Studysummary This study found that magistral topical minoxidil solutions had differences in color, viscosity, and acidity compared to industrial formulations and issues with drug content and dosage indication, despite similar follicular penetration. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study evaluated the quality of magistral minoxidil topical solutions (A, B, and C) compared to an industrial formulation. Differences were found in color, viscosity, and pH, with magistral solutions being more acidic. Density varied with ethanol content, and only the industrial and magistral sample C met the expected drug content (90-110%). Dosages from magistral pharmacies were significantly lower than industrial recommendations. All solutions showed similar follicular penetration of minoxidil. The study concluded that magistral pharmacies had issues with production quality and dosage accuracy.
40 citations
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January 2018 in “Pharmaceutics” This study found that nanoemulsions incorporating skin penetration enhancers significantly increased the permeation of minoxidil through human skin compared to aqueous control solutions.
178 citations
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April 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” This systematic review and meta-analysis found that minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy significantly improve hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia, while minoxidil is also effective for women, compared to placebo.
77 citations
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January 2015 in “International Journal of Biological Macromolecules” This study developed minoxidil sulphate-loaded chitosan nanoparticles that doubled drug delivery to hair follicles in vitro compared to a control solution, suggesting potential for improved alopecia treatment.
48 citations
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December 2013 in “Drug Delivery and Translational Research” This study found that minoxidil-loaded niosomes with a Span 60 and cholesterol ratio of 1:2 significantly increased skin retention of minoxidil compared to control gel.
162 citations
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August 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” This study introduces a novel non-invasive method called "differential stripping" to quantify the penetration of topically applied substances into hair follicles.
