Is alcohol-free minoxidil effective?

Alcoholic formulations in the form of 2% and 5% solution and 5% foam were approved by the FDA in 1988, 1991, and 2016 respectively for the management of male pattern baldness. These older formulations rely heavily on alcohol and propylene glycol to bring complete dissolution and prevent crystallisation of Minoxidil. In addition, they also help with the penetration of Minoxidil through the stratum corneum.

This article will focus on:

• What is the role of alcohol in these formulations?
• Is there scientific evidence for alcohol-free minoxidil?
• What are the benefits of alcohol-free minoxidil?

Rogaine, Regaine, HairAgain and friends ...

Regaine is a popular minoxidil product sold in Australian pharmacies. It is known by the name Rogaine in the United States and other parts of the world. In recent years, other brands have emerged including Amazon, Costco and Kirklands - all with the same formulation.

Minoxidil is not soluble in water and requires the addition of propylene glycol and alcohol to bring about complete dissolution. 

In 2023, Médicii Laboratories was able to demonstrate that Minoxidil can be dissolved without propylene glycol and alcohol using Olevit™, a proprietary fatty acid combined with salt ions. Olevit™ allows active ingredients to be absorbed into the skin and also prevents the crystallisation of Minoxidil in aqueous solution over its shelf life.

Is alcohol-free minoxidil effective?

Emerging studies show non-alcoholic Minoxidil formulations produce similar benefits compared with alcoholic formulations and with significantly less adverse effects. 

A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Trichology showed that patients had improved skin hydration, reduced scalp inflammation and reduced scalp itching when they used alcohol-free Minoxidil. In contrast, alcohol-based formulations showed an increase in scalp redness and dryness after day 15 and day 30 respectively.

Another study published by Sattur et al (2023) found the alcohol-free group was better tolerated and there was similar hair growth between the alcohol-free group and the alcohol group over sixteen weeks.

 References:

1.  Udare, S et al (2023). "Low-Alcohol or Alcohol-Free Minoxidil Formulation for the Management of Androgenic Alopecia: an Indian Perspective." International Journal of Trichology. 15(1): p13-17, Jan-Feb 2023.
2. Yan, H et al (2011). "Solubility of Minoxidil in Methanol, Ethanol, 1-Propanol, 2-Propanol, 1-Butanol, and Water from (278.15 to 333.15) K ." J. Chem. Eng. Data 2011, 56, 5, 2720–2722
3. Tata, S et al (1995). Penetration of Minoxidil from Ethanol/PG: Effect of application volume and occlusion. J Pharm. Sciences. v84(6). June 1995, Pages 688-691.
4. Sattur, S (2023). "Comparative clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of topical 5% Cetosomal Minoxidil and 5% Alcohol-Based Minoxidil Solutions for the treatment of androgenic alopecia in Indian Men."Cureus 15(10): e46568. doi:10.7759/cureus.46568
5. American Chemical Society
6. Sarkar, R et al (2020). "Topical 5% Minoxidil Novel Formulation and Alcohol-based conventional solutions in treatment of androgenic alopecia in Indian men: A randomised double-blind study." J Dermatology and Therapy. v10, p469-479