Encyclopedia · protein or peptide
Capixyl
Capixyl is a branded blend of a peptide and a red clover isoflavone; one tiny trial of a similar blend matched 3% minoxidil, with no placebo arm.
What it is
Capixyl is a supplier-branded cosmetic active combining the peptide acetyl tetrapeptide-3 with biochanin A, an isoflavone from red clover. The version studied in a trial added ginseng extract (Lueangarun 2020). See also acetyl tetrapeptide-3. It is a cosmetic in the US, EU and UK.
How it works
Supplier materials claim the peptide supports the follicle's anchoring matrix and biochanin A blocks 5-alpha-reductase. No independent primary data for these mechanisms are available.
What the studies show
- In 32 people (16 men) with mild to moderate pattern hair loss, 1 mL twice daily of a blend of biochanin A, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 and ginseng raised terminal hair count 8.3% over 24 weeks, versus 8.7% for 3% minoxidil, with no significant difference. There were no local reactions with the blend and one eczema case with minoxidil. There was no placebo arm and no funding was reported. Lueangarun 2020
- A 2025 review lists Capixyl among hyped actives whose evidence is mostly small studies of combined formulas with conflicts of interest. Bikash 2025
How it's used in studies
1 mL of the blend twice daily for 24 weeks.
Side effects and safety
No local adverse reactions were reported in the single trial. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, which may matter to people avoiding them, but no data on scalp use were found.
Bottom line
One 32-person trial without placebo cannot show that Capixyl works, and "comparable to 3% minoxidil" with 8% gains does not mean equivalent to the standard 5% minoxidil. It is reasonable as an add-on, not a replacement. It needs a placebo-controlled replication with independent funding.
Studies 2
Lueangarun S, Panchaprateep R. An herbal extract combination (biochanin A, acetyl tetrapeptide-3, and ginseng extracts) versus 3% minoxidil solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a 24-week prospective, randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020
Tested: 1 mL twice daily of biochanin A, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 and ginseng blend vs 3% minoxidil, no placebo arm
Result: Terminal hair count rose 8.3% with the blend vs 8.7% with minoxidil, no significant difference; no local reactions with the blend, one eczema case with minoxidil.
Read the study ↗Bikash C. Topical alternatives for hair loss: beyond the conventional. Int J Trichology. 2025
Tested: Redensyl, Capixyl, Procapil, Baicapil, AnaGain and similar actives
Result: Evidence is mostly small studies of combined formulas, often conflicted and rarely compared with standard therapy.
Read the study ↗Related
- Acetyl tetrapeptide-3Acetyl tetrapeptide-3 is a short peptide sold in hair serums, almost always with biochanin A; one small trial of a three-part blend matched 3% minoxidil.
- Biotinoyl tripeptide-1Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 is biotin attached to the GHK peptide; the only hair-growth data are manufacturer claims.
- ProcapilProcapil is a branded trio of a biotin-linked peptide, apigenin and oleanolic acid sold as a hair-anchoring active, with small studies that are mostly add-ons to other treatments.
- RedensylRedensyl is a branded cosmetic blend marketed to wake follicle stem cells, with one small vehicle-controlled trial in a blend and several maker-linked open-label studies.
- MinoxidilThe most widely used hair-growth treatment, available as a cheap over-the-counter lotion or foam and as a prescription tablet, with a mechanism that is still only partly understood.