In Vitro Release of Minoxidil From Topical Formulations

November 1987 in “ Archives of Dermatology ”

Dallas Paraskevas

minoxidil topical formulations lotions creams propylene glycol ethanol Franz diffusion cell HPLC dissolution release Rogaine

TLDR Lotions release minoxidil better than creams, with a recommended mix of propylene glycol, water, and ethanol improving effectiveness.

The study from 1987 investigated the release of minoxidil from different topical formulations and found that lotions released minoxidil more effectively than creams, with creams showing 50% less release. A lotion with a specific ratio of propylene glycol, water, and ethanol (15:15:70) was recommended for topical application, especially when minoxidil is not available in topical form. The study used a Franz diffusion cell for measuring release and HPLC for analysis, concluding that the one-phase system of lotions facilitated better dissolution and release of minoxidil compared to the two-phase system of creams.

View this study on jamanetwork.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Topical Minoxidil Therapy in Hereditary Androgenetic Alopecia

55 citations, February 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Minoxidil applied twice daily can help regrow hair in some people with hereditary baldness, with no serious side effects.

research Alopecia Areata Treated With Topical Minoxidil

78 citations, April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help regrow hair in alopecia areata patients.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community drinking topical minoxidil – extreme hair growth everywhere

in Minoxidil 396 upvotes 2 years ago

At this point. In this conversation, users discussed the risks of drinking topical minoxidil and suggested alternative treatments such as obtaining a prescription for oral minoxidil or finasteride.

community DIY treatment... Shedding completely stopped after 1.5 yrs

in Treatment 246 upvotes 2 years ago

Vitamin C mixed with shampoo stopped shedding and promoted hair regrowth after 1.5 years. Both the person and their wife experienced significant hair loss reduction with this method.

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

community Killing the Norwood Reaper, a Journey

in Progress Pictures 370 upvotes 8 months ago

The user is treating hair loss with a regimen including Dutasteride, oral and topical Minoxidil, microneedling, and various supplements for overall health. They are considering adding tretinoin, stemoxydine/RU, DIM, Boron, and Fadogia Agretis to their routine.

community Well… I Did It. Estrogen Saved My Hairline

in Transgender 718 upvotes 2 months ago

OP transitioned and used Spironolactone, Estradiol Valerate, Minoxidil, and dermarolling, resulting in significant hair regrowth. They advise this method may not be suitable for cis men.

community Most Recent Interesting Hairloss Studies: 10% Minox vs 5% Minox / Radio Rrequency Treatment for AA / Topical Ketoconazole / PRP+Minox vs Minox vs PRP / Alopecia as a systemic disease

in Treatment 90 upvotes 4 years ago

Treatments for hair loss, such as topical minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma therapy with or without minoxidil, ketoconazole, non-abative radio frequency, natural products, finasteride and cortexolone 17 alpha propionate. The post evaluates the efficacy and safety of these treatments in various studies.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Effectivity of Minoxidil as a Treatment for Alopecia Areata

January 2014 in “DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)”

Minoxidil can effectively treat patchy hair loss by stimulating hair growth.