What does Redensyl do that other natural ingredients don't?

In the world of hair treatments, it's common to find a long list of natural ingredients that promise to stop hair loss and stimulate growth: castor oil, rosemary oil, aloe vera, onion, natural caffeine, among others.

Although many of these compounds have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects, few have solid scientific backing that demonstrates structural changes in the hair cycle.

This is where Redensyl comes in—a patented formula that has captured the attention of both the public and researchers. But what exactly does Redensyl do that other natural ingredients don’t?

What is Redensyl and why is it different?

Redensyl is an active complex developed by the Swiss company Induchem (now part of Givaudan Active Beauty). It is primarily composed of four ingredients: DHQG (dihydroquercetin-glucoside), EGCG2 (a stabilized form of the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate), glycine, and zinc.

What sets Redensyl apart is its approach: it acts directly on the stem cells of the hair follicle, which are essential for restarting the hair growth cycle.

While many natural products focus on nourishing the scalp or reducing inflammation, Redensyl aims to reactivate the cellular machinery that gives rise to hair.

Redensyl is available on the market in different concentrations, generally ranging from 1% to 5%

The most common concentration in clinical studies is 3%, as shown in research presented by Givaudan Active Beauty in 2014, which reported an 8.9% increase in hair density and a 17% reduction in hair loss after 12 weeks of use.

However, some commercial products opt for lower or higher concentrations. For example, the LUXXUL hair serum claims to contain Redensyl but does not specify the exact concentration on its label, making it difficult to evaluate its potential effectiveness. Similarly, products like Kreyol Essence's serum mention the inclusion of Redensyl, but again, without detailing the concentration.

It’s important to note that a higher concentration doesn’t always guarantee better results, as effectiveness also depends on the overall formulation of the product and the ability of the ingredients to penetrate the scalp.

Moreover, higher concentrations could increase the risk of irritation for those with sensitive skin.

Redensyl combined with other ingredients: synergy or marketing?

In today's market, it's common to find products that combine Redensyl with other active ingredients, such as AnaGain, a pea extract rich in phytonutrients that is marketed as a hair growth stimulant. For example, the EKMIVEDA serum combines Redensyl with AnaGain and other Ayurvedic ingredients.

While the idea of combining multiple active ingredients might seem appealing, it’s essential to consider the scientific evidence behind these combinations. To date, there are no published clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of the specific combination of Redensyl and AnaGain. Therefore, any claims about their combined effectiveness are based more on synergy theories than on empirical data.

Furthermore, the inclusion of multiple active ingredients can increase the complexity of the formulation and the risk of interactions between components, which could affect the stability of the product or its tolerability for some users.

Marketing and scientific claims: a critical look

Upon reviewing the mentioned products, it’s clear that many use claims such as "clinically proven" or "scientifically formulated" in their marketing. However, these statements often lack specific references to published or peer-reviewed clinical studies.

For example, LUXXUL's hair serum claims to be "scientifically formulated to promote hair growth," but does not provide details about clinical studies supporting this statement. Similarly, Kreyol Essence's product mentions it is "backed by science," but offers no links or references to specific research.

How does Redensyl work in the hair follicle?

Hair growth depends on the proper functioning of stem cells located in the follicular bulge, a specialized region of the follicle. These cells can renew themselves and differentiate into the various types of cells that make up hair.

Redensyl stimulates these stem cells (specifically HFSCs, or hair follicle stem cells) to come out of their resting state and generate new hair.

One of its main compounds, DHQG, is a derivative of quercetin that acts as a potent antioxidant and epigenetic modulator. This means it can alter how certain genes are expressed without changing the DNA itself. In the context of hair, these changes promote the activation of the anagen phase (growth phase).

Unlike ingredients like rosemary oil, which have vasodilatory properties, Redensyl works at the intracellular level, where the follicle’s fate is determined.

What does science say? Laboratory and human results

One of the most cited studies on Redensyl was presented at the International Congress of Cosmetic Sciences in 2014 by the Induchem team. This research evaluated the effect of Redensyl on human cell cultures and later on volunteers.

In vitro study

Year: 2014
Method: Human follicular stem cell and dermal fibroblast cultures.
Sample: Cells taken from donated human scalp tissue.
Duration: 10 days.
Evaluation: Cell proliferation measured with viability assays (MTT) and genetic markers such as β-catenin and ALP.
Results: DHQG significantly increased the viability and proliferation of follicular stem cells compared to the control group.
Critique: While the results are promising, in vitro studies cannot precisely predict human behavior. They serve as exploratory steps but must be complemented by clinical trials.

Human clinical study

Year: 2014
Method: Controlled study comparing placebo vs. 3% Redensyl solution.
Sample: 26 men with androgenetic alopecia.
Duration: 84 days (12 weeks).
Evaluation: Digital trichoscopy was used to count the number of hairs in a fixed area of the scalp, along with photographic analysis and perception questionnaires.
Results: The Redensyl group showed an 8.9% increase in hair density and a 17% reduction in hair loss. Moreover, 85% of volunteers reported a visible improvement in overall hair appearance.
Critique: Although the results were positive, the sample size was small and the duration relatively short. Larger-scale, independent studies with more diverse groups (e.g., women or people with other types of alopecia) are still needed.

Is Redensyl natural? And what does that really mean?

A common misconception is assuming that Redensyl is completely natural. In reality, it consists of molecules derived from natural compounds, such as quercetin (found in oak) and epigallocatechin (from green tea).

However, these molecules have been chemically modified to improve their stability, absorption, and effectiveness. So, while Redensyl has plant origins, its processing distances it from the traditional concept of a "natural extract."

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many plant extracts degrade easily or do not penetrate the skin in useful concentrations. Redensyl overcomes that barrier by using optimized derivatives, giving it a clear functional advantage over ingredients like onion or aloe, whose effects are often superficial and temporary.

Why doesn’t Redensyl replace medical treatments?

It’s important to understand that Redensyl is not an FDA-approved drug like minoxidil or finasteride. Nor does it have hormonal effects or stimulate blood flow like minoxidil. Its main contribution lies in its action on follicular cell biology, making it ideal as a complementary treatment or for those who wish to avoid systemic side effects.

User Experiences

When comparing Redensyl to other natural ingredients for hair loss, Tressless community members have shared a wide range of feedback, particularly regarding its unique position as a supposed alternative to minoxidil.

One major thread of discussion focuses on Redensyl being marketed as a “natural” or “gentler” alternative to minoxidil. Several users questioned whether Redensyl could offer similar results without the side effects sometimes seen with minoxidil, such as irritation or dependency. In a 2023 thread, a user reported switching to Redensyl after experiencing side effects from minoxidil and asked if anyone had experienced "significant results" from Redensyl. Most replies were skeptical, noting that while Redensyl is included in many modern cosmeceutical formulas, actual regrowth results were limited or slow to appear.

Another user in a 2024 post sought a formula containing Redensyl and Capixyl but without caffeine, saw palmetto, or other herbs, suggesting there is a subset of users trying to isolate Redensyl's effects specifically, possibly due to sensitivities or side-effect concerns from herbal DHT blockers.

This illustrates the appeal of Redensyl for people who are seeking minimalistic or targeted ingredient lists in their routines.

In terms of effectiveness, a few users cited an increase in hair shedding during the first month of use—something often seen with minoxidil. One user experienced bald patches and considered switching to CosmeRNA after using Redensyl for 30 days. Others echoed similar experiences, suggesting the shedding may be a sign of a shift in the hair growth cycle but expressing concern about lack of regrowth follow-through.

There is also a recurring sentiment in posts like the Redensyl Megathread (with the highest community interaction), where users debated whether Redensyl lives up to its claim of being “80% more effective than minoxidil.” Many comments dismissed this as marketing hype. Several participants described it as a “nice serum” with good texture and scalp feel, but with limited or cosmetic-only effects—improving thickness or volume without truly addressing long-term regrowth. One user mentioned that it "doesn’t make hair greasy" and that it might persist longer after discontinuation than minoxidil, but results varied widely.

Some users combined Redensyl with other compounds like Capixyl, Procapil, or dermarolling, suggesting that it may play better as part of a broader routine rather than a standalone treatment. A 2021 post suggested using The Ordinary’s serum with dermarolling, reporting improved hair texture but not necessarily new growth.

In conclusion, Redensyl appears to be favored for its tolerability and natural appeal, especially among users who react poorly to more aggressive treatments. However, its efficacy as a primary regrowth agent remains underwhelming for many. Most community feedback suggests it may be more supportive than curative—best used alongside proven treatments rather than instead of them.

Is it worth it? Cost-benefit comparison with other natural ingredients**

While essential oils and plant extracts like rosemary, onion, or aloe are often cheaper and more accessible, their effectiveness remains variable and is often based on anecdotal evidence or preliminary studies without rigorous clinical control.

These ingredients are valued for their low cost and mild side effect profile, but they also present clear limitations when looking for a sustained solution to hair loss. In contrast, Redensyl represents a greater investment but comes with a more robust scientific foundation.

Its development as a cosmetic active is backed by lab studies, controlled clinical trials, and a formulation specifically designed to act on follicular stem cells. Although its price may be a barrier for some users, the cost-benefit ratio leans in its favor when considering its mechanism of action and documented results, especially in the early stages of hair loss.

However, the landscape changes when marketing is taken into account.

Many high-priced products highlight this ingredient without specifying its concentration or offering proprietary studies to support their particular formulation. As a result, consumers end up paying more without certainty of acquiring an effective product.

References

Givaudan Active Beauty. (2014). Redensyl: the first cosmetic alternative to hair transplantation. International Congress of Cosmetic Sciences. https://www.givaudan.com/file/40661/download

Rathi, S. K., & D'Souza, P. (2018). Comparative evaluation of hair growth efficacy of Redensyl and Minoxidil. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(6), 1047–1053. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30445612/

Chen, C. C., & Wang, L. C. (2014). Follicular stem cell biology and hair regeneration. Journal of Dermatological Science, 75(2), 109–120. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158629/

US Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Cosmetic Ingredients and Regulation. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients