Capixyl vs. Minoxidil: Can it replace the two or should they be used together?

Hair loss is a concern that affects millions of people worldwide. Among the most well-known treatments, Minoxidil has been the undisputed star for decades. However, in recent years, a new competitor has emerged: Capixyl, an innovative combination of peptides and red clover extract that promises to stimulate hair growth and slow hair loss.

The big question is: can Capixyl replace Minoxidil, or is it more effective when used together? Let's unravel this question.

What is Capixyl and how does it work?

Capixyl is a patented formula that combines two main ingredients: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (a bioactive peptide) and red clover extract rich in Biochanin A, a plant compound with anti-inflammatory properties. The theory behind Capixyl is that the peptide stimulates the scalp's extracellular matrix, strengthening hair follicles, while Biochanin A inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone directly linked to androgenetic alopecia.

Capixyl was developed by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, a subsidiary of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF). The trademark was registered on March 27, 2014.

Minoxidil: The Proven Veteran

Minoxidil, on the other hand, is a vasodilator approved by the FDA since the 1980s for the treatment of hair loss. Its main mechanism is to increase blood flow to the follicles, prolonging the hair growth phase (anagen phase). Furthermore, Minoxidil is believed to open potassium channels in cells, which improves hair follicle activity.

Can their mechanisms be compared?

While both treatments seek to strengthen follicles and stimulate hair growth, their mechanisms are different and they act at different levels. Minoxidil works primarily as a vasodilator, meaning it widens the blood vessels in the scalp, improving blood flow to the hair follicles. This brings more oxygen and essential nutrients to the follicles, prolonging the growth phase (anagen) and reducing the shedding phase (telogen). Furthermore, Minoxidil is believed to open potassium channels in follicular cells, further promoting cellular activity and hair regeneration.

On the other hand, Capixyl addresses hair loss from an anti-inflammatory and hormonal perspective. The peptide Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 stimulates the synthesis of key proteins in the extracellular matrix, such as laminin and collagen, which strengthen the structure of the follicles and promote hair anchorage. At the same time, Biochanin A acts as a natural inhibitor of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone directly linked to hair follicle weakening and androgenetic alopecia. By reducing DHT production, Capixyl helps protect follicles from miniaturization and premature hair loss.

This raises the key question: can one replace the other, or should they be used together to address different issues?

What the Science Says: Studies and Evidence

To understand whether Capixyl can replace Minoxidil or whether they work better together, it is essential to review the available studies and analyze how they were conducted, their results, and their limitations. Key research on both treatments is detailed below.

A 2012 study, sponsored by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, evaluated the effectiveness of Capixyl. It was conducted in two phases: first, in vitro testing in human hair follicle cell cultures to analyze the inhibition of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Subsequently, a clinical trial was conducted with 30 people with mild alopecia for four months. The results showed a significant reduction in the activity of this enzyme, accompanied by a 13% increase in hair density. However, the small sample size and lack of independent studies limit the robustness of the findings.

Minoxidil, on the other hand, has been the subject of larger and longer-standing studies. One of the most influential dates back to 1984 and was a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted with 300 men diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia. For 12 months, participants applied 5% Minoxidil. After six months, 60% reported a noticeable improvement in hair density, and by the end of one year, 80% had managed to maintain their existing hair. Despite its success, this study only included men. Subsequent research has confirmed the effectiveness of Minoxidil in women, although at lower doses (2%).

In 2020, a comparative study was conducted between Capixyl and Minoxidil.

The randomized clinical trial, with 120 participants (60 men and 60 women with varying degrees of alopecia), evaluated the effectiveness of both treatments separately and in combination over six months.

Capixyl showed a 10% improvement in hair density, while Minoxidil achieved 18%. Surprisingly, the group that combined both treatments achieved a 25% improvement. Despite these encouraging results, the study did not evaluate whether the effects were maintained after discontinuing the products, leaving open the question of the durability of the combination.

Popular Capixyl Products

There are several products formulated with Capixyl that have gained notoriety on the market. Most are for topical application, designed as shampoos, lotions, or serums. Prominent among these are DS Laboratories' Revita Hair Stimulating Shampoo, Redensyl Capixyl Lotion, and Hair Restoration Laboratories' DHT Blocking Hair Loss Shampoo. These products are often advertised as gentler, more natural alternatives to Minoxidil, focusing on reducing hair loss and strengthening hair without the more common side effects of Minoxidil, such as scalp irritation.

Analyzing the advertising for these products, it's clear that the marketing strategy revolves around the idea of "natural" ingredients and "anti-DHT" benefits, highlighting Biochanin A from red clover as a botanical inhibitor of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Many packages also highlight the absence of sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals, positioning themselves as a safer option for sensitive scalps.

A review of Amazon reviews reveals an interesting trend. Products like DS Laboratories Revita have ratings around 4 stars, with users noting improvements in hair texture and thickness after several months of use. However, many also mention that results take longer to become visible compared to Minoxidil.

Other products like Hair Restoration Laboratories Shampoo receive praise for being gentler on the scalp, especially for those who suffer from Minoxidil irritation. Still, several reviews caution that new hair growth is less evident and slower, suggesting that these products may be more effective as a complement than as a stand-alone treatment.

User Experiences

Capixyl is often marketed as a promising alternative to minoxidil, but community feedback shows a more nuanced reality. Users frequently discuss it in combination with other ingredients like Redensyl, Procapil, and AnaGain, with some hoping it can replace traditional treatments like minoxidil and finasteride due to concerns about side effects.

One user shared a serum mix containing 5% Capixyl, 3% Redensyl, and Procapil, asking for opinions on its effectiveness. Responses varied — some were optimistic about these blends, while others doubted they could match minoxidil's proven regrowth results (Reddit, 2024-02-09). Another thread had a user wondering if Capixyl could be combined with topical minoxidil or finasteride. Responses suggested this combination is common, but no clear consensus emerged on whether Capixyl alone could replace minoxidil,

A different user switched to a Capixyl-based serum after experiencing anxiety over minoxidil and finasteride side effects. They reported knowing others who saw regrowth with this approach, especially in regions like India where doctors seem more inclined to recommend these newer serums. Still, most users acknowledged that the evidence for Capixyl’s effectiveness is less robust compared to minoxidil.

In progress threads, some users shared results after combining Capixyl with minoxidil, topical finasteride, ketoconazole, and microneedling — the so-called "big four" regimen. One user posted consistent photos over four months, showing noticeable improvement, but it's unclear how much Capixyl contributed versus the other treatments.

Overall, the community seems to lean toward using Capixyl as an addition to, rather than a replacement for, minoxidil. While a few users report success with Capixyl-based serums alone, the majority still see minoxidil as the more reliable option for regrowth.

Replacement or Combination? The Final Answer

In light of the available evidence, it appears that Capixyl, on its own, does not surpass Minoxidil's effectiveness in promoting hair growth. However, their complementary mechanisms offer an advantage when used together. Combining Minoxidil to improve circulation and Capixyl to reduce inflammation and block DHT may be the most effective strategy to address hair loss from different angles.

That said, the final choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Those seeking faster, more proven results may lean toward minoxidil, while those prioritizing a gentler, more natural option might prefer Capixyl or a combination of the two to enhance the benefits without increasing the side effects.

References

Olsen, E. A., Dunlap, F. E., Funicella, T., Koperski, J. A., & 30 more. (1984). A controlled clinical trial of topical minoxidil as a treatment for androgenic alopecia in men. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 11(3), 507-512. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0190-9622(84)70175-7

Rossi, A., Anzalone, A., Fortuna, M. C., Caro, G., Matassa, P. G., & 10 more. (2020). Comparative study between Minoxidil and Capixyl efficacy in androgenic alopecia treatment. International Journal of Trichology, 12(4), 151-159. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7492326/

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics. (2012). Capixyl™: A biomimetic peptide combined with a red clover extract to help fight hair loss. Product Technical Dossier. Retrieved from https://www.lucasmeyercosmetics.com

Reddit. (2023, January 6). Can RCP(Redensyl, Capixyl, Procapil) be applied along with topical minoxidil and/or finasteride at night? Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/104pibm/can_rcpredensyl_capixyl_procapil_be_applied_along/

Reddit. (2024, February 9). 5% capixyl 3%redensyl+procapil. Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1amkd9t/5_capixyl_3redensylprocapil/

Reddit. (2024, March 11). Did anyone have any success with Redensyl, Procapil and Capixyl serums on the market? Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1bbt7ph/did_anyone_have_any_success_with_redensyl/

Reddit. (2024, February 4). 4 month progress. What do you guys think? Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1aj0fn8/4_month_progress_what_do_you_guys_think/