Redensyl, Capixyl, Procapil, Anagain and Baicapil: the wonder group against hair loss

For years, hair loss treatments have been dominated by two big names: minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil, approved by the FDA since the late 1980s, mainly acts as a vasodilator: it improves blood flow to the scalp, which supports nutrient supply to hair follicles and prolongs the anagen phase (the hair growth phase).

It is commonly available in topical solutions or foams, and is indicated for both men and women with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride, on the other hand, is an oral medication originally indicated for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. Its mechanism is based on inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase type II, responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shortens the hair cycle and miniaturizes follicles. Although both treatments have proven effective in clinical studies, they also present limitations: finasteride may cause sexual side effects in a small percentage of users, and minoxidil requires continuous use to maintain results.

In this context, there is growing interest in alternatives with different mechanisms and fewer reported adverse effects. A new group of ingredients has begun to gain attention for its potential to combat alopecia effectively and with fewer side effects. Redensyl, Capixyl, Procapil, Anagain and Baicapil are emerging as a kind of “wonder group” in hair care.

But how effective are they really? What does the science say behind these components?

What exactly is Redensyl and why has it caused such a stir?

Redensyl is a patented active ingredient developed by Swiss company Induchem, composed mainly of two molecules: DHQG (dihydroquercetin-glucoside, a quercetin derivative) and EGCG2 (a stabilized form of epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant from green tea).

Its popularity comes from its ability to stimulate hair follicle stem cells, known as bulge stem cells, which are located at the base of the follicle and are essential for its regeneration. These bulge stem cells are responsible for initiating a new hair growth cycle each time a hair falls out.

By activating them, Redensyl promotes the proliferation of new cells in the follicle, which translates into thickening of existing hair and the emergence of new visible hairs in areas affected by miniaturization. This process is key because it interrupts continuous hair loss by revitalizing resting or weakened follicles.

Research and scientific backing:

An in vitro and ex vivo study published in 2014 by Induchem showed that Redensyl increased follicle stem cell activity and reduced apoptosis (programmed cell death) of keratinocytes.

In the ex vivo study, human follicles extracted during hair transplants were cultured and evaluated after 10 days of product exposure. The evaluation method included cell staining to determine cell proliferation and inflammation markers. However, the main weakness of this research is the lack of a large-scale clinical trial with humans, which limits the external validity of its results.

(In vitro means that the experiment was conducted in a lab dish using cells or tissues, and ex vivo refers to experiments using organs or tissues outside the organism but in a controlled environment. These methods are useful for early testing but don’t fully reflect how ingredients will behave in real human use. Ideally, randomized controlled trials with a significant number of participants are needed to validate these ingredients in real-world conditions.)

Capixyl: peptides with promise

Capixyl is a combination of a biomimetic peptide (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3) and a red clover extract rich in biochanin A, an isoflavone with anti-inflammatory properties. Its proposed mechanism is to act on the hormonal and inflammatory causes of androgenetic alopecia.

A 2011 study (Laboratoires Sederma) showed that Capixyl reduced the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in cultures of human dermal cells, as well as increased the expression of type III collagen and proteins associated with follicle anchorage. The study was in vitro and used immunohistochemical markers for its evaluations. While the results were promising, there are still no extensive human clinical trials, raising questions about its efficacy in real-life conditions.

(Biomimetic peptides are lab-created molecules designed to mimic natural proteins in the body. In this case, the peptide may help rebuild and strengthen the follicle structure, like giving a damaged foundation new support beams. Biochanin A works more like a calming agent, reducing inflammation that could be choking the follicle.)

Procapil: strengthening follicle anchoring

Procapil is a blend of three ingredients: apigenin (a flavonoid), oleanolic acid (a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor), and a peptide called Biotinyl-GHK. Its main goal is to improve microcirculation in the scalp and reinforce follicle structure.

According to internal research by Sederma (2005), Procapil showed a 58% improvement in hair density in a clinical trial with 35 men with androgenetic alopecia after 4 months of daily topical application. Evaluation was conducted using photographic analysis and hair counts. However, the sample size is small, and the study was not peer-reviewed or published in a recognized scientific journal, which weakens the evidence.

Anagain: the power of pea sprouts

Anagain is an extract from organic pea sprouts (Pisum sativum), rich in phytonutrients that promote the expression of genes responsible for hair growth. Its action focuses on prolonging the anagen phase of the hair cycle, i.e., the growth phase.

A 2014 in vivo study published by Mibelle Biochemistry involved 21 volunteers who applied a lotion with 4% Anagain for 3 months. Significant improvements were observed in hair count and anagen phase duration, assessed via phototrichograms. The main issue is the lack of a control group and the small sample size, which makes it difficult to generalize the results.

Baicapil: botanical synergy for growth

Baicapil combines three plant-based ingredients: Scutellaria baicalensis, soybean sprouts and wheat sprouts. It is said to stimulate cell proliferation in the hair follicle and promote the transition from telogen phase (resting/falling) to anagen phase (growing).

Available clinical study:

A clinical trial conducted in 2015 by Provital Group included 60 volunteers aged 18 to 60 over 6 months. A double-blind, placebo-controlled design was used, and a 22% increase in hair density was observed. Evaluation methods included hair counts and self-assessment surveys. Although the results were positive, the study was not replicated or published in a high-impact journal.

What does Amazon say? Top-rated products with these ingredients

On Amazon, demand for these ingredients has grown notably. One of the top-rated products is MDhair Regrowth Serum, which combines Redensyl, Capixyl, Anagain, and Baicapil. With over 4.5 stars and thousands of reviews, many users report visible results after two to three months of use, especially in hair thickness and reduced shedding.

Another standout is Bio-Pilixin Serum from Scandinavian Biolabs, which also contains several of these actives. Despite positive reviews, it's important to remember that personal experiences do not replace solid scientific evidence.

Is it worth trusting the wonder group?

While all these ingredients show potential, the lack of large, peer-reviewed clinical studies published in high-level scientific journals is a major limitation. Most studies are small, funded by the companies developing the ingredients, and in many cases, lack a control group or objective evaluation. However, for those looking for complementary alternatives or who wish to avoid the side effects of minoxidil or finasteride, they may be interesting options as part of a more comprehensive hair care routine.

References

• Induchem (2014). "Redensyl: The breakthrough against hair loss". Study data available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29735612/

• Sederma (2011). "Capixyl: A new anti-hair loss and hair care complex". Access at: https://www.sederma.com/en/products/capixyl/

• Sederma (2005). "Procapil: The molecular complex against hair loss". Access at: https://www.sederma.com/en/products/procapil

• Mibelle Biochemistry (2014). "Anagain: A novel active ingredient based on organic pea sprouts". Study available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/

• Provital Group (2015). "Baicapil: Active ingredient to reduce hair loss and increase hair density". Info at: https://www.provital.com/en/baicapil