40 SCALP CARE
relevance for follicle vitality. In vivo, a serum containing 2% cascara
caffeine extract improved perceived scalp health, comfort and vitality over 28 days and additionally provided an immediate sensory impression of scalp activation. Beyond efficacy, the cascara caffeine extract
also responds to current expectations for cosmetic ingredients. Its upcycled origin, traceable sourcing and sustainability story fit well with growing market interest in natural, innovative and responsible ingredients. In addition, its 100% natural origin, COSMOS and NATRUE certification, suitability for vegan formulations and preservative-free profile further support its relevance for modern cosmetic concepts. Taken together, the cascara caffeine extract
offers a distinctive platform for modern scalp-care concepts. It combines stimulation, protection and vitality support in one ingredient, while also connecting performance with sustainability. This makes it an attractive option for product concepts aimed at healthier-looking, more resilient and vital scalp and hair.
References 1. International Coffee Organization. Beyond Coffee: towards a circular coffee economy. Coffee Development Report 202223
2. SernaJiménez A et al. A review on the applications of coffee waste derived from primary processing: strategies for revalorization. Processes. 2022;10(2436):124
3. Otberg N et al. Follicular penetration of topically applied caffeine in vivo. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2007;20(6):445452
4. Winiarz A et al. The influence of caffeine on human hair follicle dermal papilla cells: role in proliferation and gene expression. Mol Med Rep. 2020;21:24472455
5. Visconti MJ et al. Therapeutic use of caffeine in dermatology: a literature review. J Dermatol Dermatol. 2020;24(1):1824
6. Szendzielorz E, Spiewak R. Caffeine as an active ingredient in cosmetic preparations against hair loss: a systematic review. Healthcare. 2025;13(395):116
7. Shetty KS et al. Trigonelline nanocrystalbased topical creams for the treatment of hair loss. Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2024;15(4):297303
8. Mai J. Use of trigonelline to revive, to stimulate and to enhance hair growth. European Patent EP0289639A1
9. Nguyen V et al. Pharmacological activities, therapeutic effects, and mechanistic actions of trigonelline. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(3385):122
10. Paus R, Cotsarelis G. The biology of hair follicles. N Engl J Med. 1999;341(7):491497
11. Flores A et al. Lactate dehydrogenase activity drives hair follicle stem cell activation. Nat Cell Biol. 2017;19(9):10121019
12. Matsumura H et al. Hair follicle aging is driven by transepidermal elimination of stem cells via COL17A1 proteolysis. Science. 2016;351:559613
13. Gironde C et al. AOP1, a new live cell assay for the direct and quantitative measure of intracellular antioxidant effects. Antioxidants. 2020;9(471):116
PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE June 2026 0% 0% A
Increase in positive rating for scalp health parameters
Overall scalp health 12.5% 25.0% * 0.0% 25.0% 37.5%
Feeling of scalp irritation 50.0%
* -6.3% 18.8%
62.5% 62.5%
6.3% PCM 37.5% 43.8%
Scalp dryness *
Hair vitality 50.0%
* 0.0% 18.8% 31.3%
Hair protection from daily stress 37.5%
*
12.5% 0.0%
43.8% 50.0% * *
Agreement 50%
100%
Figure 5: The cascara caffeine extract improves perceived scalp health and vitality. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, 32 women applied a serum containing 2% cascara caffeine extract or placebo to the scalp twice daily for 28 days. At baseline, day 14 and day 28, participants rated scalp-related parameters on a scale from 1 (poor condition) to 10 (good condition). Panel A shows the increase in positive ratings (scores 6–10) expressed as % change versus baseline. Panel B shows representative scalp images obtained at baseline, day 14 and day 28 after treatment with 2% cascara caffeine extract. N = 16 per group. Statistical significance between positive and negative responses was assessed using the sign and binomial tests; * p < 0.05
Immediate effect experienced by consumer 63%
I feel an immediate sense of scalp activation 75%
I feel an immediate boost of vitality 50%
75% 50% Agreement
Figure 6: Cascara caffeine extract provides an immediate sensory impression of scalp activation and vitality. After completing the 28-day study, volunteers were asked whether they experienced an immediate sense of scalp activation or an immediate boost of vitality after product applications. Responses were rated on a four-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Bars show the percentage of positive responses (ratings 3–4), normalized to 100%
www.personalcaremagazine.com 100% *
Treatment with 2% Cascara caffeine extract
■ D14 - Placebo ■ D28 - Placebo ■ D14 - 2% Cascara Caffeine Extract ■ D28 - 2% Cascara Caffeine Extract
* *
*
56.3% 56.3%
* *
Feeling of scalp comfort B
Scalp Health Images
Placebo ■ 2% Cascara Caffeine Extract ■
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
