Procerin vs Keeps vs Hims: Comparing Hair Loss Approaches
Three very different models for treating hair loss. Procerin is a traditional OTC supplement with 20+ years on market and an IRB-approved clinical study. Keeps and Hims are telehealth subscription services that prescribe generic finasteride and minoxidil through a convenience-focused model with heavy influencer marketing.
The active ingredients in Keeps and Hims are not proprietary. They prescribe the same generics available at any pharmacy, packaged with a subscription model and slick branding. Procerin takes the opposite approach: a proprietary multi-compound natural formula you can buy directly without a prescription or subscription lock-in. For an independent review of Procerin's clinical data, see independent Procerin reviews.
Understanding what you are actually paying for with each option matters more than the marketing.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Procerin | Keeps | Hims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | OTC natural DHT blocker (oral + topical) | Telehealth Rx (finasteride/minoxidil) | Telehealth Rx (finasteride/minoxidil) |
| Active Ingredients | Saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, pumpkin seed, zinc (proprietary formula) | Generic finasteride 1mg, generic minoxidil 5% | Generic finasteride 1mg, generic minoxidil 5% |
| Monthly Cost | ~$40-50 | ~$25-75 depending on plan | ~$30-85 depending on plan |
| Requires Rx | No | Yes (telehealth consult included) | Yes (telehealth consult included) |
| Subscription Lock-in | No subscription required (buy as needed) | Subscription model (cancel anytime) | Subscription model (cancel anytime) |
| Side Effect Risk | No reported sexual side effects | 1-2% sexual dysfunction (finasteride) | 1-2% sexual dysfunction (finasteride) |
| Evidence Level | IRB-approved product study | Decades of RCT data (generic drugs) | Decades of RCT data (generic drugs) |
| Best For | Side-effect-averse, early stage, no-Rx preference | Men comfortable with Rx, want convenience | Men comfortable with Rx, want brand experience |
Keeps and Hims prescribe the same generic medications. The price difference between them is primarily branding and bundling. Both charge a premium over getting the same generics from a local pharmacy with a doctor's prescription. Procerin's pricing includes the proprietary formulation and topical activator.
Our Honest Assessment
What You Are Actually Paying For
With Keeps and Hims, you are paying for convenience: a telehealth consultation (often a questionnaire, not a video call), auto-shipped generic medications, and branded packaging. The finasteride in a Keeps bottle is identical to the finasteride at your local pharmacy for $10-15/month with a GoodRx coupon. The minoxidil is the same as Costco's generic.
With Procerin, you are paying for a proprietary multi-compound formula that is not available generically. The combination of saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, pumpkin seed extract, and supporting botanicals in specific ratios, plus the XT Topical Activator, is unique to the product. The IRB-approved clinical study tested this specific formulation.
The Efficacy Gap (and Why It Matters Less Than You Think)
Finasteride has stronger efficacy data (83% vs ~38% for natural options). That gap is real. But for men at early stages who want to start conservatively, the trade-off looks different. If Procerin slows your loss sufficiently at Norwood II without side effects, the higher theoretical efficacy of finasteride is irrelevant to your situation.
Many men start with Procerin, evaluate at 6 months, and only escalate to prescription options if needed. This stepped approach gives you the data on your own response before committing to a pharmaceutical with more significant trade-offs.
The Subscription Model Question
Keeps and Hims benefit financially from subscription lock-in. Their business model depends on recurring revenue. Procerin sells direct without requiring a subscription. You can buy one month, evaluate, and decide without auto-billing concerns. For broader context on treatment costs across all options, see our cost comparison guide. And for a look at how these products stack up against the full treatment landscape, full guide to hair loss products covers every product category.
What to Watch Out For
Considerations
- Keeps and Hims prescribe real pharmaceuticals with real side effect profiles. The 1-2% sexual dysfunction risk from finasteride is documented in clinical trials.
- Telehealth consultations are convenient but may be less thorough than an in-person dermatologist visit. Some men report feeling rushed through the process.
- Natural options like Procerin are less potent. If your loss is aggressive, convenience platforms with prescription access may be more appropriate.
- All three require ongoing use. Stopping any of these means DHT-driven loss resumes.
- None of these options can restore fully dormant follicles. Starting early is the most important variable regardless of which you choose.
What Will Treatment Actually Cost?
See the full cost breakdown for every major hair loss treatment over 1 year and 5 years.
Treatment Cost Guide