Napkin math: are we using 100x more topical finasteride than necessary? Finasteride/Dutasteride 4/26/2026
Topical finasteride concentrations are likely much higher than necessary for effective follicular DHT suppression, with current standards being 100-1000 times above the theoretical minimum. Lower concentrations (0.001-0.0025%) might still work locally while minimizing systemic exposure.
View this post in the Community →
Similar Community Posts Join
5 / 5 resultscommunity Targeted Follicular Finasteride Delivery: A Low-Systemic Strategy
A peptide-based delivery system for finasteride shows promise in reducing systemic side effects while maintaining hair growth effectiveness. Combining this with other treatments like minoxidil and RU58841 could enhance results with lower systemic absorption.
community Are we underestimating systemic absorption with homemade/generic Topical Fin? (HPCH vs. PG/Ethanol formulations)
Topical finasteride may have higher systemic absorption and lower efficacy when using a Propylene Glycol/Ethanol formulation compared to the hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCH) formulation. The safety profile of topical finasteride relies heavily on the HPCH formulation, and using standard solutions might lead to different pharmacokinetics.
community My derm said they came up with a new serum that is better then fin? What’s y’all’s thoughts
A new serum claims to enhance hair regrowth by amplifying oxygen delivery, improving the effectiveness of treatments like exosomes and peptides. Users are skeptical, questioning its efficacy compared to established treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride.
community What Do You Guys Think of This Article That Claims Low Dosage Topical Finastride Has No Effect on Serum DHT
Low-dose topical finasteride may reduce scalp DHT with fewer side effects than oral finasteride, though it can still lower blood serum DHT. Users report varying experiences, with some finding topical use effective and side-effect-free, while others note significant DHT suppression.
community Is it sufficient to block scalp DHT topically, or is it also necessary to reduce serum DHT? (My Question is Elaborated Below)
Topical finasteride can be as effective as oral finasteride for hair regrowth with fewer systemic side effects, but precise dosing is essential. Combining oral dutasteride with topical finasteride is not recommended due to dutasteride's stronger inhibition.
Related Research
6 / 6 results
research DUTASTERIDE AS AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT IN ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA – A LITERATURE REVIEW
This review found that dutasteride is more effective than finasteride in increasing hair count and shaft thickness for androgenetic alopecia in men, with potential for reduced systemic side effects through mesotherapy, although further research is needed on long-term safety and dosage.
research Current understanding and treatment of sex hormone-related hair diseases
This review examines the effects of sex hormones on hair growth and the pathogenesis of related hair disorders, highlighting current management benefits and controversies but reporting no new results.
research Hair Loss in Women
This review discusses the classifications, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for female pattern hair loss, but reports no clinical results.
research Updates in Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia
This review discusses current and emerging treatments for androgenetic alopecia, covering mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of both androgen-targeted and non-androgen-targeted approaches, but reports no new clinical results.
research Alopecia - the search for novel agents continues
This review discusses nearly 70 patent applications for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and other hair conditions, highlighting the mechanisms of action explored but reports no clinical results.
research Androgenetic Alopecia: a Review and Emerging Treatments
This review covers the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and potential new treatments for androgenetic alopecia but reports no new clinical findings, highlighting an ongoing need for effective therapies.