Problem statement and research objective Study design Result Conclusion

The Alpecin Double Effect Caffeine Shampoo is effective against dandruff

Conducted by Derma Consult GmbH, Society for the Testing of Dermatological Products

Summary

This study examined the effectiveness of Alpecin Double Effect Caffeine Shampoo compared to a leading anti-dandruff shampoo and found that the Alpecin shampoo is just as effective at combating dandruff as the market-leading product.

Problem statement and research objective

Three black-and-white microscope images of scalp hair. First shows flakes, second shows tangled hair, third shows a clean scalp with visible strands. — Fig. 1: Scalp at the beginning of the study, Fig. 2: Scalp after 21 days, Fig. 3: Scalp after 42 days

Scalp dandruff and the genetic predisposition to hair loss often occur together in men. Due to the influence of the male hormone testosterone, the sebaceous glands are stimulated, which promotes microbiological growth and the formation of scalp dandruff.

Testosterone can also negatively affect hair growth in genetically predisposed hair roots and accelerate hair loss. This study tested the anti-dandruff effectiveness of a caffeine shampoo that contains both a caffeine complex and an active ingredient combination against scalp dandruff.

Study design

The test was conducted on 20 men aged between 18 and 55 years who suffered from increased dandruff. Before the study began, the participants were prepared using a neutral shampoo. The test shampoo used was the caffeine-containing anti-dandruff shampoo (Alpecin Double Effect Caffeine Shampoo) and a market reference known for its excellent anti-dandruff effect. The shampoos were applied over a period of 6 weeks. During this time, both the microbiological activity on the scalp and the total mass of dandruff were measured.

The condition of the scalp and dandruff formation directly on the scalp were recorded using a special camera technique, and the images were quantitatively assessed after the study was completed. In a questionnaire, the participants had the opportunity to express their subjective opinions about the test products.

Result

The quantitative evaluation of the dandruff amount showed that the total measurable amount of dandruff was significantly reduced compared to the market reference. [Graphic 2] The antimicrobial effect against Malassezia furfur (microorganisms) was also excellent for both products. The germ count was reduced by about half. [Graphic 1] The comparison of the scalp images confirmed the quantitative results very well. [Fig. 1-3]

Bar chart comparing 'Double-Effect' and 'Reference' results over 0, 21, and 42 days, with varying heights for each time point. — Graphic 2: Quantitative Dandruff Reduction [%]

Conclusion

The subjective assessment of the anti-dandruff effect confirms the quantitative results. According to the users, dandruff formation was also significantly reduced. Compared to the market reference, the test shampoo was just as effective. However, the comparative study also showed that dandruff formation on the scalp varies greatly among individuals, and during the application period, neither the test shampoo nor the market reference completely eliminated dandruff in every case.