Procapil is on the label of many hair loss shampoos and scalp serums, including a lot of the products we sell. This guide explains what it actually is, what is inside it, what the evidence does and does not show, and how to choose between a shampoo and a leave-in serum.
What is Procapil?
Procapil is the trade name of a cosmetic ingredient made by Sederma, a French ingredient company that is part of the Croda group. It is not a single molecule but a blend of three components:
- Biotinoyl tripeptide-1, a small peptide linked to biotin.
- Apigenin, a flavonoid found in plants such as chamomile and citrus fruits.
- Oleanolic acid, a plant compound found in olive leaves.
Brands add it to shampoos, leave-in serums, sprays and scalp lotions. It is a cosmetic ingredient, not a medicine, and the products that contain it are sold as cosmetics.
What the evidence does and does not show
Most of the published information on Procapil comes from the ingredient maker's own laboratory work and small studies with volunteers. There are very few large, independent clinical trials, so we would be wary of any product that promises a specific result.
What that means in practice:
- Procapil is a reasonable ingredient to look for in a daily scalp care routine. It is widely used in cosmetics, but as with any new product, try it on a small area first if your skin is sensitive.
- It is not a treatment for hair loss and it is not a substitute for licensed treatments. If you are losing hair and are worried, a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist can tell you what is appropriate for you.
- Results vary from person to person, and any cosmetic routine needs months of regular use before you can judge it fairly.
Shampoo or leave-in serum?
The same ingredient is used very differently depending on the product:
| Product type | How long it stays on the scalp | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | A minute or two, then it is rinsed off | Everyday washing; the gentlest way to add Procapil to a routine |
| Leave-in serum or spray | Stays on the scalp until the next wash | People who want the ingredient to stay in contact with the scalp for longer |
You will often see a percentage on the label, such as 3% or 5% Procapil. That figure usually refers to how much of the Procapil ingredient, as supplied by Sederma, is in the formula. The supplied ingredient is already a dilute blend in a carrier liquid, so the percentage is not the amount of each active component.
Using Procapil products after a hair transplant
Your clinic's instructions always come first. In general:
- A gentle, sulphate-free shampoo is used from the first washes, on the schedule your surgeon gives you. Our guide to what shampoo to use after a hair transplant covers the timing.
- Leave-in serums and sprays are usually only started once your clinic says the scalp has healed, which for many people is after the scabs have come away. See when hair transplant scabs fall off.
- Dermaroller kits should only be used once your clinic confirms that the scalp is ready for them.
For the bigger picture, month by month, read our hair transplant recovery timeline.
Procapil products we stock
Shampoos
- RISE+ Post-Transplant Repair Shampoo (300ml): Procapil with saw palmetto, nettle, horse chestnut, green tea and hops in a sulphate-free base.
- Dermolente Primo Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo (300ml): 3% Procapil in a shampoo made for daily use.
- The Mossi London Hair Loss Shampoo (200ml): Procapil with saw palmetto extract, free from sulphates and parabens.
- HairMD Clinical Hair Repair Shampoo (250ml): Procapil with AnaGain and keratin, also available in 150ml and 750ml.
Leave-in serums and sprays
- RISE+ 5% Procapil Repair Serum (60ml), also in 120ml: 5% Procapil, applied to the scalp twice a day.
- HairMD Clinical Hair Repair Serum (60ml): Procapil with AnaGain and sodium DNA.
- HairMD Clinical GF+ Hair Repair Serum (60ml): Procapil with Redensyl and Capixyl.
- HairMD Clinical FN Hair Repair Serum (60ml): Procapil with saw palmetto.
- HS Hair Style Anti-Hair Loss Spray (100ml): a light daily spray with Procapil and argan oil.
- Dermolente Primo Hair Serum (60ml): Procapil with salicylic acid and saw palmetto.
Sets and dermaroller kits
Procapil is also part of several of our hair transplant aftercare sets, including the RISE+ 3-Month and 6-Month sets and the HairMD Clinical repair sets, and of the dermaroller kits in our serums and dermaroller range.
Quick answers
Is Procapil the same as minoxidil?
No. Minoxidil is a licensed medicine. Procapil is a cosmetic ingredient, and the products that contain it are sold as cosmetics.
Can I use a Procapil shampoo and a Procapil serum together?
Yes, many routines combine the two: the shampoo for washing and a leave-in serum afterwards. Follow the directions on each product and, after a transplant, your clinic's timing.
How long before I can judge a routine?
Hair grows slowly, so give any cosmetic routine at least three months of regular use before deciding whether it suits you.
Related guides
- What shampoo after a hair transplant? What the evidence supports
- Hair transplant recovery timeline, week by week
- Hair transplant scabs: when they fall off and how to wash safely
- Shock loss after a hair transplant
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your surgeon's instructions take priority over anything written here. Our products are cosmetic products and food supplements, not medicines.
0 comments