Caffeine 0.2% Topical

What does the research say?

Research indicates that caffeine 0.2% topical can significantly improve hair health. In one study, a combination of caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol, dimethicone, and an acrylate polymer (CNPDA) increased the cross-sectional area of individual terminal scalp hair by 10% [1] . Another study found that caffeine-based products increased hair density and reduced hair shedding, with visible improvements in hair thickness and scalp coverage [6] [13] .

Skin irritation

Some users may experience mild skin irritation, such as redness or itching, when using caffeine 0.2% topical [3] [13] .

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis, a type of skin inflammation, has been reported in rare cases with topical caffeine formulations [3] .

Keratinocyte apoptosis in specific hair follicle compartments

In specific hair follicle compartments, caffeine may promote keratinocyte apoptosis (cell death), though this effect is not commonly observed in clinical use [13] .

[1] Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Literature

This review discusses the use of caffeine 0.2% topical as part of a novel treatment (CNPDA) for hair loss, which also includes niacinamide, panthenol, dimethicone, and an acrylate polymer. The combination was found to increase the cross-sectional area of individual terminal scalp hair by 10%.

[2] Management of androgenic alopecia: a systematic review of the literature

This systematic review evaluates various treatments for androgenic alopecia, including topical caffeine, and highlights the importance of a multifaceted approach to hair loss management.

[3] Comparing Current Therapeutic Modalities of Androgenic Alopecia: A Literature Review of Clinical Trials

This review compares different treatments for androgenic alopecia, including topical finasteride and caffeine, and discusses their efficacy and side effects.

[4] An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

This study compares the efficacy of a caffeine-based topical liquid 0.2% with minoxidil 5% in treating male androgenetic alopecia.

[5] Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

This study evaluates the effects of antioxidants, including caffeine, on scalp health and hair shedding.

[6] Efficacy of a cosmetic phyto-caffeine shampoo in female androgenetic alopecia

This study investigates the efficacy of a phyto-caffeine shampoo in treating female androgenetic alopecia over a 6-month period.

[7] Biomolecules of Fermented Tropical Fruits and Fermenting Microbes as Regulators of Human Hair Loss, Hair Quality, and Scalp Microbiota

This study explores the effects of caffeine 0.2% topical on hair loss, hair density, and hair follicle structure, showing significant improvements compared to placebo.

[8] Anti-hair loss effect of a shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine

This study examines the effects of a shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine on hair loss, showing potential benefits in reducing hair shedding.

[9] Clinical Efficacy of a Topical Compounded Formulation in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Minoxidil 10%, Finasteride 0.1%, Biotin 0.2%, and Caffeine Citrate 0.05% Hydroalcoholic Solution

This study evaluates the efficacy of a topical formulation containing caffeine citrate in treating male androgenetic alopecia, showing improvements in hair density and scalp coverage.

[10] Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment in Asian Men

This study investigates the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in Asian men, including the use of caffeine-based products.

[11] Recent patent applications for coffee and coffee by-products as active ingredients in cosmetics

This review discusses the use of coffee and its by-products, including caffeine, in cosmetic formulations for hair care.

[12] Reduction of telogen rate and increase of hair density in androgenetic alopecia by a cosmetic product: Results of a randomized, prospective, vehicle-controlled double-blind study in men

This study evaluates the effects of a cosmetic product containing caffeine on hair density and telogen rate in men with androgenetic alopecia.

[13] Transepidermal UV radiation of scalp skin ex vivo induces hair follicle damage that is alleviated by the topical treatment with caffeine

This study demonstrates that caffeine 0.2% topical protects hair follicles from UV radiation-induced damage and promotes hair growth by up-regulating IGF-1 expression.