DS Laboratories Spectral DNC-N is a topical hair loss treatment considered to be more effective than Minoxidil. Products of this sort tend to come with a long list of ingredients, many of which are not well known. So for the benifit of nicehair.org readers, here is an explanation of the ingredients in this popular topical.
Full ingredients list
- Deionized Water 64.2%
- Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein 6%
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract 6%
- Nanoxidil 5%
- Adenosine 1.5%
- Butylene Glycol 1.5%
- Aminexil 1.25%
- Arginine 1.25%
- Phospholipids (Nanosomes) 1.25% Acetyl Tyrosine 1.0%
- Ppg-26-Buteth-26 1.0%
- Arctium Majus Root Extract 1.0%
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein 1.0%
- Procyanidin B2 0.75%
- Polyquaternium-11 0.75%
- Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 0.75%
- Peg 12 Dimethicone 0.6%
- Calcium Pantothenate 0.55%
- Apigenin 0.5%
- Ethanol 0.5%
- Isolaureth-6 0.5%
- Zinc Gluconate 0.25%
- Taurine 0.25%
- Prezatide Copper Acetate* 0.25%
- Niacinamide 0.25%
- Oleanolic Acid 0.25%
- Ornithine Hcl 0.20%
- Citrulline 0.20%
- Retinol 0.20%
- Glucosamine Hcl 0.20%
- Propyleneglycol0.20%
- Peg-8 Dimethicone 0.20%
- Biotinoyl Tripeptide* 0.20%
- Biotin 0.15%
- Dimethiconol 0.15%
- Silicone Quaternium-2 Panthenol Succinate 0.15%
- Cetrimonium Chloride 0.05%
Ingredients Explained
Nanoxidil
Nanoxidil is a new more advanced form of minoxidil, developed by DS Labs. The nanoxidil molecule is smaller than minoxidil and therefore is thought to penetrate the scalp more effectively than minoxidil. It is thought that one of the big problems with minoxidil is that it doesn’t effectively penetrate the scalp — maybe nanxidil is the solution to that problem.
Hydrolyzed lupin protein
Hydrolyzed lupin protein has a regenerating effect on skin and is synthesized from white lupin (Lupinus albus). Its structure is very similar to albumin, a protein found in egg whites.
Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng root extract, obtained from the root of Asian ginseng, fights infection and inflammation (reducing inflammation is key to stopping hair loss). It has a variety of other uses such as improving memory/concentration, and is even considered an effective natural anti-depressant.
Adenosine
Adenosine is present in every cell of the human body. This chemical is vital to cell division and nutrition, hence its regenerating effect when used as treatment for alopecia.
Aminexil
Aminexil is very similar to Minoxidil – both of them are used to treat high blood pressure (vasodilators), but hair growth is one of the beneficial side effects that provoked manufacturers to release a new version of the drug as hair loss treatment.
Arginine
Arginine is one of the most common amino-acids and works as an antioxidant. It helps blood vessels relax, increasing the amount of nutrients that reach hair follicles through the bloodstream. In the long term, this contributes to the proper nourishment of hair roots.
- Learn more about blood circulation and hair growth
- Learn how to increase the blood circulation in your scalp by provoking your body to heal your scalp
Stem cells
Stem cells are non-differentiated cells that can subsequently specialize according to the characteristics of the tissues in need of regeneration. This is very helpful if your scalp is damaged or affected by inflammation, and as long as follicles aren’t permanently damaged, stem cells may help with hair growth.
Zinc
Zinc may help reduce DHT levels when used topically and should help reduce dandruff. Learn more about zinc and hair loss.
Copper Peptides
Copper peptides are an excellent topical hair growth ingredient — they help increase scalp blood circulation, reduce inflammation and may help reduce DHT.
Biotin
The B vitamin biotin is extremely common in hair loss treatments. To learn why read What Role Does Biotin Play in Hair Growth?
Arctium Majus (Burdock) root
Arctium Majus (Burdock) root extract improves the look and feel of your hair (skin and hair conditioning, cleansing properties). Burdock root extract is an astringent, meaning it shrinks pores, potentially preventing dust and bacteria from clogging pores.
Retinol (vitamin A)
Retinol (also known as vitamin A) improves the look and feel of your skin. It is also used to treat scalp flaking or itching caused by dry skin. Along with other types of vitamins, retinol strengthens the hair shaft.
Read next
Whats the best shampoo for hair loss? Apigenin
Apigenin is an antioxidant found naturally in plants. It is used to reduce skin inflammation, which improves the condition of the scalp (e.g. alleviates itching and flaking). You can’t have healthy hair without a healthy scalp.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DS Labs Spectral DNC-N is a combination of powerful ingredients that not only stimulate hair growth, but also care for your scalp and prevent the underlying skin conditions that often lead to hair loss (such as scalp psoriasis). However, bare in mind that any type of treatment needs several months to show results — don’t expect to see hair regrowth for at least two to three months.
