Key Differences between minoxidil and nanoxidil?

Key Differences with Minoxidil

Nanoxidil shares the mechanism of action of minoxidil by promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow to the scalp. However, it is distinguished by its lower molecular weight, which would facilitate its absorption into the skin and hair follicles. This characteristic could translate into greater effectiveness with fewer adverse effects, such as irritation or hypertrichosis (unwanted hair growth in other areas of the body), common problems when using minoxidil.

Another differentiating aspect is its formulation. While minoxidil is a drug approved for topical use with studies supporting its effectiveness in androgenetic alopecia, Nanoxidil has been designed as a cosmetic compound that incorporates additional ingredients, such as retinol, caffeine and peptides, which could enhance its action and stimulate hair growth in a more comprehensive way.

Additionally, it has been argued that Nanoxidil is less likely to cause the dreaded "shedding" or temporary hair loss, a common effect in the first weeks of using minoxidil. However, this data comes mainly from anecdotal reports and not from peer-reviewed clinical studies.

Nanoxidil: A Next-Generation Compound

Nanoxidil is an active ingredient developed as an alternative to minoxidil, the most commonly used drug to treat androgenetic alopecia. Created by DS Laboratories, Nanoxidil is a derivative with a molecular structure similar to minoxidil, but with key differences that could improve its absorption and effectiveness. Although it has not been approved by the FDA as an official treatment for hair loss, it has gained popularity within the cosmetics industry and among consumers due to claims of its supposed efficacy and fewer side effects.

Despite not having the same regulatory validation as minoxidil, many brands have begun to market it as a superior option, highlighting its ability to act on a greater number of follicles without the common adverse effects of minoxidil. Among the most well-known products containing Nanoxidil are those from DS Laboratories, especially the Spectral.DNC-N line, which has been promoted as an advanced formula to treat hair loss. However, independent scientific backing remains scarce, raising questions about whether it really is a more effective alternative or simply a variation without conclusive studies.

According to DS Laboratories, Nanoxidil is "a novel ingredient with high efficacy, low molecular weight and no known side effects." In simple terms, the company claims that this compound helps stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth in several ways. First, they claim that it acts on hair cells by opening ion channels, which supposedly improves their functioning. They also mention that Nanoxidil helps reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to androgenetic alopecia, preventing it from affecting hair follicles. Another point they highlight is its ability to prevent perifollicular fibrosis, that is, the hardening of the tissue around the follicles, which could hinder hair growth.

In addition, DS Laboratories highlights its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, which, in theory, would help maintain a healthy environment on the scalp. They claim that it prolongs the anagen phase, which is the stage of hair growth, and that it increases the production of vascular endothelial growth factor, a substance that could improve blood circulation in the scalp. They also mention that it inhibits certain proteins linked to chronic scalp inflammation.

However, although the company makes all these claims, it is important to remember that they have not been verified by regulatory entities such as the FDA or the EMA. The lack of independent peer-reviewed studies makes it impossible to confirm with certainty whether Nanoxidil delivers all these effects or if it is simply a marketing strategy.

In addition, the company highlights the use of the Advanced Nanosome Delivery System®, which "facilitates absorption and increases active transport of ingredients into the skin." This system is promoted as a mechanism that allows for greater efficacy and duration compared to other treatments.

Should We Believe These Claims?

Despite DS Laboratories' promises, there are several points to consider:

Lack of independent studies: The company mentions "multiple clinical studies," but these have not been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals or conducted by independent entities. This raises questions about the objectivity of the results.

Unproven mechanism of action: Although a number of biological benefits are described, such as the elimination of DHT and prolongation of the anagen phase, there are no large-scale studies that support these claims with the same strength as minoxidil.

Absence of regulation: Nanoxidil has not been approved by the FDA and EMA, meaning its safety and efficacy have not been verified under the same standards as other hair loss treatments.

Use of the nanosome system: The Advanced Nanosome Delivery System® technology promises prolonged and effective absorption, but without comparative studies with other delivery methods, it is difficult to determine whether it really offers a significant advantage.

The main point of criticism towards the use of the Advanced Nanosome Delivery System® is that, while the company claims that it improves the absorption and effectiveness of active ingredients, there are no independent studies to support this. Nanosome technology is based on the encapsulation of ingredients in extremely small particles, which would theoretically allow for controlled release and better penetration into the skin.

However, DS Laboratories does not provide comparative data to show that this system is really superior to other topical delivery methods.

Another aspect to question is that, although it is promoted as an innovative system, it has not been approved or regulated by the FDA or the EMA. It is important to consider that the effectiveness of any topical treatment depends not only on the delivery technology, but also on the composition and concentration of the active ingredients. Without independent clinical trials comparing this system to other delivery methods, it is difficult to determine whether it truly offers a significant advantage or whether it is simply a marketing differentiator without a solid scientific basis.

Nanoxidil is a compound with potential in the hair loss treatment market, but lacks solid scientific evidence to support its claims. Its popularity appears to be driven more by marketing strategies than by rigorous clinical studies. Although it may have benefits, these have not been validated by regulatory agencies or by large-scale independent studies. Therefore, its use should be considered with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

References

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drug Approval Process. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs

European Medicines Agency. (n.d.). Medicines evaluation. https://www.ema.europa.eu

DS Laboratories. (n.d.). Spectral.DNC-N. https://dslaboratories.com

American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair loss treatment. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment

National Institutes of Health. (s.f.). Minoxidil for hair growth. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov