In Vitro Evaluation of Skin Distribution and Human Dermal Papilla Cells Proliferation for Minoxidil 5% Topical Lotion Hydrogel

The study evaluated a new alcohol-free minoxidil 5% topical lotion hydrogel for treating androgenetic alopecia, comparing it to a commercial minoxidil product. In vitro tests showed that both the new formulation and the commercial product significantly promoted the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells, with similar results in fluorescence detection assays. Additionally, skin distribution studies using samples from two male Caucasian donors demonstrated comparable percutaneous absorption of minoxidil into the dermis for both products. The findings suggest that the new hydrogel formulation, which is easy to compound and reduces skin irritation, is a promising alternative for androgenetic alopecia treatment.