Is applying 95% pure alcohol on scalp (twice daily, all life) safe for skin?

Question

Minoxidil 5% liquid solution is made of 5% minoxidil + 95% pure alcohol. Solution must be applied twice every day, for the rest of user's life. Isn't that frequent and prolonged application of pure alcohol, eventually going to harm the skin/scalp where the solution is applied - cause an eczema or even cancer? And- which solution (liquid or foam) is less harmful for the skin & overall health? Liquid sol. contains 95% alcohol, foam sol. contains 30% alcohol + 50% propylene glycol + 15% water.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Minoxidil is safe to apply twice a day. It does have some possible side effects, which can include skin irritation. I always recommend a consultation with a hair loss expert. There are great options for hair loss including: progesterone and PRP injections. Best, Dr. Emer

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thanks for query. Minoxidil is by far safe to apply. It does cause some side effects like irritation, dandruff like lesions on the scalp. Liquid solution is better as it is more helpful. Cancer risks are very minute. Hope it helps.All The Best

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Minoxidil is poorly soluble in water. It’s 10 x more soluble in ethanol and 30 x more soluble in propylene glycol. The problem with 95 % ethanol is that some people may experience significant itching, burning and pain with this formulation as it is irritating and drying.Reference O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1107

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Studies have shown that Minoxidil 5% applied to scalp is safe for use twice a day.  The possibility of dry skin, eczema, dandruff or allergies to the medication have been reported. Should this occur, stop the medication and see a hair transplant specialist for other options.

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

Propylene Glycol is significantly more harmful than isopropyl alcohol to the body. Most of the 95% alcohol evaporates.  20 minutes exposure time to the scalp is needed for minoxidil to be absorbed.

Is applying 95% pure alcohol on scalp (twice daily, all life) safe for skin?

Answers (5)