Skin Penetration and Permeation Properties of Transcutol in Complex Formulations

The conversation discusses the best vehicle for topical dutasteride, comparing Trichosol, Transcutol, and a gel version. It also mentions using Transcutol with ethanol to enhance transdermal delivery of Bimatoprost.

Topical finasteride may have higher systemic absorption and lower efficacy when using a Propylene Glycol/Ethanol formulation compared to the hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCH) formulation. The safety profile of topical finasteride relies heavily on the HPCH formulation, and using standard solutions might lead to different pharmacokinetics.

The conversation is about using distilled water as a solvent for topical finasteride to reduce systemic absorption. The user is considering avoiding ethanol and propylene glycol to achieve this.

The user is using 0.1% dutasteride, 1% minoxidil with 2% procapil and 0.005% caffeine in the morning, and 1% minoxidil with 2% procapil and 0.01% tretinoin at night. They are concerned about the solution vehicle's effectiveness in preventing systemic absorption and ensuring the products stay around the hair follicles.

Liposomal carriers for topical finasteride offer better targeting, reduced side effects, and less irritation compared to alcohol-based solutions, but availability and cost may limit their use. Minoxidil can dissolve in liposomal carriers, enhancing delivery and stability.

Ethosomes are suggested as an effective delivery method for topical finasteride solutions, requiring the addition of a phospholipid like soya lecithins. The user questions why do-it-yourself solutions don't commonly use ethosomes despite their potential benefits.