Procapil™

Procapil™

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

INCI Name
Butylene Glycol (and) Aqua (Water) (and) PPG-26-Buteth-26 (and) PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (and) Apigenin (and) Oleanolic Acid (and) Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1
(Trade name: Procapil™ – developed by Sederma, part of Croda International Plc)

Typical Usage Levels

• 1% – 3% Procapil™ complex in leave-on scalp formulations

• Designed for daily, long-term cosmetic use

• Used within dermatologically tolerated limits

What This Ingredient Does

Procapil™ is a patented cosmetic complex designed to address hair loss driven by follicular aging and androgenetic mechanisms.

Androgenetic hair loss involves multiple overlapping factors, including:

• Increased local dihydrotestosterone (DHT) activity

• Reduced follicular microcirculation

• Gradual weakening of follicle anchoring structures

• Local oxidative and inflammatory stress

Procapil™ targets these pathways through a non-hormonal, cosmetic mechanism. One of its key components, oleanolic acid, has been studied for its ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase activity, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT at the follicular level.

By helping moderate local DHT signaling (without altering systemic hormones) and supporting follicle anchoring and microenvironment health, Procapil™ contributes to slowing follicle miniaturisation and supporting hair density over time.

Functional Components & Their Role

Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1

• A vitamin-linked peptide supporting extracellular matrix proteins

• Helps reinforce the anchoring structures that secure the hair fiber

Apigenin

• A plant-derived flavonoid

• Supports scalp microcirculation around follicles

• Provides antioxidant protection against follicular oxidative stress

Oleanolic Acid

• A botanical triterpene compound

• Studied for its ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase activity

• Helps reduce DHT-driven follicular stress associated with androgenetic hair loss

• Acts locally without systemic hormonal alteration

Benefits

• Helps reduce hair loss associated with androgenetic pathways

• Supports stronger follicle anchoring and reduced shedding

• Helps moderate local DHT activity at the scalp

• Supports scalp conditions favorable for sustained hair growth

• Improves the appearance of hair density with consistent use

Who It’s Suitable For

• Androgenetic hair loss in men and women

• Early to moderate hair thinning

• Hair loss linked to follicular aging and androgen sensitivity

• Individuals seeking non-drug, non-hormonal scalp solutions

It is frequently paired with caffeine, Redensyl®, AnaGain®, peptides, niacinamide, and amino acids to target multiple hair loss pathways.

Note by Dr. Su

(M.D. Dermatologist)

In androgenetic hair loss, DHT-related follicular stress and weakening of anchoring structures play a central role. Procapil™ helps address both by supporting follicle anchoring and moderating local DHT activity through non-hormonal pathways, making it suitable for long-term scalp care in androgen-sensitive hair loss.

References (Verified & Appropriate)

Sawaya ME, Price VH.
Different levels of 5α-reductase type I and II in scalp hair follicles.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1997; 109(3):296–300.

Yokoyama H et al.
Inhibitory effect of oleanolic acid on 5α-reductase activity.
Planta Medica, 2000; 66(8):753–755.

Schwartz JR, et al.
The role of peptides in hair follicle biology.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018; 17(2):241–249.

Ganceviciene R, et al.
Skin anti-aging strategies.
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2012; 4(3):308–319.

EU CosIng Database
Ingredient entries for Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1
European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database.

International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary & Handbook (PCPC)
Trade name and INCI documentation for Procapil™.