Topical fin - why are people still using alcohol carriers when liposomal is proven to be better?
    6/11/2025

    From the encyclopedia
    Finasteride →

    Prescription tablet (1 mg) that slowed hair loss versus placebo in two-year trials. Labels warn of sexual side effects that have continued after stopping, and of depression and suicidal thoughts; not for use in pregnancy.

    Minoxidil →

    A vasodilator used on the scalp (over the counter) and, off-label, as a low-dose prescription tablet for pattern hair loss.

    At a glance
    In this question or advice post, the primary subjects mentioned are
    💧 Finasteride (topical)
    💧 Minoxidil (topical)
    the tone is 😐 neutral.

    Other terms

    Liposomal carriers for topical finasteride offer better targeting, reduced side effects, and less irritation compared to alcohol-based solutions, but availability and cost may limit their use. Minoxidil can dissolve in liposomal carriers, enhancing delivery and stability.
    View this post in the Community →

    Similar Community Posts Join

    5 / 5 results

      community I think this is my stop, gentlepeople. So long and thanks for all the data 👋

       2264 upvotes 1 year ago
      A user shared their successful experience with hair regrowth and transitioning from male to female using minoxidil, finasteride, Nutrafol, microneedling, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They expressed gratitude for the results and encouraged others to explore treatments that align with their personal goals.

      community It appears that the topical finasteride combined with minoxidil is working.

       604 upvotes 6 months ago
      A 21-year-old man experienced positive hair regrowth results after using a homemade topical solution containing 0.030% finasteride and 5% minoxidil for four months. He reported no side effects with the Trichosol-based solution, unlike previous issues with alcohol-based formulas.

      community My personal experience/observations fighting AGA seriously for 5 years

       50 upvotes 1 year ago
      Minoxidil with alcohol and propylene glycol was more effective than non-alcohol versions, and RU58841 worked best in a non-water-based solution. Oral finasteride showed better results than topical, despite side effects; microneedling and tretinoin worsened hair loss, and PRP was only helpful when younger.

      community Finally live! alcohol-free, propylene glycol–free topical finasteride foam

       17 upvotes 10 months ago
      A new alcohol-free, propylene glycol-free topical finasteride foam is available for prescription in Canada and the USA, offering a cleaner alternative for hair loss treatment. The product also offers a combination of 0.1% finasteride with 5% minoxidil and aims to be affordable and less irritating for sensitive scalps.

      community 2.5 months of topical Finasteride

      in Progress Pictures  272 upvotes 10 months ago
      A user reported significant hair regrowth using a homemade 0.01% topical finasteride solution, highlighting its effectiveness and lack of side effects. The discussion included concerns about oral finasteride's side effects and the benefits of topical solutions.

    Related Research

    6 / 6 results

      research Liposomes with an Ethanol Fraction as an Application for Drug Delivery

      24 citations , November 2018 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”
      This review discusses ethosomes as lipid carriers that enhance drug penetration into deep skin layers and underscores the need for advanced research on their pharmaceutical applications, but it reports no clinical outcomes.

      research Liposomes in cosmeceutics

      111 citations , March 2012 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery”
      This review discusses the potential use of liposomal formulations to enhance the effectiveness of cosmeceutical delivery through the skin barrier, with no new clinical results reported.

      research Nanomaterials in hair care and treatment

      5 citations , February 2022 in “Acta Biomaterialia”
      This review highlights the potential of nanotechnology-based formulations in hair care and treatment, emphasizing how these innovative materials can enhance the stability, efficacy, and safety of active compounds while addressing the limitations of conventional formulations.