“Want to know a life-changing hack that can save you thousands of dollars on laser hair removal? Nearly a million people, myself included, were very intrigued by what the founder of Dr. Idriss had to say next.

Let's cut to the chase. According to a “small but powerful” study that resurfaced in 2014, shared by Dr. Idriss, applying Cyperus Rotundus Oil (a natural extract from “the world's worst weed”) twice a day can have the same effect as a laser hair removal machine. This extract, which costs less than $30, is painless and works on a wide range of hair and skin types.

In the past few days, Google search interest in this holistic hair removal method has increased by 4,000 percent (.) Dozens of doctors have publicly endorsed what has been known for decades as the hair removal trick.

While it may not have the solid research results of laser hair removal, Cyperus Rotundus Oil is worth your time. “Right now, many people are seeking alternative medicine and alternative therapies,” says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD FAAD. “It may be best for those looking for alternative treatment options or laser maintenance, or for those who have PCOS [which is a hormonal condition in women that can cause excessive hair growth]."

More research is needed, but the natural derivative is believed to be safe and is responsible for some pretty compelling before-and-after photos. Here's what you need to know before you “order” your first vial.

Everyone in the herbal medicine world has heard of Cyperus Rotundus oil. It's sexy, isn't it?

This oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Gersick, MD FAAD, “Historically, Cyperus Rotundus has been used for medicinal purposes such as wound healing, digestive issues, and even skin treatments, but its role in hair loss and hair growth inhibition is a more recent discovery.”

To be honest, there is only one study to base this on.

Still, the results are compelling: the study, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, divided 65 patients into three groups. Group 1 had salt water applied to their armpits. Group 2 had Cyperus Rotundus oil applied. Group 3 used alexandrite laser, a common hair removal device; after 6 months, there was no difference in hair removal efficacy between alexandrite laser and Cyperus Rotundus oil.

Nevertheless, subjects received either threading or sugaring treatments every three weeks. It is “possible that hair removal techniques such as threading caused low levels of scarring that inhibited hair growth.

The theory is that the oil blocks androgens, the hormones responsible for controlling hair growth. When applied to areas with high levels of androgen receptors, such as the underarms and pubic area, hair growth is slowed. Dr. Idris explains, “The oil works by slowing down the enzyme responsible for hair growth.”

This is the most exciting aspect of the study. Laser hair removal, which uses light energy to eliminate hair pigmentation, is notoriously ineffective on gray or light hair. The laser works by targeting the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. Dark hairs contain more melanin, which makes it easier for the laser to target and destroy the hair root,” Dr. Idris explains.

Cyperus Rotundus oil, on the other hand, does not discriminate on the basis Instead, “it works by locally reducing the hormone levels in the skin in that area,” Dr. Lal explains. With this in mind, it has been shown to be effective for gray hair and all skin tones,” Dr. Lal explains.

“More research is needed, but this study shows potential and no harm,” Dr. Idris said via social media. On paper, it “doesn't appear” to be dangerous, Dr. Gersick added. Because of the limited number of studies, “it is difficult to know completely from the current data whether there are any long-term side effects. Serious side effects have not been widely reported, but the long-term effects on skin health and hair follicles have not been extensively studied.”

Still, there is concern in the community about long-term exposure being an endocrine disruptor because of its androgen blocking properties. Dr. Lull notes, “I can't say that it is or it isn't, but since it is rubbing against a highly absorptive site, there is probably some disruption.”

“Anyone with endocrine abnormalities or hormonal issues would want to be checked out by an endocrinologist before doing this.”

For starters: do not dilute Cyperus Rotundus oil. In a clinical study, patients were asked to apply 0.25 mL of pure oil twice a day after washing and cleansing for 6 months. They also removed hair every 3 weeks using sugaring or waxing and massaged the oil for 2 minutes directly after treatment.

Nevertheless, pure Cyperus Rotondus oil may irritate sensitive skin. Patch test on a small area of skin for at least 2 days before treating a larger area of skin. If irritation occurs, dilute jojoba oil with 2-3 drops of water.

PSA: Wash hands thoroughly after treatment. Do not apply to areas where you want to grow hair, such as the head or eyebrows.

“This study does not specify whether the effects of Cyperus Rotundus oil are truly permanent or whether hair regrows after you stop using it,” Dr. Idris said on TikTok.

Whatever the outcome, she added, it will take time. She jokes, “Rome wasn't built overnight, and good things come to those who put in the time.” So with continued use, expect to see a significant difference after six months.