Melatonin: Can it be combined with other treatments like minoxidil or Redensyl?

In the world of hair treatments, especially those targeting androgenetic alopecia or chronic hair loss, the name "melatonin" has started to gain prominence. Traditionally associated with sleep regulation, this hormone produced by the pineal gland also performs antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions that have attracted the attention of medical science.

Naturally, questions arise: Is it safe or even beneficial to combine melatonin with other topical treatments such as minoxidil or newer ingredients like Redensyl?

This article aims to provide a reasoned, informed, and clear answer—even when no clinical studies on these specific combinations have been published yet.

Why would someone want to combine melatonin with treatments like minoxidil or Redensyl?

The main reason to consider combining them is the complementarity of their mechanisms of action. Melatonin has powerful antioxidant activity: it protects the hair follicle from oxidative stress, a factor that accelerates hair miniaturization. It has also been observed to modulate local hormonal receptors linked to hair loss.

This contrasts with, yet complements, the functions of minoxidil, which improves blood circulation and directly stimulates hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase (the active growth phase of hair).

Redensyl—a newer compound—mainly targets the stem cells of the follicle, aiming to reactivate the hair growth cycle. Its use is intended as a non-drug alternative for those who do not tolerate minoxidil well. Although its clinical evidence is limited, its ingredients have shown potential in cell cultures and small human volunteer studies.

Combining melatonin with these compounds could represent a more holistic strategy: stimulating growth (minoxidil), protecting against oxidative damage (melatonin), and regenerating at the cellular level (Redensyl).

Although science has not yet explored these combinations in formal clinical trials, the therapeutic logic behind it seems reasonable. And so far, no adverse interactions between them have been documented.

Are there commercial products that combine melatonin with other active ingredients?

Yes, there are cosmetic and dermocosmetic formulations on the market that already explore the synergy of melatonin with other actives, although not always directly with minoxidil or Redensyl.

A concrete example is Melatonin Scalp Solution by Neutriderm (Australia), which combines melatonin with antioxidant and moisturizing ingredients for nighttime use. There's also TRICHOVEL®, available in Europe, which offers a topical solution based on melatonin along with ingredients like biotin and zinc.

These products are marketed as adjuvants in promoting hair growth, although they do not contain minoxidil or Redensyl as part of their formulas. While they lack large-scale clinical studies supporting their combined efficacy, they reflect the growing interest in using melatonin as part of an integrated approach to strengthening hair.

The cosmetic industry moves faster than scientific research, and in some cases, these formulas appear before comprehensive clinical studies are published. This does not mean they are dangerous, but rather that their effectiveness greatly depends on skin type, hair loss pattern, and consistency of use. In the case of minoxidil, since it is a regulated drug, it is not usually combined with other active ingredients in a single product—although nothing prevents its parallel use with a nighttime melatonin lotion, always under professional guidance.

Melatonin and combination treatments: a promising hypothesis rather than a definitive formula

Currently, there are no specific clinical studies evaluating the combined use of melatonin with minoxidil or Redensyl. However, given their differing mechanisms and the absence of evidence of adverse effects when used together, many dermatologists consider the complementary use viable.

The key is understanding that each compound contributes something different to an overall treatment plan: one activates the follicle, another protects it, and the third helps regenerate it.

Science, as in many other fields, lags behind empirical practice. Still, one should not assume that a combination will work for every case. Hair loss has multiple causes, and no ingredient—alone or combined—works the same for everyone. But with more studies on the horizon, the combination of melatonin with more established treatments could become a foundational option in managing alopecia.

User Experiences

Community feedback from Tressless suggests that melatonin is often used alongside treatments like minoxidil and Redensyl without significant issues. Several users report using these combinations in attempts to maximize their hair regrowth outcomes, although results vary from person to person.

One user shared their regimen combining topical melatonin with minoxidil 5% and Redensyl-based serums. They noted an improvement in hair density after about 3 months, particularly in the temple areas. **However, they were uncertain whether the improvement was due to melatonin or the other treatments, as they started everything at once. **They also mentioned no irritation or negative side effects when using all three together, which is an encouraging sign for tolerability.

Another user mentioned applying a melatonin serum at night and minoxidil in the morning to avoid potential interference. They believed the separation helped ensure each compound had time to absorb properly. They claimed the combination “felt more effective” than minoxidil alone, especially in reducing hair fall, but were clear that their experience was anecdotal.

A separate comment focused on Redensyl and melatonin only, avoiding minoxidil due to side effects. This user noticed mild thickening of hair over a six-month period and credited melatonin for improving scalp health and reducing inflammation. They noted improved sleep as a side benefit, speculating that topical melatonin might have contributed.

Interestingly, a few users expressed skepticism about combining too many actives at once. One cautioned that overlapping ingredients in products like Redensyl serums and melatonin formulations could cause buildup or skin sensitivity, although they did not report experiencing these personally.

References

Fischer, T. W., et al. (2004). Topical melatonin for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. British Journal of Dermatology, 150(5), 1031–1036. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.05863.x]

Fischer, T. W., et al. (2012). Melatonin increases anagen hair rate in women with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse alopecia: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Trichology, 4(1), 13–17. [https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.96082]

Induchem. (2014). Redensyl clinical study summary. Company White Paper. Available at: [https://www.givaudan.com/fragrance-beauty/ingredients/redensyl]

National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Melatonin. MedlinePlus. [https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/940.html]

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2020). Minoxidil. Drugs@FDA. [https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=017503]