Efficacy of a cosmetic caffeine shampoo for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men

Most men suffering from androgenetic alopecia (hair loss caused by male hormones, abbreviation: AGA) show hair loss with a certain progression pattern that can lead to full baldness. Male-type AGA can manifest any time after puberty, affects almost 50% of 50-year-olds and is due to a genetic predisposition in most cases.

One important factor for the onset of AGA is the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A hypersensitivity of the hair roots to this hormone decreases the hair root’s energy supply so that the growth cycle is prematurely disrupted. The hair follicles gradually become smaller and are finally destroyed.

The caffeine-containing active ingredient from Alpecin protects the hair roots against the dihydrotestosterone attack and supplies sufficient growth energy. The growth phases are prolonged again, thereby preventing baldness.

A randomised, controlled, double-blind, parallel group trial with 66 healthy men affected by androgenetic alopecia was conducted at the Center for Cosmetic Research at Catholic University in Rome. Skin tolerability, efficacy against hair loss and the cosmetic properties of Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 (hereinafter referred to as “verum”) were tested in comparison to Alpecin Medicinal Shampoo Concentrate for oily hair (hereinafter referred to as “control” meaning a product without caffeine) in a six-month application.

The trial participants had the corresponding age (18 to 55 years), the phototype (Fitzpatrick I-IV), hair resistance against pulling (minimum of 18 hairs) and the Hamilton-Norwood type (II-IV) and were selected according to the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were randomly divided into one verum and one control group with 33 participants each.

A quantity of 7 ml of shampoo was applied respectively, left on the hair and scalp for two minutes and subsequently rinsed out. After three and six months of treatment, product efficacy was rated using a test subject questionnaire. Skin tolerability was visually assessed and rated using a dermatological questionnaire at the start as well as after three and six months of treatment.

Caffeine has proven to be a useful aid in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia that can counteract the inhibition of human hair growth based on dihydrotestosterone. Hair follicles provide a highly efficient path for penetration and a reservoir for topically applicable substances.

The study proves the skin tolerability of Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 (verum) and Alpecin Medicinal Shampoo Concentrate for oily hair (control). In addition, Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 demonstrates good cosmetic efficacy, a decrease in hair loss, a reduction in the number of hairs in the sink, an improvement of hair strength and thickness as well as a reduction in the progression of baldness.

A total of 85% of the test subjects were satisfied with the verum, compared to only 36% with the control, and would continue treatment with the Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1. As a result, Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo C1 can be considered an effective cosmetic, growth-stimulating aid in the treatment of AGA.