Aminexil Vs Minoxidil — Which one is better?

www.heligant.com

6 min readDec 16, 2023

A lot of our customers come back to us asking for this very question again and again, so here we are.

In this article we are going to discuss -

What is Aminexil?
What is working mechanism of Aminexil?
What is Minoxidil?
What is working mechanism of Minoxidil?
Comparison of Aminexil vs Minoxidil
Top products in each of the categories.

Aminexil vs. Minoxidil: A Simple Guide to Hair Loss Treatments

What is Aminexil?

Aminexil (Scientific name — Kopexil) is a chemical compound commonly used in hair care products, particularly in treatments designed to address hair loss and promote hair growth. It is often found in topical solutions, shampoos, and other products formulated to combat conditions like male and female pattern baldness.

The exact mechanism of action of kopexil is unknown. There is no proof of therapeutic effect for kopexil against alopecia (hair loss).

It is often included in formulations alongside other active ingredients aimed at promoting a healthier scalp environment and encouraging stronger, thicker hair.

Aminexil was developed by the French pharmaceutical and cosmetics company L’Oréal. It was introduced as an active ingredient in their hair care products, particularly those aimed at addressing hair loss and promoting hair growth.

How does Aminexil Work ? Working Mechanism of Aminexil -

Aminexil is believed to work by improving blood flow to the hair follicles, preventing the hardening of collagen around the follicles, and potentially prolonging the life of the hair.

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a medication commonly used to treat hair loss, particularly in cases of androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness). It was originally developed as an oral medication for treating high blood pressure, but during clinical trials, researchers observed that it had the side effect of promoting hair growth.

As a result, minoxidil was reformulated into a topical solution that could be directly applied to the scalp. When applied to the scalp, minoxidil is thought to dilate blood vessels, potentially increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. The exact mechanism of how minoxidil stimulates hair growth is not completely understood, but it is believed to extend the growth phase of hair follicles (anagen phase) and increase the size of hair follicles.

Minoxidil is available over-the-counter in various forms, including topical solutions and foams. It is often used as a long-term treatment for individuals experiencing gradual hair loss. It’s important to note that results can vary, and the medication needs to be consistently applied to maintain any benefits. Before using minoxidil or any other hair loss treatment, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

How does Minoxidil Work ? Working Mechanism of Minoxidil -

Minoxidil functions as a topical vasodilator, widening blood vessels on the scalp. This is believed to increase blood flow to hair follicles, extending the active growth phase and potentially enlarging follicles. These actions collectively contribute to hair growth. While commonly used for hereditary hair loss, individual responses vary. Consistent application is key, and consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended for personalized advice on addressing hair loss concerns.

Comparison: -

Here’s a comparison table between Minoxidil and Aminexil based on various criteria: it is well know that Aminexil which is developed by L’Oreal, they did not disclose most of the information about the product. Its just added into their own products and later was made generic. Minoxidil on the other hand have multiple studies done and is proven to be effective. Check out below (swipe to see) -


+======================+========================================================================================================================+====================================================================================+
|       Criteria       |                                                       Minoxidil                                                        |                                      Aminexil                                      |
+======================+========================================================================================================================+====================================================================================+
| Primary Use          | Hair growth stimulant for hereditary hair loss                                                                         | Hair growth stimulant for hereditary hair loss                                     |
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| Mechanism of Action  | Vasodilation, extends anagen phase, potential follicle enlargement                                                     | Improved blood flow, potential collagen protection, potential life cycle extension |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Inventor/Developer   | Originally developed by Upjohn (now part of Pfizer)                                                                    | Developed by L'Oréal (exact inventors not disclosed)                               |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| In Use Since         | Originally developed as a blood pressure medication in the late 1950s, topical use for hair loss approved in the 1980s | Introduced in hair care products by L'Oréal, timeline not specified                |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Availability         | Over-the-counter and prescription formulations available                                                               | Typically found in hair care products, availability may vary                       |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Application Form     | Topical solution, foam, or shampoo                                                                                     | Often included in topical solutions or hair care products                          |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Pricing              | Varies based on brand, formulation, and concentration                                                                  | Varies based on the product and brand                                              |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Packaging Type       | Bottles, pumps, or spray applicators for solutions                                                                     | Often incorporated into various hair care product formulations                     |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Side Effects         | Mild side effects like itching or irritation, rare but potentially more severe effects with oral use                   | Generally considered safe, but individual sensitivities may vary                   |
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| Long-Term Efficacy   | Maintains effectiveness with consistent use                                                                            | Efficacy may vary, and long-term effects may depend on individual response         |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| User Compliance      | Requires consistent application to maintain benefits                                                                   | Requires consistent use as part of hair care routine                               |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Research and Studies | Extensively studied for efficacy and safety                                                                            | Research may be available but may not be as extensive                              |
+----------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| User Experience      | Positive reports on hair regrowth with consistent use                                                                  | Mixed user reviews, as efficacy can vary among individuals                         |
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