TLDR Minoxidil in distearyldimethylammonium chloride vesicles significantly promotes hair growth, while minoxidil in microparticles or poloxamer solutions doesn't.
In a 2008 study, three minoxidil (MXD) preparations were tested for their hair re-growth efficacy: distearyldimethylammonium chloride (DSDMAC) vesicles, cellulose acetate phthalate microparticles, and poloxamer solution. The study found that MXD encapsulated in DSDMAC vesicles significantly promoted hair growth due to their small size, flexibility, and positive surface charge, which allowed for increased skin permeation and retention. In contrast, MXD in microparticles or poloxamer solutions did not show significant hair growth promotion.
2 citations
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April 2008 in “Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology” Shampoos with more than 0.6% of cationic minoxidil particles can promote hair growth.
1 citations
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December 2007 in “Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology” Minoxidil in triamino alpha-cyclodextrin promotes hair growth effectively.
253 citations
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June 2004 in “Journal of Controlled Release” 
24 citations
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January 2003 in “Drug Delivery” Minoxidil-containing vesicles improve hair growth.
2 citations
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November 2009 in “Korean journal of chemical engineering” Adding Brij 78 to minoxidil microparticles in a certain solution helps them stick to the skin better and prevents clumping.
2 citations
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April 2008 in “Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology” Shampoos with more than 0.6% of cationic minoxidil particles can promote hair growth.
397 citations
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February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.
269 citations
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August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.
268 citations
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April 2009 in “International Journal of Pharmaceutics” Niosomes improve minoxidil skin delivery for hair loss treatment.
