective options than Cyperus rotundus oil.

Prescription treatments like Vaniqa work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in hair follicle cell division, helping to reduce regrowth with consistent use.

Winlevy is another prescription treatment that is approved for acne but has shown some incidental benefit in reducing facial hair due to its anti-androgen effects.

Some natural remedies like spearmint or saw palmetto have mild anti-androgenic activity, though none currently compare to prescription treatments.

Bottom line

Cyperus rotundus oil isn’t a replacement for laser hair removal and likely won’t deliver dramatic results. That said, it’s relatively low-risk for women if you’re curious to try it — just don’t expect a miracle from a trend that took 12 years to go viral.

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This story was originally published April 1, 2026 at 1:46 PM.