Minoxidil, while therapeutically effective for hair growth, presents significant formulation challenges when removed from traditional alcohol-glycol solvent systems. The crystallization phenomenon occurs at supersaturation concentrations above 2%, manifesting as needle-like structures that can reach 200-300 microns in length. These crystals not only compromise bioavailability but also create patient compliance issues as they can cause irritation and uneven dosing across the treatment area.

The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining minoxidil in a stable solubilized state while eliminating propylene glycol and reducing alcohol content without compromising therapeutic efficacy or shelf stability.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including surfactant systems with amphoteric and non-ionic components, pH-controlled formulations utilizing organic acids, antioxidant combinations with metal ion chelating agents, and novel co-solvent systems incorporating pantothenyl ethyl ether. These and other approaches provide formulators with practical strategies to develop stable, alcohol-reduced minoxidil products that maintain therapeutic performance while improving user experience.

1. Topical Minoxidil Formulation with Dibutylhydroxytoluene and Pantothenyl Ethyl Ether in Non-Glycol Solvent System

ROHTO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2024

A topical minoxidil formulation that prevents precipitation without glycol-based solvents. The composition contains minoxidil, dibutylhydroxytoluene, and pantothenyl ethyl ether, with concentrations of 3-10% minoxidil. The dibutylhydroxytoluene and pantothenyl ethyl ether inhibit precipitation, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. The formulation is pH-balanced and filled in a polyethylene terephthalate container.

2. Minoxidil Solution with Dibutylhydroxytoluene and Pantothenyl Ethyl Ether in Polyethylene Terephthalate Container

ROHTO PHARMA, 2023

Composition for preventing minoxidil precipitation in external hair growth treatments. The composition contains minoxidil, dibutylhydroxytoluene, and pantothenyl ethyl ether, with concentrations between 3-10 w/v%, to suppress precipitation of minoxidil crystals. The composition is formulated in a container made of a resin containing polyethylene terephthalate, with a pH range of 5.0-8.0. The dibutylhydroxytoluene and pantothenyl ethyl ether components effectively prevent precipitation of minoxidil crystals, maintaining the composition's effectiveness in external hair growth treatments.

3. Topical Minoxidil Composition with Acidic Stabilizers to Prevent Precipitation

TAISHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2023

A topical minoxidil formulation that prevents precipitation upon application, particularly when used in minoxidil-based hair treatments. The composition comprises minoxidil, menthol, phosphoric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, and maleic acid. The formulation maintains a minimum concentration of 5% minoxidil while preventing precipitation through the synergistic effects of these components.

4. Topical Minoxidil Formulation with Stabilized Pantothenyl Compounds and Glycerin in Alkaline pH

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.

5. Minoxidil Topical Solution with Integrated Antioxidant and Metal Ion Chelating Agent for Stability

SHANGHAI PHARMA DONGYING PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2022

A minoxidil topical solution that maintains stability and prevents oxidation during storage and use. The solution contains an antioxidant and metal ion chelating agent, which are incorporated into the formulation during preparation. This combination prevents the formation of reactive oxygen species and metal ions that can cause discoloration and degradation of the minoxidil. The solution maintains its pH and maintains a stable concentration of these key components throughout its shelf life, ensuring consistent quality and efficacy.

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6. Foamable Topical Composition with Surfactant System for Minoxidil Crystal Inhibition

EUROFARMA LABORATORIOS S A, 2022

A foamable topical pharmaceutical composition that prevents Minoxidil crystal formation during storage and application. The composition contains a water-miscible organic solvent, an organic acid, at least one co-solvent, at least one amphoteric surfactant, at least one non-ionic surfactant, at least one antioxidant, and water. The surfactant system inhibits crystal formation while maintaining a pleasant tactile sensation. The composition is formulated as a foamable solution, suitable for topical application in an aerosol spray format.

7. Topical Minoxidil Solution with Stabilized pH and Antioxidant Composition

FUJI CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO LTD, 2022

A topical minoxidil solution that prevents coloration and crystal formation over time. The composition contains minoxidil, ethanol as a solvent, dibutylhydroxytoluene as an antioxidant, and tartaric acid as a pH adjuster. The solution maintains a pH of 6.0-6.5 and contains 5 g of minoxidil per 100 mL, with a lower alcohol concentration of 20 g of water and 0.5 g of dibutylhydroxytoluene.

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8. Hair Growth Agent Formulation with pH-Controlled Crystallization Suppression

MCNEIL-PPC INC, 2021

Hair growth agent formulation that suppresses crystallization of active ingredients through controlled pH management. The formulation comprises minoxidil, pantothenyl ethyl ether, glycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, and lactic acid, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The lactic acid maintains optimal conditions for maintaining the crystalline structure of pantothenyl ethyl ether while preventing precipitation of minoxidil. This formulation provides stable and consistent performance of the active ingredients, particularly in formulations containing pantothenyl ethyl ether.

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9. Minoxidil Composition with Controlled Concentration and Crystal Stability Formulation

ROHTO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2020

A composition containing minoxidil that prevents crystal formation and color degradation during storage. The composition contains minoxidil in a controlled concentration range (4-10% by weight) and maintains crystal stability through a unique formulation that suppresses precipitation and color shift. This composition is particularly suitable for commercial minoxidil products that require long-term stability for efficacy.

10. Topical Minoxidil Formulation with Propylene Glycol, Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether, and Sodium Hyaluronate for Enhanced Solubility and Stability

BIOTEC BIOLOGICA IND FARMACEUTICA LTDA E P P, 2020

A topical formulation of 5% minoxidil for treating male pattern baldness that combines enhanced skin penetration with improved bioequivalence. The formulation incorporates propylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and sodium hyaluronate to enhance solubility and stability, while maintaining the potent vasodilatory effects of minoxidil. The formulation achieves a consistent concentration of minoxidil (90-110%) through precise formulation control, with microbiological testing confirming sterility and safety.

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11. Minoxidil Composition with Dibutylhydroxytoluene and Pantothenyl Ethyl Ether in Polyethylene Terephthalate Container

ROHTO PHARMA, 2020

External composition containing minoxidil for hair growth and scalp health, with improved solubility and stability. The composition comprises minoxidil, dibutylhydroxytoluene, and pantothenyl ethyl ether, with a concentration of 3-10% minoxidil. The dibutylhydroxytoluene and pantothenyl ethyl ether components enhance solubility and prevent precipitation of minoxidil, while maintaining a pH range of 5.0-8.0. The composition is filled in a container made of a resin containing polyethylene terephthalate.

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12. Minoxidil Formulation with Lauromacrogol and Glycerin for Enhanced Dermal Penetration

DIA PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2019

External preparation containing minoxidil that enhances skin penetration and reduces discomfort through synergistic action of lauromacrogol and glycerin. The preparation combines minoxidil with a specific composition of lauromacrogol and glycerin that together achieve superior penetration into the dermis. The glycerin enhances skin permeability, while the lauromacrogol facilitates penetration through its solubilizing properties. The combination provides enhanced penetration and reduced discomfort compared to conventional formulations.

13. Minoxidil Composition with Crystal Inhibition and Color Stability Mechanism

ROHTO PHARMA, 2019

A composition for hair growth containing minoxidil that prevents crystal formation and color degradation. The composition contains minoxidil in a formulation that maintains its solubility and stability when applied to the scalp, preventing precipitation and discoloration. The formulation maintains optimal minoxidil concentrations for hair growth while addressing the common issues of minoxidil crystals and coloration.

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14. Minoxidil Composition with Controlled Crystal Precipitation and Discoloration Properties

ROHTO PHARMA, 2018

A composition for external use containing minoxidil that suppresses crystal precipitation and coloring over time, making it suitable for hair growth applications. The composition contains minoxidil in a concentration between 4-10% by weight, with a propylene glycol concentration of 3-9% by weight. The formulation maintains optimal solubility and stability of minoxidil, preventing crystal formation and discoloration, while maintaining excellent usability.

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15. Minoxidil Composition with Crystal Formation and Coloration Suppression for Extended Stability

ROHTO PHARMA, 2018

A composition for external use containing minoxidil that prevents crystal formation and coloring over time. The composition contains minoxidil in a concentration range of 3-10% by weight, with crystal precipitation and coloration suppressed through controlled formulation. The formulation can be applied multiple times a day, with a typical application volume of 0.5-2g, and can be used for hair growth or hair growth. The composition maintains efficacy over extended periods, typically 6-12 months, while maintaining stability and preventing unwanted coloration.

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16. Minoxidil External Composition with Propylene Glycol and pH Stabilization

ROHTO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2017

A composition for external use containing minoxidil, which is used as an external preparation for medicine, a quasi-drug, or a cosmetic product. The composition contains minoxidil, in a weight ratio of 1:3 to 1:9, in an external composition containing 3 to 10% by weight of minoxidil. The composition has a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and is formulated with propylene glycol to prevent crystal formation and coloration. The formulation maintains its usability even when exposed to heat or light.

17. Minoxidil Topical Composition with pH-Adjusted Water-Based Solvent System

ROHTO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2017

A composition for topical application containing minoxidil, which provides improved solubility and stability for minoxidil formulations. The composition comprises minoxidil, a potent hair growth agent, in a water-based formulation, with a pH adjusted to 6.6-8. This formulation formulation suppresses crystal formation and color degradation of minoxidil, ensuring consistent efficacy and stability over time.

18. Topical Minoxidil Formulation with Controlled Tartrate Acid Blending for Enhanced Solubility and Crystal Suppression

TAISHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2017

A topical minoxidil formulation that maintains solubility and suppresses crystal formation through the controlled blending of tartrate acid and/or its salt with water. The formulation achieves optimal minoxidil solubility while preventing crystal precipitation, making it suitable for topical treatments.

19. Minoxidil Cream Formulation with Isostearic Acid, Carboxyvinyl Polymer, and Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monooleate

TAISHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2017

Cream formulation for minoxidil with improved stability and usability. The formulation contains a combination of isostearic acid, carboxyvinyl polymer, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and purified water. The isostearic acid enhances stability, while the carboxyvinyl polymer improves solubility. The polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate acts as a stabilizer, and the purified water maintains the formulation's stability. The formulation is hypoallergenic and does not contain alcohol, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

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20. Crystal-Free Stable Liquid Composition with Minoxidil, Eucalyptus Oil, Polyhydric Alcohol, and Lower Alcohol Mixture

DIA PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2016

Clear liquid preparation containing minoxidil and eucalyptus oil that maintains crystal-free stability during storage. The preparation combines a polyhydric alcohol like glycerin with a lower alcohol and water mixture, ensuring uniform dissolution of the active ingredient. The solution is then mixed with eucalyptus oil and solid minoxidil, resulting in a clear liquid agent that maintains crystal-free stability during storage.

JP2016145180A-patent-drawing

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