Capixyl

Category: Hair fall control complex, follicle-supporting active
Used in: Haircare, leave-on scalp serums, anti–hair fall treatments

INCI (Official Supplier Listing)
Butylene Glycol (and) Aqua (Water) (and) Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (and) Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract
(Trade name: Capixyl® – developed by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, part of IFF)

Typical Usage Levels

• 2.5% – 5% Capixyl® complex in leave-on scalp formulations
• Designed for daily cosmetic use
• Suitable for long-term scalp application

What This Ingredient Does

Capixyl® is a cosmetic hair-supporting complex designed to address hair fall associated with follicular weakening, micro-inflammation, and androgenetic mechanisms.

Androgenetic hair loss involves elevated local dihydrotestosterone (DHT) activity, which contributes to:

• Miniaturisation of genetically susceptible hair follicles
• Shortened hair growth cycles
• Progressive reduction in hair density

Capixyl® targets these processes through non-hormonal, cosmetic pathways. Its botanical component, Trifolium pratense (red clover) extract, contains bioactive isoflavones that have been shown to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

By helping moderate local DHT activity at the follicular level—without altering systemic hormone levels—Capixyl® reduces DHT-related follicular stress while simultaneously supporting follicle anchoring and extracellular matrix integrity.

Functional Components & Their Role

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

• A biomimetic peptide supporting extracellular matrix proteins
• Helps reinforce anchoring structures that secure the hair fiber
• Supports dermal papilla stability and follicular resilience

Trifolium Pratense (Red Clover) Flower Extract

• Rich in bioactive isoflavones
• Studied for 5-alpha-reductase inhibition
• Helps reduce DHT-driven follicular miniaturisation
• Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support
• Acts locally without systemic hormonal interference

Benefits

• Helps reduce hair loss associated with androgenetic pathways
• Supports stronger hair follicle anchoring
• Helps moderate local DHT activity at the scalp
• Reduces inflammation-linked follicular stress
• Supports visible improvement in relative hair density with consistent use

Who It’s Suitable For

• Androgenetic hair loss in men and women
• Early to moderate hair thinning
• Hair fall associated with inflammation and follicle weakening
• Individuals seeking non-drug, non-hormonal scalp solutions

It is often paired with caffeine, peptides, Procapil™, Redensyl®, niacinamide, and amino acids to target multiple hair fall pathways.

Note by Dr. Su

(M.D. Dermatologist)

In androgenetic hair loss, both DHT-related follicular stress and weakening of anchoring structures contribute to shedding. Capixyl® helps address these factors by inhibiting local 5-alpha-reductase activity through red clover isoflavones while reinforcing follicle attachment, making it suitable for long-term scalp care in both hairfall and androgen-sensitive hair thinning.

References

1. Lucas Meyer Cosmetics (IFF).
   Capixyl® – A biomimetic peptide complex to combat hair loss.
   Supplier technical documentation.

2. Rinaldi F, et al.
   Inflammation and hair loss: How the scalp environment affects follicular health.
   International Journal of Trichology, 2016; 8(3): 116–121.

3. Trüeb RM.
   Oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms in hair loss.
   Dermatologic Clinics, 2013; 31(1): 167–181.

4. Schwartz JR, et al.
   Peptides in cosmetic dermatology and their role in hair care.
   Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018; 17(2): 241–249.

5. EU CosIng Database
   Ingredient entries for Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 and Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract.
   European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database.

6. International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary & Handbook (PCPC)
   INCI documentation for Capixyl® components.