Redensyl
Redensyl
INCIGlycerin, Aqua, Sodium Metabisulfite, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Glycine, Zinc Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
A patented blend that reactivates dormant follicle stem cells. Developed by Induchem (now part of Givaudan) in 2014. Often positioned as a gentler alternative to minoxidil.
What you need to know
What it is
A patented blend of two molecules: DHQG (from larch tree) and EGCG2 (a green tea derivative). Made through a green chemistry process.
What it does
Wakes up dormant hair follicle stem cells, calms scalp inflammation, pushes follicles back into the active growth phase.
Best for
Early stage thinning, telogen effluvium, post pregnancy shedding, anyone who didn't tolerate minoxidil.
Time to results
Reduced shedding by week 4 to 6. Visible regrowth at month 3. Stick with it 12 weeks before judging.
How it actually works
Hair grows in cycles. Anagen (active growth, 2 to 6 years), catagen (transition, 2 to 3 weeks), telogen (resting, around 3 months). Hair loss happens when too many follicles get stuck in telogen, or when stem cells in the follicle's outer root sheath stop dividing. Redensyl targets both.
DHQG wakes stem cells
The larch derived molecule activates ORSc (outer root sheath stem cells), protects them from cell death, and pushes the whole follicle back into anagen growth. Also boosts dermal papilla fibroblast metabolism.
EGCG2 calms inflammation
The green tea derivative reduces the chronic low grade scalp inflammation seen in androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. Healthier scalp, healthier follicle.
What the clinical data shows
Induchem's flagship trial was 26 male participants applying a Redensyl containing solution twice daily for 84 days, against placebo. Results:
more visible hair at 84 days
increase in anagen (growing) hairs
decrease in daily shedding
showed visible improvement
Redensyl vs the alternatives
Minoxidil has bigger trials and stronger absolute results, but causes initial shedding, requires twice daily commitment forever, and has a 30 to 40% non responder rate. Redensyl is gentler and slower.
Prescription only, strongest male pattern results, but the side effect profile (sexual dysfunction, mood) keeps many people away. Redensyl is topical only with no systemic risk.
Different mechanisms, no overlap, work synergistically. That's why all three appear in our Hair Thrivee+ formulation.
Biotin only helps if you're deficient (rare). Redensyl works on people with normal nutrition. Different mechanism entirely.
Side effects and how to use
Products with Redensyl
Where Redensyl shows up across our range. All four use Redensyl at 3% (the upper end of the studied range), paired with AnaGain, Baicapil and Capilia Longa.
Hair Thrivee+ Serum
3% RedensylLightweight scalp serum. Apply twice daily, leave on. Fast absorbing, no greasy residue.
Shop the serum → EFRESHMEHair Thrivee+ Shampoo
3% RedensylSulfate free daily wash. Cleanses without stripping, safe for coloured and chemically treated hair.
Shop the shampoo → EFRESHMEHair Thrivee+ Conditioner
3% RedensylMoisturising follow up. Detangles, softens, leaves hair manageable without weighing it down.
Shop the conditioner → EFRESHMEHair Thrivee+ Mask
3% RedensylWeekly deep treatment. Use once or twice a week in place of conditioner for extra repair.
Shop the mask →Common questions
What concentration of Redensyl actually works?
The clinical studies use 1 to 3%. Our Hair Thrivee+ uses 3%, the upper end of the studied range. Below 1% is unlikely to do much.
How long until I see results?
Reduced shedding usually shows up around weeks 4 to 6. Visible regrowth follows at month 3 onwards. Hair growth cycles are slow. Judge results at 12 weeks minimum.
Can I combine Redensyl with minoxidil?
Yes. They work through different mechanisms with no known antagonism. Many users stack them for combined effect. Apply Redensyl first, let it absorb, then apply minoxidil.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
Considered safe based on its plant derived nature and clean side effect profile. Always check with your doctor. Most physicians err cautious with anything topical during pregnancy.
Does it cause initial shedding like minoxidil?
No. The "minoxidil shed" comes from minoxidil's specific mechanism of forcing follicles into a synchronised cycle. Redensyl works gradually with no shedding phase.
Why does the INCI list include sulfite?
Sodium metabisulfite stabilises the EGCG2 component, which is otherwise sensitive to oxidation. It's the same preservative used in dried fruit and wine. If you've had skin reactions to sulfite preservatives before, patch test first.