Ingredient library
Look past the label. See what was studied.
One consistent profile for every option: what it is, which outcomes have human evidence, the forms and amounts studied, and the limits that matter. We start with everything we compare for hair.
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Goal: Hair · adult male pattern hair loss
Full profiles
Core optionMinoxidilSolution, foam and tablets for male pattern hair loss: what the trials measured, how the labels say to use it, the side effects that were counted and what it costs.Open the profile 
Core optionFinasterideA daily tablet and a scalp spray for male pattern hair loss: what the trials measured, how the labels say to use it, the side effects and warnings, and what it costs.Open the profile 
ConditionalDutasterideA capsule studied against finasteride, and a scalp solution still in research: what the trials measured, where it is approved for hair loss, the side effects and how long it stays in the body.Open the profile 
Limited evidenceSaw palmettoA botanical supplement with small trials of specific extracts: what they measured, how it compares with finasteride, the amounts that were used, what is known about safety and how to read a label.Open the profile 
Limited evidenceRosemaryOne trial of one lotion, compared with 2% minoxidil: what it measured, how the lotion was used, why it cannot be turned into drops of essential oil, and what is known about the scalp.Open the profile 
Limited evidencePumpkin seed oilOne placebo-controlled trial of one capsule in men: what it measured, what the 40% figure really means, how the capsule was taken, and why cooking oil or another capsule is not the same thing.Open the profile
The references to weigh first for this goal. Not a personal prescription.
Relevant when a specific question or condition applies to you.
A narrow signal. Worth knowing, but not equivalent to the references.
Helps a different outcome, like manageability or appearance, not regrowth.
No basis to add it by default. May become relevant with a documented deficiency.
Medicines
Topical minoxidil, solution
Core optionInitial topical reference. Solution or foam: one form, chosen by context.
Full minoxidil profileTopical minoxidil, foam
Core optionA formulation alternative to the solution, not a second component to add.
Full minoxidil profileOral finasteride
Core optionSeparate oral reference to compare alongside topical minoxidil.
Full finasteride profileOral minoxidil
ConditionalA route to compare when topical isn't accepted, sustainable or suitable.
Full minoxidil profileTopical finasteride
ConditionalTopical alternative to explore after the initial references.
Full finasteride profileOral dutasteride
ConditionalA further, specialist comparison.
Full dutasteride profileTopical dutasteride
Limited evidencePreliminary candidate, lower priority for review.
Full dutasteride profile
Supplements
Saw palmetto, identified extract
Limited evidenceOral botanical with studies of identified extracts. Extracts differ; results don't transfer.
Full saw palmetto profilePumpkin seed oil, trial preparation
Limited evidenceOral botanical with one trial of one preparation. No order shown against saw palmetto.
Full pumpkin seed oil profileStudied nutraceutical formulas
Limited evidenceResults belong to the whole formula, never to one ingredient inside it.
Biotin
Not for your contextNot a default add-on. Can interfere with some lab tests.
Read the biotin guideIron
Not for your contextRelevant when a deficiency is documented, not because it's popular.
Zinc
Not for your contextRelevant when a deficiency is documented.
Vitamin D
Not for your contextRelevant when a deficiency is documented.
Procedures & devices
Microneedling
ConditionalExplained first for the add-on-to-minoxidil question.
Read the microneedling guideLow-level laser / LED device
ConditionalCompare the specific device and the commitment it asks for.
Read the low-level laser / led device guidePlatelet-rich plasma (PRP)
ConditionalSpecialist option with its own protocol.
Read the platelet-rich plasma (prp) guide
Care & practices
Rosemary, studied lotion
Limited evidenceVisible to those who look for botanicals. No DIY essential-oil conversions.
Full rosemary profileGentle hair-shaft care
Other outcomeCan come first for breakage and manageability, without being a therapy.
Cosmetic coverage
Other outcomeA stand-alone option for appearance, no regrowth treatment required.
From ingredients
to a plan.
Profiles tell you what was studied. A plan tells you what makes sense for you.