Minoxidil 5% extends the growth phase by increasing scalp blood flow and oxygen delivery to follicles, transitioning once-dormant follicles into active growth. At 5%, it delivers a stronger signal than standard OTC formulations and is the only FDA-approved topical for female pattern hair loss.
Dutasteride 0.1% — DHT is the hormone that shrinks hair follicles over time, and it also triggers inflammation at the scalp. Dutasteride blocks DHT more completely than other treatments, targeting both issues head on.
Finasteride 0.1% adds a second layer of DHT blocking, targeting a pathway dutasteride doesn’t fully cover on its own. Together, the two ingredients shut down DHT production more completely than either one alone.
Latanoprost 0.005% extends the active growth phase of the hair cycle.
Tretinoin 0.01% does two jobs: it helps every other ingredient absorb more effectively, and it activates minoxidil at the follicle level. Studies show that nearly half of people who don’t respond to minoxidil alone start responding once tretinoin is added. It also supports healthy scalp cell turnover, keeping the environment receptive to treatment.
Ketoconazole 2% is an antifungal that also works against DHT. It clears the scalp of yeast that disrupts the follicle environment, reduces DHT-driven inflammation, and blocks androgen activity directly at the receptor. Research shows topical ketoconazole at this concentration produces hair-stimulating effects comparable to minoxidil in women with pattern hair loss.