Efficacy, Tolerability, and Superiority of Propylene Glycol-Free, North American Witch-Hazel-Based Solution of 5% Minoxidil Sulfate for the Treatment of Female Androgenetic Alopecia

May 2023 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Ralph M. Trüeb

female androgenetic alopecia 5% minoxidil sulfate propylene glycol-free North American witch-hazel Hamamelis virginiana epiluminescence microscopy irritable scalp syndrome minoxidil nonresponders FAGA 5MSS witch-hazel

TLDR A witch-hazel-based 5% minoxidil solution is effective and safe for women with hair loss who didn't respond to regular minoxidil, especially if they're sensitive to propylene glycol.

A study involving 50 women aged 25-64 with female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) who had not responded to conventional 5% topical minoxidil solution found that a propylene glycol-free, North American witch-hazel-based solution of 5% minoxidil sulfate (5MSS) was effective and well-tolerated. After switching to the 5MSS, 70% of patients showed observable clinical improvement, and 22% showed improvement with epiluminescence microscopic-only. The treatment was particularly well-tolerated in patients with propylene glycol sensitivity and irritable scalp syndrome. The study concluded that the 5MSS is effective and safe for the treatment of FAGA, specifically in minoxidil nonresponders and patients with propylene glycol sensitivity or irritable scalp syndrome.

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New Ethanol and Propylene Glycol Free Gel Formulations Containing a Minoxidil-Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Complex as Promising Tools for Alopecia Treatment

research New Ethanol and Propylene Glycol Free Gel Formulations Containing a Minoxidil-Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Complex as Promising Tools for Alopecia Treatment

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North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana): Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out

research North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana): Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out

11 citations, January 2014 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Witch hazel-based hair products improved scalp irritation and were well-tolerated.

research Novel Enzymatic Assay Predicts Minoxidil Response in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

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New test predicts if hair loss treatment will work.

A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

research A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

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5% minoxidil foam once daily works as well as 2% minoxidil solution twice daily for female hair growth and is more convenient.

research Is Androgenetic Alopecia a Photoaggravated Dermatosis?

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Sunlight worsens hair loss; protect scalp.

Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth Is Mediated by Adenosine in Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells: Possible Involvement of Sulfonylurea Receptor 2B as a Target of Minoxidil

research Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth Is Mediated by Adenosine in Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells: Possible Involvement of Sulfonylurea Receptor 2B as a Target of Minoxidil

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research Minoxidil Sulfation in the Hair Follicle

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research Minoxidil Sulfate Is the Active Metabolite That Stimulates Hair Follicles

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