Get All Access for $5/mo

Ingredient in McDonald's French Fries Could Cure Baldness Ew, or who knew?

By Nina Zipkin

Zhang Peng | Getty Images

While McDonald's french fries are scientifically engineered to be delicious, it seems that one of the ingredients might have another slightly unexpected use.

A team of researchers from Japan's Yokohama National University explored methods to treat hair loss and found that when they used a chemical called dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS) as part of the therapy, they found successful sites of successful hair growth on the mice used in the study.

That chemical isn't just available in a lab. It is used in all of McDonald's fried offerings.

Related: McDonald's Unveils the 'Frork,' a 'Flavor-Focused' Utensil

When you head over to the McDonald's website to do some product research, it is available in the fine print at the bottom of the page: "Our fried menu items are cooked in a vegetable oil blend with citric acid added as a processing aid and dimethylpolysiloxane to reduce oil splatter when cooking."

Apparently it isn't only the fries recipe that contains the chemical. It is also found in makeup, hair conditioner, caulk that you would use for bathroom tile, silicone implants and Silly Putty.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

I'm a 'Ring Girl' at High-Profile Boxing Matches. Here's How I Landed the Gig and Use It as a Second Income.

Ring girls walk across the ring in boxing matches with flags that tell the crowd what round is next.

Science & Technology

AI Trends That Will Redefine Your Business in 2025 — You Have 46 Days to Prepare!

The AI trends that are set to reshape your business in 2025 are here—and most entrepreneurs aren't even aware of them yet. From AI agents automating workflows to the evolution of search engines, these changes will redefine how you market, create content, and interact with your customers.

Social Media

Creator Economy Survival Guide — How to Turn Short-Form Content into Long-Term Success

Everyone wants to be a creator, but few know how to turn it into a thriving career. From adopting a business-owner mindset to identifying "winning concepts" and monetizing them like a pro, this is your cheat sheet for turning short-form content into long-term success.