Formulating for Efficacy

Ethosomes are suggested as an effective delivery method for topical finasteride solutions, requiring the addition of a phospholipid like soya lecithins. The user questions why do-it-yourself solutions don't commonly use ethosomes despite their potential benefits.

The user is using 0.1% dutasteride, 1% minoxidil with 2% procapil and 0.005% caffeine in the morning, and 1% minoxidil with 2% procapil and 0.01% tretinoin at night. They are concerned about the solution vehicle's effectiveness in preventing systemic absorption and ensuring the products stay around the hair follicles.

Topical finasteride in a liposomal formulation reduces systemic absorption compared to ethanol solutions. The user is seeking sources for such products, noting that popular options like morr-f are not liposomal.

Minoxidil can be effectively delivered through nanoemulsions containing eucalyptol or oleic acid, enhancing its diffusivity and targeting hair follicles. This contradicts the advice against mixing minoxidil with oils in topical 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.

The conversation discusses the best vehicle for topical dutasteride, comparing Trichosol, Transcutol, and a gel version. It also mentions using Transcutol with ethanol to enhance transdermal delivery of Bimatoprost.