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Best Topical Finasteride: Review the Top Finasteride Brands Online

About the Author

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

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Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Steve Kim, MD

About Dr. Steve Kim, MD

Physician Advisor

Dr. Kim received his BA in Human Biology at Stanford University, before receiving his M.D. degree (Primary Care Track) from UC Davis School of Medicine. He completed his Internship & Residency in Family Practice from Glendale Adventist Hospital and is Board-Certified in Family Medicine via the American Board of Family Medicine. He has held faculty appointments at Stanford & UCSF medical schools and has championed telemedicine for decades. He is also a decorated, retired Flight Surgeon from the US Air Force Reserves.

In this Article

In this Article

Alex Goldberg

If you’re losing your hair, chances are you’ve heard of finasteride. Perhaps you’ve even taken it orally as a once-daily pill. After all, finasteride is one of just two FDA-approved medicines to treat hair loss (the other is minoxidil aka Rogaine) that have worked for millions of individuals over the last few decades.

 

It’s understandable why many steer clear of finasteride, given the potential for side effects like erectile dysfunction (ED). Although rare, most individuals don’t want to take any chances. Luckily, studies have shown that topical versions applied directly to the site of thinning (i.e. your scalp) pose a much lower risk of adverse effects.

 

We’ve conducted extensive research to determine the best topical finasteride products. Read on to learn more about our top picks, including my personal experience trying each brand out, and what Dr. Jonathan Rick, a board-certified dermatologist, has to say about the effectiveness and safety of topical finasteride.  

What’s the Best Topical Finasteride Online?

Most Affordable

KeepstopicalfinGEL

Keeps offers the most bang for your buck with an incredibly affordable 2-in-1 topical starting at just $40 per month.

 

For anyone looking to use both finasteride AND minoxidil in a single solution, Keeps topical fin comes in an easy-to-apply gel. If you prefer a spray, Hims offers a similarly priced option, just with a different application method and slightly lower concentration of fin.

 


Most Effective

xyon dutasteride

XYON’s topical finasteride is more expensive, but it’s worth it if ~$100/ month sounds doable. Their innovative SiloxysSystem helps deliver finasteride to follicles throughout the day, rather than all at once, leading to an impressive 10-17x more on the scalp 24 hours after application.

 

Compare it to Happy Head which offers a similarly priced custom compounded topical solution with more active ingredients, but no slow-release mechanism.

 

Topical Finasteride Comparison - What's the Best Brand for You?

Unlike finasteride pills which are all essentially indistinguishable 1mg generics, topical finasteride formulations are much more varied and personalized. The right formulation for you often comes down to your preferred concentration of finasteride, as well as the dose of any additional active ingredients (like minoxidil), your preferred application method (gel, spray, cream, etc.), and of course, price. Check out the comparison chart below to compare brands like XYON, Happy Head, Strut, Keeps, and Roman. 

 

What's the Best Topical Finasteride Brand?

Monthly Price$79$99
(billed $297 quarterly)
$40 - $60
(billed $120 quarterly for first 3 months, then $180)
$45 - 50
(billed $150 quarterly or $270 bi-annually)
$59$50/month
(billed $150 quarterly)
Free Online Doctor's Visit?
Active Ingredients.25% Finasteride
8% Minoxidil
0.1% Retinoic Acid
1% Hydrocortisone
2.5% Finasteride.25% Finasteride
5% Minoxidil
.1% Finasteride
6% Minoxidil
.25% Finasteride
7.5% Minoxidil
0.01% Tretinoin
.3% Finasteride
6% Minoxidil
0.025% Tretinoin
Slow release of Finasteride on Scalp?✅ SiloxysSystem™ helps deliver finasteride to the scalp throughout the day to maximize its overall absorption and efficacy.
Application MethodDropperGelGelSprayCreamSpray
Recommended UseTwice DailyOnce DailyOnce DailyTwice DailyOnce DailyOnce Daily
Where is it AvailableAll 50 US StatesAll 50 US States + Canada (minus Quebec)All 50 US StatesAll 50 US States + UKAll 50 US StatesAll 50 US States
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