Procerin is a two-part hair loss system — oral capsules and a topical activator gel — designed to block DHT (dihydrotestosterone) using natural ingredients. It's been on the market since 2002 and has undergone an IRB-approved clinical study. Here's what the evidence shows and where it falls short.
The Procerin system: oral DHT-blocking capsules and topical activator gel.
How Procerin Works
Male pattern baldness is driven by DHT — a potent androgen that causes genetically susceptible follicles to miniaturize over time. Procerin targets this process from two directions:
Oral capsules contain a blend of natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors — saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, pumpkin seed extract, zinc, vitamin B6, and supporting botanicals. These compounds reduce the conversion of testosterone to DHT systemically, lowering overall DHT levels without the hormonal disruption profile of prescription finasteride.
Topical Activator is applied directly to the scalp to deliver DHT-blocking compounds at the follicle level. This two-pronged approach — systemic reduction plus local inhibition — is designed to address DHT from both directions.
The IRB-Approved Clinical Study
What distinguishes Procerin from most OTC hair loss supplements is the existence of an IRB (Institutional Review Board) approved clinical study. IRB approval means an independent ethics committee reviewed and approved the study design, informed consent procedures, and data handling protocols — the same oversight required for pharmaceutical trials.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a statistically significant proportion of Procerin users experienced measurable improvement in hair growth compared to placebo. Results were most pronounced in men under 40 in early stages of androgenetic alopecia (Norwood II–IV).
This level of evidence is uncommon for an over-the-counter supplement. Most competitors cite ingredient-level research (e.g., 'saw palmetto has been studied for DHT blocking') rather than product-level clinical data.
What Real Users Say
Clinical study participants who used Procerin provided video testimonials documenting their experience. Several key themes emerge from the interviews:
"I noticed a significant difference in the thickness of my hair after using Procerin consistently for about 4 months. The shedding slowed down first, and then I started seeing regrowth in areas that had been thinning."
Watch clinical study participant interviews on the Procerin for Men YouTube channel — these are real people who participated in the IRB-approved study, not paid testimonials.
"What I liked about Procerin is that it was natural. I didn't want to deal with the side effects of finasteride — I'd read about them and they concerned me. With Procerin, I haven't had any side effects at all, and my hair loss has definitely slowed down."
Procerin oral capsules — natural DHT-blocking formula.
Ingredients Breakdown
Procerin's oral formula includes:
- Saw Palmetto — The most studied natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. Inhibits both Type 1 and Type 2 5-AR, reducing DHT production.
- Beta-Sitosterol — Plant sterol with competitive inhibition at androgen receptors and possible 5-AR inhibition. Works synergistically with saw palmetto.
- Pumpkin Seed Extract — A 2014 RCT showed 40% increase in hair count vs. placebo over 24 weeks at 400mg/day.
- Zinc — Essential mineral that inhibits 5-alpha-reductase. Deficiency is associated with accelerated hair loss.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) — Supports zinc absorption and plays a role in protein metabolism needed for hair growth.
- Nettle Root Extract — Binds to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), potentially reducing free DHT available to follicles.
- Gotu Kola — Supports scalp microcirculation and collagen synthesis.
Honest Pros and Cons
Pros
- IRB-approved clinical study — rare for an OTC supplement
- No prescription required
- Natural ingredients with low side effect profile
- 20+ year track record on the market
- Two-part system (oral + topical) addresses DHT from both directions
- No reported sexual side effects — a major differentiator vs. finasteride
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Lower DHT suppression than prescription finasteride (~60% reduction with finasteride vs. moderate with natural compounds)
- Works best for early-stage hair loss (Norwood II–IV) — limited data for advanced loss
- Requires consistent daily use — skip doses and you lose ground
- Results take 3–6 months to become visible
- Monthly cost ($40–50/month for oral + topical) adds up over time
- Not as widely known as Hims or Keeps — less mainstream visibility
Who Procerin Works Best For
Based on the clinical data and user reports, Procerin OTC is best suited for:
- Men under 40 with early-to-moderate hair loss (Norwood II–IV)
- Men who want to address DHT without prescription medication
- Men who tried finasteride and experienced side effects
- Men who prefer a natural approach with actual clinical backing
If you're Norwood V or beyond, or if you want the maximum DHT suppression available, prescription finasteride or the Procerin Rx topical blend may be more appropriate. See our XT vs Rx comparison for a detailed breakdown of both topical options.