Caffeine became a shampoo ingredient largely through Alpecin, and the most useful study on it is about absorption rather than hair growth.
In a 2007 study in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, researchers applied a caffeine shampoo for two minutes and then measured caffeine in volunteers' blood. By blocking the hair follicles on some test sites, they could tell how much came in through the follicles. Caffeine was absorbed through both routes, but the follicles were faster, and in the first 20 minutes they were the only fast route in.
The practical takeaway is contact time. Leave a caffeine shampoo on the scalp for at least two minutes before rinsing.
Where to find it
Caffeine appears in Regenepure DR, DS Laboratories Revita, Alpecin C1 and Nioxin System 2. Regenepure DR is the only one that also contains ketoconazole and saw palmetto.
Shampoos with caffeine
Top pick
Best overall
- Maker
- Regenepure
- Size
- 8 oz
- Typical price
- $35.00 · $4.38/oz
- Key ingredients
- 4 of 5
- Ketoconazole with saw palmetto, caffeine, emu oil, niacin and vitamin B6
- No sulfates or parabens
- Recommended and dispensed by hair transplant surgeons and dermatologists for post-op care
- Pairs with Regenepure NT on alternate days
Shop Regenepure DR → · Full review
Caffeine and biotin
- Maker
- DS Laboratories
- Size
- 7 oz
- Typical price
- $36.00 · $5.14/oz
- Key ingredients
- 2 of 5
- Built around caffeine, biotin and other scalp actives
- Sulfate-less cleansing system
- Priced near the top of the list
Check price for Revita → · Full review
Caffeine on a budget
- Maker
- Dr. Kurt Wolff
- Size
- 8.45 oz
- Typical price
- $16.00 · $1.89/oz
- Key ingredients
- 1 of 5
- Caffeine is the headline ingredient
- Brand recommends two minutes of contact time
- Silicone-less, uses a sulfate cleanser
Check price for Alpecin C1 Caffeine → · Full review
Salon three-step system
- Maker
- Nioxin
- Size
- 10.1 oz
- Typical price
- $20.49 · $2.03/oz
- Key ingredients
- 3 of 5
- Caffeine, biotin, niacin and peppermint
- Step one of a shampoo, conditioner and treatment system
- Uses a sulfate cleanser
Check price for System 2 Cleanser → · Full review
Related reading
Sources
- Otberg N, et al. Follicular penetration of topically applied caffeine via a shampoo formulation. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2007.
