This study found that while the over-the-counter market for minoxidil hair loss products is expanding, only 25% of these products report safety information, and none report adverse effects, highlighting a need for greater transparency and accuracy in their advertising.
January 2020 in “Journal of dermatology research and therapy” This study reviews popular over-the-counter hair loss products available online but reports no new clinical results.
October 2025 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” This study found that conventional treatments like oral dutasteride and topical/oral minoxidil are effective for male androgenetic alopecia, and it provides guidance on the relative efficacy of some alternative treatments, such as topical melatonin and rosemary oil, compared to these conventional therapies.
September 2024 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” This study found that phenoxyethanol is the most common contact allergen in over-the-counter hair loss products, but its role in the development or exacerbation of frontal fibrosing alopecia remains unclear.
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May 2024 in “International Journal of Women’s Dermatology” This article discusses the connection between product use, contact dermatitis, and frontal fibrosing alopecia and reports no new findings; the authors emphasize the need for more research to improve patient outcomes.