What Is Better Provillus or Procerin?

Provillus has treatment options for men and women. Provillus helps block DHT creation with minoxidil, an FDA approved treatment for hair loss, and uses vitamins, minerals and herbs to nourish the scalp and hair. It employs a two-part system involving a topical solution containing minoxidil and a capsule containing vitamins, minerals and herbs. Each part is taken once in the morning and once at night. The topical solution is applied to the scalp with a dropper, rubbed in and allowed to dry. The treatments for men and women differ. For the men's treatment, the topical solution contains 5% minoxidil, which has been known to stop or reverse hair loss in some men. The capsule ingredients are used to nourish the hair and body; it contains vitamin B-6, biotin, zinc, saw palmetto, nettle root, pumpkin seed, eleuthero, uva-ursi extract and muria pauma bark extract. Saw Palmetto extract reduces 5-a-reductase activity, which, in turn, helps slow the conversion of testosterone to DHT. For the women's treatment, the topical solution contains 2% minoxidil, which has been shown to help some women to stop or reverse hair loss. The capsule ingredients are Vitamin B-6, biotin, magnesium, horsetail silica and para-amino benzoic acid.

Procerin only has a treatment for men. Procerin inhibits the 5-alpha reductase enzyme which, in turn, blocks DHT without reacting with testosterone. Procerin is a two-part treatment consisting of a topical serum and a tablet; the topical serum helps regrow hair and the tablet contains DHT blockers. Both contain all-natural compounds. The FDA does not have an approval process for this type of treatment but, the Procerin website states that their ingredients comply with FDA safety requirements. The tablet contains a blend of 17 herbs, minerals, and vitamins including, saw palmetto berries, gotu kola, nettles, magnesium, zinc sulfate, eleuthero root, vitamin B-6, pumpkin seed meal, and muira puma root. The topical serum ingredients include, gamma linolenic acid, grape seed extract, azelaic acid and saw palmetto extract, avocado oil, and nettle extract.

The side effects of Provillus are almost identical for men and women. The mild side effects may include itching, redness, dryness or flaking of the scalp and headaches. The serious side effects may include allergic reactions, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting and flushing of the skin. One added caution for women is that they should not use the product if they are pregnant or nursing. Minoxidil has side effects of its own including, allergic reactions, acne, headaches, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, irregular heart beat, blurred vision, numbness in the hands, feet or face, decreased sexual desire, impotence and chest pain. Procerin claims that it is free of most side effects. The site says that a minority of men report mild stomach discomfort when beginning use of the treatment, which can be resolved by taking the treatment with food. Men with sensitive skin are told to use the topical serum only once a day.

Provillus costs $49.95 for a one-month supply, $89.95 for a two-month supply, $149.95 for a four-month supply and $199.95 for a six-month supply of either formula. Shipping and handling changes range from $7.95 for a one-month supply to $19.95 for a six-month supply. Procerin costs $49.95 for a one-month supply, $129.99 for a three-month supply, and are $19.99 for a six-month supply. Procerin differs from Provillus in that the capsules and topical solution may be purchased separately, currently at the rate of $26.95 and $36.95 per one-month supply, respectively. Shipping and handling is a flat rate of $4.95 for any number of bottles purchased.

Provillus provides a 90-day money-back guarantee (minus shipping and handling fees) but only on unused and unopened bottles. Auto-ship sales are final. Each item returned incurs a $10.00 restocking fee for each unopened item. Procerin provides an unconditional 90 day money-back guarantee and provides refunds on used bottles (minus shipping and handling fees).

UltraHerbal, LLC, the maker of Provillus, was founded in 2002 and is a member of the Natural Products Association. Provillus is not a member of the BBB but, the BBB has given them a rating of "F" due to numerous complaints about their auto ship practices and guarantee. Speedwinds Nutrition, the maker of Procerin, has been in operation since 2001. Procerin is a member of the Better Business Bureau since 2004 with a BBB rating of "C+".

Provillus and Procerin offer very similar treatments. The capsule and tablet contain similar ingredients. The topical solution and serum are different in that Provillus' serum contains minoxidil. If successful, either product needs to be taken continuously or hair loss will return. The cost is similar for both products but, the shipping is drastically higher for Provillus. Procerin has a better money-back guarantee than Provillus, whose practices are severely questionable to the BBB. Procerin only has a male formula while Provillus as a male and female formula. It is up to the consumer to decide which product works better for them but, caution needs to be taken due to the amount of complaints with the BBB for both products. Procerin has a satisfactory track record and Provillus has a severely negative record as shown by the BBB. As always, "buyer beware" is the best policy, especially when dealing with new, uncertain and unproven products, such as these.