Minoxidil formulations exhibit chemical instability when combined with botanical extracts, creating complex physicochemical challenges. Laboratory analyses reveal pH shifts of 0.8-1.2 units when minoxidil contacts certain plant compounds, with precipitation occurring at concentrations above 3% w/v. Solubility profiles demonstrate that minoxidil's standard carrier systems (propylene glycol/ethanol/water) become destabilized when terpenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols from botanical extracts compete for solvent interactions.

The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining minoxidil's bioavailability and stability while incorporating botanical extracts that can enhance its efficacy but often compromise its physicochemical properties.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including deep eutectic solvent systems, nanocrystalline formulations with vitamin E derivatives, panthenol crystal stabilization techniques, and lecithin-based homogenization methods. These and other approaches provide formulators with practical strategies to develop stable, effective minoxidil-botanical combinations while preserving therapeutic efficacy.

1. Nanocrystalline Minoxidil Freeze-Dried Powder with Vitamin E Polyethylene Glycol Succinate and Auxiliary Agent

BEIJING XINGHUI REGENERATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024

Minoxidil nanocrystalline freeze-dried powder for hair loss treatment, comprising minoxidil, vitamin E polyethylene glycol succinate, and an auxiliary agent. The powder provides a controlled release of minoxidil, enhances stability, and maintains bioavailability. The formulation addresses common challenges in minoxidil formulations, including solubility, stability, and skin irritation.

2. Composition with Minoxidil and Propylene Glycol Fatty Acid Ester for Enhanced Dermal Delivery

SINSIN PHARM CO LTD, 2024

Composition for treating hair loss containing minoxidil with enhanced skin penetration. The composition employs a skin penetration enhancer, specifically a propylene glycol fatty acid ester, to improve minoxidil delivery through the skin. This formulation combines minoxidil with surfactants, humectants, pH adjusters, and antioxidants to create a stable and effective hair loss treatment. The composition can be formulated as a liquid or foam aerosol, providing a convenient and efficient solution for hair loss treatment.

3. Minoxidil Gel with Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Nanoparticles

SHANDONG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2024

A minoxidil gel for treating hair loss that avoids the issues of traditional minoxidil preparations. The gel uses a deep eutectic solvent made from minoxidil, a hydrogen bond donor, and a hydrogen bond acceptor. This solvent is then emulsified with water using nanoparticles as stabilizers. The resulting Pickering emulsion is then mixed with a gel matrix to form a stable gel. This deep eutectic solvent-based Pickering emulsion gel provides improved drug delivery and absorption compared to traditional minoxidil preparations that use volatile organic solvents.

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4. Minoxidil Deep Eutectic Solvent with Urea and Alkali Hydrochloride Featuring Hydrogen Bonding and Freeze-Drying Preparation

SHANDONG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2024

A temperature and mechanical synergistic response type minoxidil deep eutectic solvent for topical application, comprising a deep eutectic mixture of minoxidil, urea, and alkali hydrochloride that exhibits enhanced solubility, stability, and permeability properties. The deep eutectic solvent is prepared through a novel reaction process involving hydrogen bonding between the deep eutectic components, followed by rapid cooling and freeze-drying to produce a stable, thermally stable, and mechanically stable solution.

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5. Minoxidil Composition with Panthenols and Polyhydric Alcohol for Crystal Suppression

KOWA CO LTD, 2024

Composition containing minoxidil for hair growth improvement, specifically formulated to prevent crystal precipitation. The composition comprises minoxidil, panthenols, and polyhydric alcohol. The polyhydric alcohol, particularly when combined with panthenols, effectively suppresses crystal formation of minoxidil in liquid or semi-solid formulations, maintaining its therapeutic efficacy.

6. Method for Preparing Minoxidil-Based Topical Solution with Homogenized Lecithin and Glacial Acetic Acid

GUANGZHOU KANGYAOSHI PHARMACEUTICAL TECH CO LTD, 2023

A method for preparing a stable and effective minoxidil-based topical solution for hair growth. The preparation involves dissolving minoxidil with a glacial acetic acid aqueous solution, followed by the addition of lecithin and homogenization. The resulting solution is then formulated into a topical product with improved stability, penetration, and bioavailability compared to conventional minoxidil preparations. The formulation achieves a particle size of 72.45-78.37 nm, a particle size distribution (PDI) of 0.24-0.26, and a zeta potential of -51.42-50.68 mV, while maintaining a loading capacity of 92.36-94.62% minoxidil.

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7. Topical Minoxidil Formulation with Stabilized Pantothenyl Compounds and Glycerin at pH Above 6.5

TAISHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2023

A topical minoxidil formulation that prevents pantothenyl ethyl ether and panthenol degradation and crystal formation during storage. The composition contains minoxidil, pantothenyl ethyl ether and/or panthenol, and glycerin, with a pH above 6.5. The formulation maintains a consistent pH environment, inhibiting the degradation of these active ingredients and preventing crystal formation, even when stored at low temperatures.

8. Foaming Solution with Natural Ingredients for Solubilizing Minoxidil Base at Low Alcohol Concentration

SM EMPREENDIMENTOS FARMACEUTICOS LTDA, 2023

A foaming solution for solubilizing minoxidil base with low alcohol concentration, used as a vehicle for solubilizing minoxidil base, particularly in cold concentrations up to 7%. The solution comprises a combination of natural ingredients including eucalyptus leaf essential oil, polyquaternium 10, glycerin, PEG-14m, lactic acid, PEG-40 castor oil, polysorbate 80, phenoxyethanol, and sodium benzoate. This solution maintains the therapeutic efficacy of minoxidil while minimizing skin irritation typically associated with conventional hydroalcoholic vehicles.

9. Minoxidil Composition with Panthenol and Crystal-Stabilizing Higher Aliphatic Compound

KOWA CO LTD, 2022

A composition containing minoxidil (6-(1-piperidinyl)-2,4-pyrimidinediamine-3-oxide) that prevents crystal formation. The composition includes minoxidil, panthenol, and a higher aliphatic compound, with the higher aliphatic compound exhibiting crystal-stabilizing properties. The formulation can be used in hair care products to prevent minoxidil crystal formation and maintain its efficacy.

10. Minoxidil Formulation with Tocopherol and Solvent Mixture for Color Stabilization

TAISHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2022

A minoxidil-based hair restoration treatment that prevents coloration of the formulation over time. The treatment combines minoxidil with tocopherol and/or its derivatives, propylene glycol, lower alcohol, and acid, in a specific concentration ratio. The formulation is prepared through a stepwise process involving mixing the active ingredients with a solvent, followed by adding water and lower alcohol to achieve the final formulation.

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11. Topical Minoxidil Formulation with Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Additional Compounds in Propylene Glycol and Alcohol Base

TAISHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2021

A topical minoxidil formulation that prevents coloration of pharmaceutical products. The formulation combines minoxidil with glycyrrhetinic acid and/or its salt, pantotenyl ethyl ether, pantenol, hinokitiol, or diphenhydramine. The formulation is prepared by mixing the active ingredients with propylene glycol and an acid, followed by adding water and a lower alcohol to prepare the final product. This formulation provides superior color protection compared to traditional minoxidil formulations.

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12. Crystal Form of Minoxidil-3-Methoxybenzoate with Distinct Ionic Interaction Configuration

UNIV SHANDONG TECHNOLOGY, 2021

A novel crystal form of minoxidil-3-methoxybenzoate for the treatment of hair loss, with a preparation method. The crystal form exhibits improved solubility and therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional minoxidil formulations, while maintaining the drug's biological activity. The crystal structure is characterized by a unique combination of ionic interactions between the minoxidil cation and 3-methoxybenzoic acid anion.

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13. Topical Liquid Preparation with Minoxidil and Tocopherol Acetate in Ethanol-Propylene Glycol-Water Solvent System

FUJI CHEM IND CO LTD, 2021

A liquid preparation for topical minoxidil and tocopherol acetate containing minoxidil and tocopherol acetate that prevents precipitation, maintains clarity, suppresses coloration, prevents dripping, and improves usability. The formulation combines propylene glycol, water, ethanol, and pH adjuster with a specific concentration range of minoxidil (1-5%), tocopherol acetate (0.01-0.5%), propylene glycol (6-22%), water (15-27%), and ethanol (45-70%) to achieve optimal transdermal absorption and skin compatibility.

14. Topical Alopecia Treatment Formulation with Minoxidil, Cyclosporine A, and FKBP4 Binding Compound

DAVID WEINSTEIN CONSULTING INC, 2021

A topical treatment for alopecia that simultaneously addresses hair loss through minoxidil, cyclosporine A, and a compound that binds FK506 binding protein 4 (FKBP4). The treatment combines a potent anti-hair loss agent with immunosuppressive properties and a hair growth promoter, providing a comprehensive solution for both alopecia and hair growth enhancement. The treatment formulation enables targeted delivery of these active ingredients to the scalp, potentially preventing alopecia while promoting hair growth.

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15. Composition of Minoxidil, Panthenol, Pyridoxine, and Higher Aliphatic Compound with Sequential Incorporation for Enhanced Stability

KOWA CO LTD, 2021

A composition containing minoxidil and the like to improve stability in liquid or semi-solid formulations. The composition contains minoxidil, panthenol, and pyridoxine, along with a higher aliphatic compound, which can be incorporated into the formulation in any order. The method involves incorporating these components in the formulation in any order, with the higher aliphatic compound being added first. The combination provides enhanced stability against crystal precipitation of minoxidil in liquid or semi-solid formulations.

16. Compositions with Hair Growth Stimulant and Carboxylic Acid in Defined Ratios

JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER INC, 2020

Compositions and methods for promoting hair growth, preventing hair loss, and treating baldness using a specific combination of a hair growth stimulant and a carboxylic acid. The compositions can be applied topically to the scalp to accelerate hair growth, increase hair thickness, and reduce hair loss. The hair growth stimulant can be any compound that promotes hair growth, such as caffeine, minoxidil, or finasteride. The carboxylic acid can be any compound with 8-24 carbon atoms, like oleic acid. The ratio of the stimulant to acid is 10:1 to 1:1. Additional active ingredients like antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories can be added. The compositions can also contain nonionic lipids, emulsifiers, and admixtures like Kreb cycle intermediates

17. Topical Hair Growth Solution with Ethanol-Based Solvent Containing Minoxidil and Finasteride

CAPILLI MED GMBH, 2020

Hair growth solution containing ethanol, monopropylene glycol, minoxidil, and finasteride, which stimulates hair follicles to grow back after hair loss. The solution is a topical treatment that combines minoxidil and finasteride for the first time, with minoxidil being an oral medication that causes hair follicles to return to normal. The solution is applied directly to the scalp, with ethanol as the solvent. The combination of these two medications provides a unique hair growth solution that has been previously unexplored.

18. Minoxidil Composition with Higher Aliphatic Compounds for Enhanced Stability

KOWA CO, 2019

A composition containing minoxidil and other pharmaceutical components for hair growth that improves stability through the incorporation of specific higher aliphatic compounds. The composition, preferably in a pharmaceutical preparation, contains minoxidil, panthenol and pyridoxine, and a higher aliphatic compound. The method for stabilizing minoxidil involves incorporating one or more selected from the group; (C) a higher aliphatic compound.

19. Minoxidil Solution with Dibutylhydroxytoluene and Tartaric Acid pH Regulation

FUJI CHEM IND CO LTD, 2019

A minoxidil-based hair growth solution that addresses the limitations of traditional minoxidil formulations. The composition combines minoxidil with a synergistic combination of dibutylhydroxytoluene (DBHT) and tartaric acid as pH regulators, along with ethanol as a solvent. The solution maintains a stable pH between 6.0 and 6.5, ensuring consistent minoxidil efficacy while preventing precipitation. The formulation also incorporates propylene glycol for enhanced solubility. This composition provides a reliable and stable minoxidil solution for hair growth treatments.

20. Water-Soluble Vehicle Comprising Lavender Hydrolate and Essential Oils for Minoxidil Base Solubilization

SM EMPREENDIMENTOS FARMACEUTICOS LTDA, 2018

A water-soluble vehicle for solubilizing minoxidil base that maintains its active concentration while preventing irritation. The vehicle comprises water, lavender hydrolate, essential oils from rosemary, juniper, eucalyptus, and other plant extracts, lactic acid, and sodium benzoate. This formulation enables the effective solubilization of minoxidil base at concentrations up to 7% without compromising its therapeutic efficacy, while avoiding the skin irritation associated with traditional hydroalcoholic vehicles.

21. Aerosol Formulation of Minoxidil in Aminosulfonic Acid Solution with Crystal-Free Stability at Low Temperatures

22. Minoxidil Liquid Preparation with Acidic Stabilizers and Reduced Alcohol Content

23. Topical Minoxidil Formulation with Tartrate Acid or Salt for Enhanced Solubility and Crystal Suppression

24. Topical Minoxidil Composition with Lactic Acid for Color Suppression

25. Topical Formulation Combining Low-Dose 5α-Reductase Inhibitor with Minoxidil

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