{"id":8887,"date":"2026-08-11T09:25:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T09:25:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/?post_type=docs&p=3095"},"modified":"2026-08-21T12:33:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T12:33:37","password":"","slug":"minoxidil-5-and-retinoic-acid-0-01-scalp-lotion-for-hair-loss","status":"publish","type":"docs","link":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/dokumanlar\/hair-formulas\/minoxidil-5-and-retinoic-acid-0-01-scalp-lotion-for-hair-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Minoxidil 5% and Retinoic Acid 0.01% Scalp Lotion for Hair Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dear colleagues, hair loss in modern societies is considered very important as it causes a decrease in an individual’s self-confidence. Among the therapeutic methods applied for hair loss, treatment options with magistral compounding formulas and the search for fast and effective treatment formulations continue to grow and develop each passing day.<\/p>\n

In this article, in addition to the formulas I previously wrote with the active ingredient minoxidil, we will examine a formula fortified with retinoic acid.<\/p>\n

If we recall our general knowledge about hair loss;<\/p>\n

Changes in the hair cycle,<\/p>\n

Slowing down of matrix cells,<\/p>\n

Decreased blood flow rate,<\/p>\n

Increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgenic hormones,<\/p>\n

Increased sebaceous gland activity and subsequent alterations in surrounding tissues,<\/p>\n

Nutritional disorders,<\/p>\n

It is caused by factors such as genetics, stress, etc.<\/p>\n

In treatment, the story of the minoxidil molecule, which has predominantly been featured in formulas in recent years, began in 1979 as an adverse effect\u2014facial hair growth\u2014during a clinical study for an antihypertensive molecule. The fact that it reverses hair follicle miniaturization and prolongs the anagen phase drew significant attention to this molecule.<\/p>\n

Side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n

Facial hypertrichosis (hair growth),<\/p>\n

Irritation-induced dermatitis,<\/p>\n

Eczema,<\/p>\n

Pruritus (itching),<\/p>\n

Flaking\/scaling,<\/p>\n

Dryness,<\/p>\n

Headache.<\/p>\n

Minoxidil is insoluble in water. Commercial product varieties are available as solutions and foams. Immediately after starting minoxidil treatment or after sudden and prolonged sun exposure, all telogen hairs may shift into the exogen phase and shedding may occur within 1 week. Minoxidil may cause hair growth in unwanted areas. The manufacturer reports that Minoxidil is more beneficial for hair loss in the vertex (crown) area rather than the frontal area. Furthermore, they have stated that whether the drug is truly beneficial cannot be determined without using it for at least four months. Minoxidil has the effect of preventing the loss of existing hair and strengthening weak hair.<\/p>\n

Male Pattern Hair Loss, termed Androgenetic Alopecia<\/strong>, where minoxidil treatment is effective, is among the most common types of hair loss. As a result of this process, hair reduction, thinning, and baldness are observed.<\/p>\n

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MINOXIDIL 5%  and RETINOIC ACID 0.01%  SCALP LOTION
\n<\/strong>
\nRx<\/p>\n

Minoxidil \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.. 5 g<\/p>\n

Retinoic     acid \u2026\u2026.\u202610 mg<\/p>\n

Propylene glycol  \u2026\u202620 ml<\/p>\n

Ethanol  95% qs \u2026\u2026100 ml<\/p>\n

If we examine the retinoic acid in the formula;
\nVitamin A acid – tretinoin – retinoic acid<\/strong>: Retinoic acid, used topically in skin disorders such as facial wrinkles, photoaging, acne, melasma, keloids, and ichthyosis, is a natural derivative of vitamin A used topically. Tretinoin is also known as all-trans<\/em>-retinoic acid. It is structurally similar to isotretinoin, but more toxic than it. Topical tretinoin is effective in reducing wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, roughness, and laxity in mild photodamaged skin. In patients with photodamaged skin, the positive effects associated with topical tretinoin treatment are often observed within the first month of treatment. Brown spots disappear within 6 to 8 weeks, while fine lines and wrinkles fade within 3 to 6 months. Discontinuation of tretinoin treatment usually results in the loss of tretinoin’s beneficial effects.<\/p>\n

The use of topical Tretinoin (0.025%) provides up to a 58% increase in hair growth. When topical tretinoin (0.025%) and minoxidil (5%) are used together, it has been observed that the increase in hair growth rises up to 66%. Tretinoin, or otherwise known as Retinoic acid, was the first molecule approved by the FDA for acne under the trade name Retin-A\u00ae. Since then, it has been discovered that Retinoic acid can be used for various medical conditions. Retinoic Acid is available only by prescription from a physician in the United States.<\/p>\n

We can summarize the effects of retinoic acid under two headings;<\/p>\n

\u2022 Retinoic acid is known to enhance the absorption of other medications. Therefore, it increases the amount of Minoxidil reaching the hair follicles.<\/p>\n

\u2022 There is experimental evidence suggesting that retinoic acid may play a significant role in hair growth through mechanisms that are still unknown. There are studies indicating significant increases in hair growth resulting from the use of retinoic acid alone.<\/p>\n

Scalp irritation and seborrheic dermatitis are among the potential side effects that may occur.<\/p>\n

Studies have indicated that a topical steroid can be added to the treatment in order to reduce the potential side effects of minoxidil and retinoic acid.
\nAs another way to reduce scalp irritation, it can be applied once every night for one week, and then increased to twice daily in subsequent weeks.<\/p>\n

\u2022 If the scalp is still itchy and\/or flaky, then an anti-dandruff shampoo or a potent topical steroid solution for the scalp will be sufficient.<\/p>\n

Additionally, retinoic acid may increase sun sensitivity. If we need to apply any formula containing retinoic acid in the morning, precautions can be taken by protecting the scalp from direct sun exposure or by applying a sunscreen. The activity of retinoic acid can be affected by direct sunlight.
\nWhen initiating treatment with retinoic acid, similar to minoxidil use, a small percentage of patients may experience an increase in hair shedding; however, this resolves over time.
\nModus operandi (Preparation)<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a tared Erlenmeyer flask, the minoxidil-retinoic acid-propylene glycol mixture is added onto 80 ml of 95% alcohol, and the preparation is completed by stirring in a water bath (bain-marie) until the added mixture dissolves in the alcohol to form a homogeneous solution.<\/p>\n

Wishing you a good week\u2026<\/p>\n

Specialist Pharmacist Ahmet Nezihi Pekcan
\nPekcan Pharmacy – Konya
\npekcanecz@gmail.com
\nTel: (332) 3520657
\nhttp:\/\/www.majistralformul.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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