In short: "hair growth serums" fall into two very different groups. Minoxidil serums contain a medicine with strong evidence. Cosmetic peptide serums (redensyl, procapil, capixyl, anagain, baicapil and others) have early, mostly manufacturer-funded evidence. If you want the best chance of regrowth, start with minoxidil. A cosmetic serum is at best an add-on.
Scored with our published method. No brand paid to be listed.
Two kinds of serum
| Minoxidil serums / solutions | Cosmetic peptide serums | |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Minoxidil (2–5%) | Redensyl, procapil, capixyl, anagain, baicapil, Aminexil, caffeine, rosemary… |
| Classed as | Medicine | Cosmetic |
| Evidence | Strong | Early |
| Typical cost per 100 ml (Oct 2026) | ₹270–500 for generics (₹160 per 60 ml at Jan Aushadhi MRP) | ₹1,070–3,080 |
| Common side effects | Itch, early shedding, facial hair | Mild irritation |
| → Minoxidil guide · Redensyl · Procapil |
What the percentages on labels mean
Some brands advertise totals like "18% actives" or "23 actives". When we checked the labels in October 2026:
- Minimalist's "18%" = Capixyl 5% + Redensyl 3% + Procapil 3% + Anagain 3% + Baicapil 4%. Each of these is itself a supplier blend, mostly carrier liquid, with a small amount of the active molecules.
- Be Bodywise and Man Matters advertise "23" actives, but the percentages they disclose add up to only about 10%. Procapil and Baicapil are listed in their ingredients without a percentage.
- The Ordinary's hair serum names all five major peptide complexes but gives no percentages. A higher total doesn't mean a stronger or better serum.
The scores
Draft scores (rules v0.1) out of 100 for "pattern thinning, non-prescription", from labels and prices checked on 14 October 2026. How each point was earned: research/data/scores-2026-10.csv; method: How we score.
| Serum | Type | Key actives (label) | Price | Per 100 ml | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generic minoxidil 5% (e.g. Zeelab Minoxil, Tinfal-5) | Minoxidil | Minoxidil 5% | ₹252–299 / 60 ml | ₹420–500 | 88 |
| Bare Anatomy Advanced Hair Growth | Peptide blend | Redensyl 3%, Anagain 4%, Baicapil 3%, Capilia Longa 1% | ₹565 / 30 ml | ₹1,883 | 66 |
| Pilgrim 3% Redensyl 4% Anagain | Peptide blend | Redensyl 3%, Anagain 4%, Capilia 5%, rosemary | ₹1,599 / 100 ml | ₹1,599 | 61 |
| Mamaearth Rosemary Scalp Serum | Peptide + botanical | Rosemary oil extract, Anagain 4%, RootBioTec 1% | ₹533 / 50 ml | ₹1,066 | 61 |
| Minimalist Hair Growth Actives 18% | Peptide blend | Capixyl 5%, Redensyl 3%, Procapil 3%, Anagain 3%, Baicapil 4% | ₹759 / 30 ml | ₹2,530 | 60 |
| WishCare Hair Growth Concentrate | Peptide blend | Redensyl 3%, Anagain 4%, Baicapil 2%, caffeine, biotin | ₹672 / 30 ml | ₹2,240 | 57 |
| The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum | Peptide blend | Five peptide complexes + caffeine (no %) | ₹1,849 / 60 ml | ₹3,082 | 57 |
| Be Bodywise Advanced Hair Growth | Peptide blend | Aminexil 2%, Redensyl 3%, Anagain 2%, rosemary 3% | ₹849 / 50 ml | ₹1,698 | 52 |
| Man Matters Advanced Hair Serum | Peptide blend | Redensyl 3%, Anagain 2%, Aminexil 1% | ₹649 / 30 ml | ₹2,163 | 51 |
| Indulekha Bringha Scalp Serum | Botanical | Bhringraj, amla, brahmi, rosemary oil (amounts stated); piroctone olamine | ₹460 / 30 ml | ₹1,533 | 49 |
Claims to read carefully: Bare Anatomy cites a "CTRI-registered clinical study" (the registration number wasn't shown on the page). Minimalist and Pilgrim quote "% of subjects agreed" consumer surveys. Indulekha's "11,000 new hairs" and Man Matters' "clinically proven" gave no study details.
Where to buy
Minoxidil (strongest evidence)
-
Zeelab
Minoxil 5% Alcohol-Free
60 mlLicensed pharmacies only. A prescription may be required.
Where to buyZeelab Pharmacy · ₹299 -
Leeford
Tinfal-5 (minoxidil 5%)
60 mlLicensed pharmacies only. A prescription may be required.
Where to buyPharmEasy · ₹252 -
Intas
Morr 5% (minoxidil)
60 mlLicensed pharmacies only. A prescription may be required.
Where to buyPharmEasy · ₹597
Prices and stock change often: these are what we saw on the date shown. Pack images are illustrations, not product photos. Links never affect scores or order. How we make money
Cosmetic serums
Prices and stock change often: these are what we saw on the date shown. Pack images are illustrations, not product photos. Links never affect scores or order. How we make money
How to use any serum
- Apply to a dry scalp, not the hair, in the thinning area.
- Don't apply at the same time as minoxidil unless the label says it's designed to be layered. Use one in the morning and one at night.
- Give it 3–6 months with monthly photos. → How to track results
FAQs
Which hair growth serum actually works? Minoxidil has the strongest evidence. Cosmetic serums may help a little, but proof is limited.
Are hair serums for men and women different? Mostly in marketing. Women are often advised 2% minoxidil or 5% foam once daily. → Female pattern hair loss
Can a serum stop hair fall from illness or delivery? That shedding usually settles on its own. → Telogen effluvium
Medical review pending: not yet reviewed by a dermatologist. Medical disclaimer
Discussion
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