New York dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss has amassed a loyal following of 1.5 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, where she drops weekly skin-care knowledge on everything from must-have products in your 30s to retinol tips and more. This week, she dove into a topic that’s been buzzing in the beauty world: cyperus oil—an essential oil derived from the cyperus rotundus plant—and whether it really, truly, has potential as an affordable at-home hair removal method.
Dr. Idriss initially sparked interest on the subject when she posted a TikTok reaction video addressing a study that suggested cyperus oil could rival the effectiveness of the alexandrite laser, a widely used tool for laser hair removal. Although both Dr. Idriss and cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong, PhD, whom she consulted for the video, pointed out the study’s significant flaws, which ultimately discredited its findings, the conversation didn’t end there. Dr. Idriss was intrigued by the flood of comments and messages she received from followers sharing their personal success stories using cyperus oil in their own hair removal routines.
@shereeneidriss Cyperus Rotundus Oil for permanent hair removal! 🔥 Life-changing derm approved hack. We’ll be testing this out! Let me know if you try it as well. #hairremoval #hairremovalcream #hairgrowth #naturalremedy #bodycare #hairtok #hairy #dermatologist #rosemaryoil #shereeneidriss #dridriss @ShereeneIdriss ♬ Carmen Habanera, classical opera(1283412) – perfectpanda
If cyperus oil does indeed stop hair growth, it’s believed to work by targeting the androgens in our body. In her YouTube video, Dr. Idriss explains that it “supposedly contains flavonoids that have anti-androgenic properties. Androgens are a group of hormones made up of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone that our body makes, and those hormones are responsible for male characteristics. But both men and women make androgens, and we both feel the effects of them in the long run.
Androgens are a double-edged sword,” she continued. “They not only are the reason behind male pattern baldness, but androgens are also the cause of unwanted hair growth, at least for most women, in areas like your chest, your chin, your neck, and underarms. So something anti-androgenic can help decrease hair while androgens make you grow hair.”
Despite the buzz around cyperus oil, both Dr. Idriss and cosmetic chemist Dr. Michelle Wong advise using it with caution since there’s very limited research behind the oil’s effectiveness and safety. With only one study available, the experts warn that more evidence is needed—especially for individuals with a family history of endocrine-related cancers. However, Dr. Idriss still recognizes the potential value of the oil, particularly for those seeking more affordable alternatives to treatments like laser hair removal. “I think the study was unfortunate and more studies are needed,” she said. “The reason why I think this is because of the anecdotal evidence. There are certain things used in varying cultures and countries across the world that have been shown to help, like rose water in the Middle East and Lebanon.
Is it something that I stand by that I would live and die by? No!” she concluded. “But if it can help somebody who can’t necessarily afford a more expensive treatment? Sure, why not? And the same applies for cyperus oil. The risk versus the benefit when it comes to cyperus oil seems quite small, with the potential to help.”
Watch the full video below to learn more.
