Procapil vs Redensyl: how they compare
Procapil and Redensyl are both cosmetic hair-care ingredients, but they come from different suppliers and are made of different components. Procapil, developed by Sederma (Croda), combines biotinoyl tripeptide-1, apigenin and oleanolic acid; Redensyl, from Givaudan, combines dihydroquercetin glucoside, EGCG glucoside, glycine and zinc. Because they are different ingredients, many serums use both together.
By Aditya, Founder of Medzifi · Published · Updated
At a glance
| Procapil | Redensyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | Sederma (Croda) | Givaudan Active Beauty |
| Key components (INCI) | Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid | Dihydroquercetin Glucoside, EGCG Glucoside, Glycine, Zinc Chloride |
| How the supplier or distributor describes it | A bio-based active for hair care, aimed at the scalp and follicle (distributor data) | Targets stem cells and dermal papilla fibroblasts in the follicle (supplier data) |
| Concentration in published studies | A 3% lotion in a 4-month pilot trial (2025 review) | 1%–3%; a 3% serum in a 3-month trial (2025 review) |
| Category | Cosmetic ingredient | Cosmetic ingredient |
| In Dense | 3% | 3% |
What Procapil is
Procapil is a three-part complex. According to its distributor listing, the composition includes Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 (a vitamin-linked peptide, also written biotinyl-GHK), Apigenin (a plant flavonoid) and Oleanolic Acid, in a water-soluble base. The 2025 review in the International Journal of Trichology describes a placebo-controlled pilot trial in which a 3% Procapil lotion was applied twice a day for 4 months.
What Redensyl is
Redensyl combines two glucoside forms of plant polyphenols (from larch and green tea) with glycine and zinc. The same 2025 review lists it at 1%–3% and describes a placebo-controlled trial of 26 men who applied Redensyl 3% once a day for 3 months; the review cites that trial from the manufacturer's technical file.
Why serums combine them
Procapil and Redensyl are built from different components, so a formula can include both without repeating the same ingredient twice. Dense uses Redensyl 3% and Procapil 3% together, alongside Caffeine 1.5%, Niacinamide 2%, Panthenol 2% and GHK-Cu 0.05%. The full list, with every percentage, is on the Redensyl + Procapil ingredient page.
What the evidence does and does not show
The 2025 review is careful about both ingredients. It points out small sample sizes, studies sponsored by manufacturers, and the fact that many products mix several actives, which makes it hard to tell what each one contributes. There is no reliable head-to-head study showing that one is better than the other. Treat any brand claim that one of them “works best” with caution.
Frequently asked questions
Is Procapil better than Redensyl?
Neither is simply better. They are different ingredients from different suppliers, and the published studies are small, so there is no reliable head-to-head ranking.
Can Procapil and Redensyl be used together?
Yes. They are often combined in the same cosmetic serum. Dense uses Redensyl 3% and Procapil 3% together in one 50 ml serum.
What is Procapil made of?
Procapil combines three components: biotinoyl tripeptide-1, apigenin and oleanolic acid.
What is Redensyl made of?
Redensyl combines dihydroquercetin glucoside, EGCG glucoside, glycine and zinc chloride.
Are Procapil and Redensyl medicines?
No. Both are cosmetic ingredients. Products that contain them are cosmetic products, not treatments for any medical condition.
Sources
- Brenntag, Procapil product listing (distributor data, including the INCI composition).
- Givaudan Active Beauty, Redensyl product page (supplier data).
- Bikash C. “Topical Alternatives for Hair Loss: Beyond the Conventional.” International Journal of Trichology 2025;17(1):13–19. PMC12251978 (doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_8_23). A narrative review that summarises published and manufacturer studies.
A note on claims: Dense is a cosmetic hair-care product, not a medicine. It supports the look and feel of fuller, denser hair with consistent daily use and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have sudden, patchy or rapid hair loss, please consult a dermatologist.