What the heck is Capixyl and why is it in so many hair products?

If you’ve been browsing hair products lately, you’ve probably seen “Capixyl” listed on everything from shampoos to scalp serums. But what exactly is it, and why is it suddenly everywhere?

Let’s dive deep into this ingredient — no fluff, just facts — and figure out whether it’s worth the hype or just another marketing buzzword.

Capixyl: The Breakdown

Capixyl is a trademarked, active complex made up of two key components:

acetyl tetrapeptide-3, a synthetic peptide designed to stimulate hair growth, and red clover extract (Trifolium pratense), which contains Biochanin A, an isoflavone known for its anti-inflammatory and DHT-blocking properties.

Acetyl tetrapeptide-3 works by supporting the network of proteins surrounding each hair follicle — think of it as scaffolding that holds the follicle securely in place. This network, called the extracellular matrix, includes proteins like laminin and collagen that help anchor the hair, reducing the chances of it falling out too soon.

At the same time, Biochanin A, derived from red clover extract, blocks an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a hormone linked to shrinking hair follicles and increased hair loss. By reducing DHT, Biochanin A helps create a healthier environment for hair to grow stronger and thicker.

The idea behind Capixyl is to combine these two ingredients to create a one-two punch: the peptide encourages hair to grow thicker and stronger, while the red clover extract helps reduce DHT’s harmful effects on the follicles.

Who Created Capixyl?

Capixyl was developed by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, which also sponsored some of the early studies supporting its effectiveness. This raises important considerations about potential bias in the data, making independent, third-party research essential for a balanced understanding of its performance., a Canadian company specializing in bioactive ingredients for personal care and cosmetic products. The company focuses on creating innovative, science-backed solutions designed to improve skin and hair health. Lucas Meyer Cosmetics is now part of IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances), a global leader in beauty and wellness ingredients.

While the company promotes Capixyl as a breakthrough in hair care, it’s important to remember that any research directly funded by the manufacturer can carry a potential bias. That’s not to say the ingredient doesn’t work — but independent studies are crucial for validating those claims without the influence of commercial interests.

For example...

A study published in 2011 by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, the company that developed Capixyl, examined the effects of this blend. The trial lasted four months and involved 15 male and female volunteers experiencing hair thinning. Researchers measured hair density and follicle size before and after using a lotion containing 5% Capixyl.

The results showed a 13% increase in hair density and 46% decrease in hair loss after 16 weeks of consistent use. This improvement was measured through phototrichogram analysis, a method that tracks hair growth by comparing high-resolution scalp images before and after treatment. However, with only 15 participants — a mix of men and women — the sample size is quite small, which limits how widely these results can be applied to the general population.

While these numbers sound impressive, it’s important to recognize that this was an industry-sponsored study — meaning the creators of Capixyl funded the research.

Industry-funded studies can sometimes introduce bias, intentionally or not, because the company has a vested interest in positive outcomes.

This doesn’t automatically mean the results are unreliable, but independent, peer-reviewed studies conducted by unbiased third parties would carry more scientific weight and provide a clearer picture of Capixyl’s effectiveness*.

Another 2014 lab-based study, lasting 8 weeks, examined acetyl tetrapeptide-3 — one of the two components in Capixyl — on human dermal papilla cells (the specialized cells in hair follicles that regulate growth). Conducted in a controlled laboratory environment, researchers observed a notable 35% increase in the production of extracellular matrix proteins like laminin and collagen, both essential for anchoring hair securely within the scalp.

However, it’s worth noting that this study was funded by the cosmetic industry, which can introduce bias. Additionally, since the study was done on isolated cells rather than live human participants, the results may not directly translate to real-world hair regrowth. — funded by the cosmetic industry — specifically examined acetyl tetrapeptide-3, one of the two components in Capixyl, rather than the complete formula.

In 2023, one study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examined Capixyl’s effects compared to minoxidil in 50 participants with androgenetic alopecia over 12 weeks. The results showed Capixyl led to a 15% improvement in hair density, though minoxidil still outperformed it with a 22% increase. While promising, this study was partially funded by a commercial entity, highlighting the ongoing need for more independent research to confirm these findings. This doesn’t mean the ingredient is ineffective — just that we need more large-scale, unbiased studies to draw definitive conclusions.

User experiences

Capixyl is a relatively popular ingredient in many hair growth products, and the community has had extensive discussions about its effectiveness and role in hair loss treatments. Capixyl is a blend of acetyl tetrapeptide-3 (a biomimetic peptide) and red clover extract, rich in Biochanin A, designed to inhibit DHT (the main culprit in androgenic alopecia) while promoting better scalp health and follicle anchoring.

From the community discussions, several key points emerge. One user explored a combination serum with 5% Capixyl, 3% Redensyl, and Procapil, asking whether anyone had seen success with this formulation. Responses were mixed — some reported mild improvements in shedding and thickness, but most emphasized that results were slower and less dramatic than traditional treatments like Minoxidil or Finasteride.

Another thread compared Capixyl and similar alternatives (Anagain, Redensyl, Procapil), with users questioning if these “new age” serums could work as well as Minoxidil. Many users felt these ingredients were marketed as "natural" alternatives to Minoxidil and Finasteride, appealing to people worried about side effects. One commenter mentioned switching from Minoxidil/Finasteride to Capixyl-based serums due to anxiety over side effects, reporting some regrowth and a reduction in shedding — though they acknowledged it wasn’t as powerful as the standard treatments.

In more practical terms, users debated whether Capixyl serums could be layered alongside Minoxidil or topical Finasteride at night. The consensus leaned towards it being safe to combine, though some worried about potential dilution or irritation when mixing too many products.

Progress photos also showed up in discussions. One user documented 4 months of progress using a multi-ingredient approach — topical Finasteride, Minoxidil, Redensyl, Procapil, Capixyl, ketoconazole shampoo, and microneedling. Their photos demonstrated noticeable thickening, which was encouraging for those considering Capixyl in combination with more established treatments.

Interestingly, a recurring theme was skepticism around products containing Capixyl without other active ingredients. Many users felt Capixyl alone wasn’t strong enough to reverse significant hair loss, but some believed it could support regrowth when combined with proven treatments — especially for those seeking a gentler, more natural-sounding addition to their regimen.

References

Hilaris Publisher. (n.d.). A comparative study between topical 5% minoxidil and topical Redensyl, Capixyl, and Procapil combination in men with androgenetic alopecia. Retrieved from https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/a-comparative-study-between-topical-5-minoxidil-and-topical-redensyl-capixyl-and-procapil-combination-in-men-with-androg.pdf
Perfect Hair Health. (n.d.). Redensyl, Capixyl, Procapil (RCP) for natural hair regrowth: Scientific review. Retrieved from https://perfecthairhealth.com/redensyl-capixyl-procapil-rcp-for-natural-hair-regrowth-scientific-review/
Varothai, S., & Bergfeld, W. F. (2014). Androgenetic alopecia: An evidence-based treatment update. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 15(3), 217–230. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10246929/?
"5% capixyl 3%redensyl+procapil." (2024). Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1amkd9t/5_capixyl_3redensylprocapil/
"Anyone using Anagain, Capixyl, Procapil & Redensyl ? Any of these ?" (2023). Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/18j4lig/anyone_using_anagain_capixyl_procapil_redensyl/
"Can RCP(Redensyl, Capixyl, Procapil) be applied along with topical minoxidil and/or finasteride at night?" (2023).
Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/104pibm/can_rcpredensyl_capixyl_procapil_be_applied_along/
"Did anyone have any success with Redensyl, Procapil and Capixyl serums on the market?" (2024). Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1bbt7ph/did_anyone_have_any_success_with_redensyl/
"4 month progress. What do you guys think?" (2024).
Retrieved from https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/1aj0fn8/4_month_progress_what_do_you_guys_think/