Rogaine Ingredients: What's In Rogaine?

Rogaine® is an FDA-approved topical medication that can protect hair follicles from further damage for men and women struggling with hair loss. Also known by its generic name minoxidil, the hair regrowth treatment has been around for decades, but while many people know it, few people know what Rogaine ingredients actually are.

Below, we’ve explained what’s in men’s and women’s Rogaine that works to manage thinning hair and a receding hairline. We’ve also covered what else you should know about using this product — whether in the form of a a minoxidil foam, minoxidil solution, or other minoxidil topical — to regrow hair.

Rogaine is simply the brand-name version of a medication called minoxidil, meaning there is no material difference between Rogaine vs. minoxidil. The medication is thought to stimulate hair growth by improving blood flow to the follicles. 

The American Academy of Dermatology explains that there is such a thing as normal when it comes to hair loss — usually a rate of about 100 hairs a day. In fact, shedding is a phase in your hair’s three-phase cycle. But if you’re losing more than that rate, that’s often a sign of hair loss.

Regardless of the degree of hair loss you’ve experienced, minoxidil has been shown to reduce the progress of hair loss when used regularly.

Typically, minoxidil is sold as a topical medication in a liquid or foam form. The topical version of minoxidil has been on the market since the 1980s, and it is a mainstay in treating baldness in men. In some countries, minoxidil is actually available in both topical and oral delivery systems, but the U.S. does not currently allow oral minoxidil. 

To use minoxidil, you regularly apply it in the form of an unscented topical solution or foam to the top of the scalp, where it works to improve blood flow locally. Minoxidil is typically used twice-daily, unless otherwise stated.

It is usually available in 2% and 5% concentrations, which are applied by the capful. Neither concentration requires a prescription. 

Prices vary — brand-name Rogaine is typically sold at an average retail price of around $30, while other versions may be more or less expensive. For example, a month’s supply of Hims’ Topical Minoxidil 5%, which has the same active ingredient as Rogaine, is $15, and it is safe and effective like Rogaine when used as directed.

Both Men’s Rogaine and Rogaine for Women are well-established in clinical studies for their effectiveness in managing androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness.

One study, conducted over a 48-week period, found that minoxidil (generic Rogaine) was able to boost hair growth and thickness by around 18 percent.

Minoxidil can take a while to work though. It’s not expected that you’ll see results for at least a few months, and it may be up to a year before you see full effects.

Meanwhile, minoxidil side effects can include forms of scalp irritation, though these are generally relatively mild. This may include scalp itching, dryness, scaling, flaking, irritation, or burning.

Note that minoxidil is not designed to be applied to other parts of the body, so keep it away from your face, eyes, and any open sores or wounds unless otherwise directed.

Side effects of minoxidil that are more serious include chest pain, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or joints, and weight gain. If you experience any of these, you should contact a healthcare professional immediately.

You should also share medical history with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before using minoxidil. Disclosing heart disease and other conditions is important, because topical minoxidil could interact negatively with drugs for hypertension, among others. Women who are breastfeeding should discuss minoxidil use with their healthcare provider.

For this — and many other reasons — you should tell your healthcare provider before using minoxidil, especially if you’re taking other medications.

According to Rogaine’s website, their formula contains 5% minoxidil as the active ingredient. 

This is found in generic versions as well. 

Inactive ingredients are where generics and brand-name Rogaine differ. 

Rogaine appears to have the largest list of inactive ingredients. Many of these ingredients, like polysorbate, are simply to make the compound more deliverable, as it’s a food-grade emulsifier. 

Medications often need stabilizers and delivery agents (like alcohol) to make sure it can be stored safely for a period of time and applied safely and effectively.

Inactive ingredients in Rogaine include:

• Butane

• Butylated hydroxytoluene

• Cetyl alcohol

• Citric acid

• Glycerin

• Isobutane

• Lactic acid

• Polysorbate 60

• Propane

• Purified water

• SD alcohol 40-B

• Stearyl alcohol

Typically, generic versions have fewer ingredients. For instance, one generic version lists just alcohol, propylene glycol, and purified water as its inactive ingredients. 

Differences in Rogaine ingredients can also depend on the type of application, which can include rub-on applicators, as well as large and small spray applications. Minoxidil foam, for example, may include a propellant.

If you’re curious what’s in a minoxidil product you’ve already purchased, check the enclosed booklet or packaging for an ingredient list.

Minoxidil is just one of the recommended products for regrowing hair, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Another is finasteride.

For men with diagnosed androgenic alopecia or a family history of hair loss,finasteride works differently than minoxidil. It targets the hormone DHT, which is one of the primary causes of androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). This can save your remaining hair by keeping the hormone from forming. 

In fact, studies have shown that daily use of finasteride can reduce DHT levels by as much as 70 percent. 

Saw palmetto also reduces DHT levels, according to some studies. 

It’s also one of several useful compounds for hair growth that might be found in shampoos — our What to Look For in a Men’s Hair Loss Shampoo guide has more information if you’re interested.

Rogaine is a well-known medication for the protection of your hair follicles and the encouragement of hair regrowth, but you don’t need to purchase yours from www.rogaine.com. In fact, you don’t need to use brand-name Rogaine at all.

Ingredient lists aside, most treatments for hair loss containing the active ingredient minoxidil can help you preserve and protect your existing follicles. Choosing the right hair loss treatment is about what works for you — not about brand names.

If you already know that you’re fighting male pattern baldness, we have resources to help you learn more about that, too. For more information on two of the most popular treatments for male pattern baldness, check out our explainer on how minoxidil and finasteride can work together.