Procapil is a plant-based hair loss formula that may support hair growth by reducing local dihydrotestosterone levels, improving scalp circulation, and strengthening hair anchoring in the follicle. While early findings are promising, evidence remains limited. So for now, Procapil is best used alongside proven treatments such as minoxidil, caffeine treatments, and finasteride.
Discover how Procapil works, what the current evidence says about its effectiveness, and how it compares with established hair loss treatments. Plus, decide whether Procapil deserves a place in your personalised hair loss management plan in this comprehensive guide.
Key takeaways
Procapil combines biotinoyl tripeptide-1, apigenin, and oleanolic acid. Combined, these ingredients may reduce local DHT levels, improve scalp circulation, and support healthier hair follicles.
Current research into Procapil for hair loss is encouraging. But most studies are small, manufacturer-sponsored, and/or evaluate Procapil alongside other active ingredients, limiting confidence in its standalone effectiveness.
Procapil is most suitable for people with early-stage or well-controlled hair loss. It’s generally more effective as part of a wider treatment plan than as a sole therapy.
You’ll need to use Procapil serums daily for at least 3 to 6 months to see results.
Discuss all available hair loss treatment options and devise a personalised hair loss management plan at the Wimpole Clinic.
Procapil is a unique hair loss formula containing a blend of ingredients that may help improve symptoms of male pattern baldness [1-3]. It consists of biotinoyl tripeptide-1, apigenin, and oleanolic acid, each of which has potential benefits for hair growth.
Procapil may reduce local dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels when applied to the scalp, allowing the follicles to continue producing hair for longer in those affected by male or female pattern hair loss [2]. It could also boost scalp circulation and improve hair anchoring in the dermal papilla of the follicle.
That said, most of the evidence backing Procapil is limited by small study sizes, manufacturer sponsorship, and standalone testing. So whether Procapil really works for hair loss remains to be seen. Let’s examine the evidence behind each Procapil ingredient.
Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 is a peptide that has several potential benefits for hair. Formulas containing biotinoyl tripeptide-1 have been shown to reduce activity of the 5-alpha-reductase (5AR) enzyme, which is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT [4]. This results in lower DHT levels, meaning more hair is protected from DHT-induced follicle miniaturisation.
That said, this study was commissioned and funded by the manufacturer of the formula in question (Biosea Revive serum), and other ingredients were involved. So this doesn’t definitely prove the effectiveness of biotinoyl tripeptide-1 as a DHT-blocking ingredient.
Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 may also offer some protection against heat-induced hair damage when applied to the hair shafts, making it a potentially useful ingredient in heat-protective hair formulas [5]. But there’s very little human research into the real-world effect of biotinoyl tripeptide-1 on hair growth by itself, so these benefits are mostly theoretical right now.
Apigenin is a compound found in many fruits and herbs, including chamomile, parsley, and celery. It has many positive effects, including efficacy as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent [6].
Animal studies have shown that topical application of apigenin has strong potential as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia, as it can stimulate proliferation of dermal papilla cells in the follicle and enhance blood flow [6-7]. Human studies containing apigenin as part of a wider ingredient complex have also shown promising results, although research is largely manufacturer-sponsored, so independent studies are needed to corroborate this [8].
Oleanolic acid is a plant-derived ingredient that has shown promise as a hair growth treatment in mouse studies [9-10]. Research suggests this ingredient may boost hair matrix cell proliferation and lower DHT levels by inhibiting 5AR activity.
As with other Procapil ingredients, a lot more independent human-based research is required to show the actual real-world effects of oleanolic acid as a hair loss treatment.
Procapil shows promise as a hair growth formula, but it’s unlikely to perform miracles. So if you have moderate to advanced hair loss, Procapil probably won’t do much to help.
Instead, Procapil can be a useful adjunctive treatment for those with mild or well-controlled hair loss. It won’t replace therapeutic options like minoxidil or finasteride, but it may be safe to use alongside these treatments to enhance your chances of hair regrowth.
Unlike some DHT blocking treatments — like finasteride and dutasteride — Procapil is likely to be safe for most women to use. However, pregnant women should avoid using Procapil, as it’s generally recommended that you limit exposure to any DHT-blocking agents.
The table below presents a round-up of all the human clinical trials of Procapil so far, so you can assess the potential results of this treatment [3, 8, 11-12]:
*Zinc Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid
Most studies show positive results (though it’s also important to acknowledge that all but one were sponsored or affiliated with the ingredient manufacturer). In fact, the least convincing results are those from the only non-manufacturer affiliated study so far.
So what results can you expect from using Procapil serums alone? It’s unclear. But you’re probably more likely to get results if you combine Procapil with other proven treatments.
While early Procapil results are promising, a lot of information is still up in the air. No large-scale studies have yet proved the standalone effectiveness of Procapil for hair loss, so results are far from guaranteed.
In addition, most Procapil studies involve other ingredients which have more extensive evidence to support their use for hair loss, such as caffeine, PRP hair therapy, and Aminexil (the brand name for diaminopyrimidine oxide) [8, 12-13]. So it’s unclear how much hair growth can be attributed to Procapil compared with other ingredients.
That’s why it’s generally best to combine Procapil-based hair density serums with other treatments that have more evidence to support their use.
Results from formulas containing Procapil have been seen in as little as 12 weeks [3]. But many people don’t see results until later, around 5-6 months after starting treatment. You’ll need to apply Procapil consistently — at least once a day — to achieve and sustain results.
Procapil isn’t available as a standalone treatment; it’s an ingredient used in hair and scalp serums and shampoos. In general, it’s best to use products that are designed to leave on to the scalp (like serums), rather than being washed away after a few minutes (like shampoos). This gives the active ingredients more time to work on your scalp.
Here’s how to apply a serum or lotion containing Procapil to your scalp:
Procapil appears to be safe and well-tolerated by most users, though more data is needed to confirm this, as only small studies have taken place so far. Side effects may include itchiness and symptoms of dermatitis, though it’s unclear if this reaction is down to Procapil or other ingredients [12].
Procapil is likely safer than other topical DHT blockers like topical finasteride, as it’s less potent. But pregnant or breastfeeding women should still be cautious about using it, as topical DHT blockers aren’t recommended for these women.
Minoxidil and finasteride are the two most popular treatments for male pattern baldness. Minoxidil boosts scalp circulation, so more nutrients and oxygen can reach the follicles, while finasteride reduces the amount of DHT in your system.
Both treatments have significantly more evidence compared with Procapil, so in most cases they should be your first port of call. But let’s compare these formulas to explore the differences in how they work, so you can make the right decision for you.
If you’re prepared to take a punt on a lesser-studied formula, you could try a hair loss serum containing Procapil. Results are more likely if you’re in the very early stages of hair loss (around stage 2 on the Norwood Scale).
Results aren’t guaranteed with minoxidil or finasteride either, but they are more likely. Finasteride is best for those with mild to moderate male pattern baldness, and shouldn’t be used by women. Minoxidil is suitable for people of all genders with many different types of hair loss, including alopecia areata and stress-related hair loss.
Yes, it’s likely to be safe to use Procapil products at the same time as minoxidil and/or finasteride. This is an over-the-counter product and there are no apparent reasons why it might interfere with minoxidil or finasteride, so it can be a useful adjunctive treatment.
Procapil is one of several proprietary hair loss formulas, most of which are based on plant extracts and peptides. Capixyl, Redensyl, AnaGain, and Baicapil are all currently used in various serums and shampoos to promote hair growth. So how does Procapil measure up?
Procapil is arguably the most studied of these formulas. But most of the evidence for Procapil is based on combined formulas, so it’s unclear exactly how effective it is on its own. And one comparative study found that AnaGain had the highest level of evidence to support its use out of these formulas [2]. Pea sprout extract — the active ingredient in AnaGain — has been shown to increase noggin and fibroblast-growth-factor-7, resulting in a prolonged hair growth phase [15].
Redensyl and Capixyl have similar levels of evidence to Procapil, with both mostly being trialled in combination with other ingredients [2]. So Procapil isn’t necessarily the best proprietary treatment out there in terms of evidence quality, though it is competitive, and may be worth adding to a multi-pronged hair loss treatment plan.
Thinking about trying Procapil? It’s available as an ingredient in many different hair loss serums and products, including:
Compare all the top hair density serums to discover which is right for your scalp and hair loss type.
Note: The Wimpole Clinic isn’t affiliated with any cosmetic hair treatment manufacturers or sellers. We don’t get commission if you buy any of these products.
If you’re already using treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, PRP therapy, or caffeine shampoos for hair loss, adding Procapil to your therapeutic hair loss plan shouldn’t pose a problem. Just select your preferred serum, lotion, or tonic that contains Procapil and apply it daily, according to the product instructions.
Use Procapil consistently for at least 3-6 months to see results. If you stop using it, you’ll probably lose any benefits you’ve seen from this treatment.
If you’re not yet using any other therapies to control hair loss, Procapil serums may not help much. Most evidence so far suggests this product should be combined with other proven formulas to achieve results. A licensed treatment like minoxidil is more likely to help you achieve visible results, particularly in the early stages of hair loss.
The Wimpole Clinic can support you to stronger, healthier, fuller hair with a bespoke hair loss management plan. Voted the UK’s best hair transplant clinic six years’ running, we know how to achieve results. So whether you’re looking for entry-level hair loss treatments or considering surgical hair restoration options, we can help.
Book a consultation at the Wimpole Clinic today. Get a hair loss assessment from one of our friendly hair loss specialists and discuss all available hair loss treatment options at your closest Wimpole Clinic location.
Find out more about Procapil and using this proprietary hair loss formula in these frequently asked questions.
Yes, you can use Procapil after a hair transplant. You’ll need to wait at least 10-14 days after your surgery before applying any kind of serum to your scalp to reduce the risk of infection. When all the hair transplant scabs have safely come off and your scalp is fully healed, it’s normally safe to start or resume Procapil use.
Procapil may help control DHT levels locally in the scalp, but it shouldn’t affect your overall DHT levels in the same way as oral finasteride. So you don’t need to worry about side effects like low mood or sexual dysfunction when using Procapil.
No, Procapil is different from minoxidil. While minoxidil is the active ingredient in minoxidil formulas, Procapil is a formula that contains three key active ingredients: biotinoyl tripeptide-1, apigenin, and oleanolic acid.
Minoxidil is a licensed treatment for hair loss with decades of evidence to support its use, while Procapil is a newer treatment with much less research behind it. That’s why minoxidil is normally recommended over Procapil and other proprietary formulas.
Procapil isn’t a drug; it’s a cosmetic formula. So approval from the Food and Drug Administration in the US (and similar organisations in other countries) isn’t required. This may be why studies into the effectiveness of Procapil are very limited and mostly manufacturer-funded.
Procapil is a plant-based formula, but it’s not exactly natural. It contains ingredients derived from fruits and vegetables — including apigenin and oleanolic acid — but also a synthetic peptide. These ingredients are prepared in a cosmetic complex, then added to scalp serums and shampoos which typically include more plant-derived and synthetic ingredients.
If you’re looking for natural hair loss remedies, other options may be more suitable. Rosemary hair oil has been shown to reduce hair loss, as well as other essential oils for hair loss, including pumpkin seed oil and peppermint oil [16-17]. See the best rosemary oil blends for hair loss for more natural treatment options.
Wimpole Clinic Services:
Hair Transplants, Beard Transplants & Eyebrow Transplants.
Talk to a specialist
Dr Ahmad Moussa (GMC: 6065705) is an experienced hair transplant surgeon and neurosurgeon. His qualifications include a Master of Science degree in General Surgery, Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Doctorate degree in Neurosurgery and Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Neurosurgery. He is a member of the British Medical Association and the Society of British Neurological Surgeons. Dr Moussa has over 15 years’ experience working in neurosurgery. He is a GMC-registered and Royal College of Surgeons-certified Neurosurgeon.
Dr Ahmad Moussa’s training and subsequent work as a consultant neurosurgeon in the NHS has included performing intricate brain surgery while patients are fully awake to be able to safely resect complex brain tumours. This level of skill, expertise and familiarity with the scalp has allowed Dr Moussa to successfully step into the rewarding world of hair transplant surgery.
Dr Moussa is trained in FUT and FUE hair transplant techniques, including combining the two techniques when required to achieve the appropriate number of grafts without overharvesting. He successfully carries out hair transplant surgery for both scalp and beard hair loss.
