FAQquestions, answered plainly
Frequently asked, rarely overpromised.
We have collected the questions we receive most often — by email, by post, by the occasional in-person meeting — and written them down here, with the answers we would give in a quiet room.
01chapter
About the brand
Where is YIMU based?
Our small team is based in Kunming, in the Yunnan highland. The plants we work with are grown within a few hours' drive of the city, in the Cangshan and Yulong ranges.
Are you a Chinese brand or an international brand?
We are a small independent brand from Yunnan. We sell direct to consumers worldwide, and we are not affiliated with any larger group. Our site is English-first; we do not currently maintain a Chinese version.
Do you test on animals?
No. We do not test on animals, and we do not sell in any market that requires it.
02chapter
About the ingredients
What does 'highland botanical' actually mean?
It means the plant material is grown above roughly 1,500 metres in the Yunnan highland, where the temperature swing, UV exposure, and lean soil produce a different molecular profile than the same plant grown at low altitude. We document the altitude on every certificate of analysis.
Why these three ingredients?
Platycladus, adenosine, and ginger are not a complete list. They are the three we have studied most carefully and feel most comfortable writing about. We will add to this list as the literature and our supply chain allow.
Do you use essential oils?
In small amounts, and only as part of a whole-plant extract. We do not use isolated essential oils at levels that would be irritating to a sensitive scalp.
03chapter
About use and safety
Are your products safe during pregnancy?
We do not have safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a physician before using any topical product during these periods.
Can I use YIMU with minoxidil or finasteride?
We are aware of no known interaction. That said, any combination therapy is a decision for your prescribing physician, not for us.
What if I have a reaction?
Discontinue, please. Then write to us at the address on the bottle. We patch-test every batch and we will replace any product that has caused a reaction.
04chapter
About the science
How do I read the references you cite?
Each ingredient page has a numbered reference list at the foot. The numbers are in the text. If you would like the full PDF, write to us — we are happy to send it.
Do you update the site when new research comes out?
Yes. The 'Updated' date on each ingredient page reflects the most recent revision. When we revise, we also revise the references, and we leave a short note at the top of the page explaining the change.
Is this site a substitute for medical advice?
No. The content on this site is for educational reference only and is not a substitute for a consultation with a licensed physician.
05chapter
About results and expectations
Is YIMU a hair growth product?
No, and we will not call it one. Our products are formulated to support a comfortable, well-conditioned scalp environment. Whether that translates into visible change for an individual depends on the underlying cause of their concern, and is not something a topical formulation can promise.
How long until I might see a difference?
The honest answer is: it depends. Subjective comfort changes (less itch, less tightness) are often reported within the first 2–4 weeks. Changes in the appearance of the hair shaft or in shedding rate, if they occur, generally take 3–6 months of consistent use. We do not have controlled data for our own formulations.
Will YIMU work for pattern hair loss?
Androgenetic alopecia is a medical condition with established pharmacological treatments (minoxidil, finasteride, low-level laser, and others). Our products are not a treatment for it. They may be a pleasant adjunct; they are not a substitute. Please discuss with a dermatologist.
a note from the editors
Did not find what you were looking for? We answer email at the address on every bottle. We are slow, but we read everything and reply when we have something useful to say.