Review Regaine® 2% Minoxidil 60 ml

Supplements and medicines are examined and evaluated purely from the point of view of their chemical composition, based on relevant scientific studies. No medical opinion is expressed on curative functions. If it is a prescription medicine, the opinion must be expressed by the treating physician.

Let us examine the most significant ingredients in order of quantity as indicated on the label. I provide a brief summary for reasons of space. For the full text, studies and bibliography, just click on the ingredient and, if you want to go deeper, it is perhaps a little complex reading because these are scientific studies, but it clarifies the ingredient/health relationship. 

Active ingredient

Minoxidil is a vasodilator administered orally or topically and was first used in 1970 for the treatment of severe hypertension. In 1993, a 2% solution of minoxidil for the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia and a 5% solution for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia was placed on the market following approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988. It also improves the growth of eyebrows, beard and body hair.

Excipients

Propylene glycol is a chemical compound derived from glycerine. In cosmetic products such as creams and ointments it has a humectant, emollient and emulsifying function. In this skin solution Regaine® acts as a co-solvent to improve drug permeation through the skin in topical preparations. It has been researched for over 50 years with a very low degree of toxicity and in the human body quickly transforms into lactic acid. Easily biodegradable.

Ethyl alcohol or ethanol, is a primary alcohol and the most common use of ethanol in medical applications is its external application as an antiseptic, disinfectant and antimicrobial. In topical applications, it is mainly used as a solvent and preservative.

Conclusions

I do not use this product personally, but I have been monitoring its use and results for years on someone very close to me. The application is quite simple, just spread a small amount (1 ml) on the scalp, where the hair is thinnest, twice a day, in practice morning and evening, and massage the affected parts for about ten seconds. I have seen the positive results for myself and I must say I was surprised as I was rather sceptical at the beginning of the treatment. Minoxidil 2% in topical form contains hair loss and, by enlarging the hair bulbs, allows new hair to grow. The scientific literature I consulted when I published the description of Minoxidil on Tiiips, is fairly unanimous about the positive results, but some failures and contraindications are also reported. 

This skin solution costs a lot of money, it is not reimbursable by Mutual Assistance and the treatment is 'lifelong', so it is a big investment since the bottle is only 60 ml, which means it will only last a month. There are no 'risky' ingredients in the formula unless there are personal sensitivities to some specific product.