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Minoxidil 5%, tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid
from£29.99
A personalised topical hair loss liquid containing minoxidil 5% and tretinoin 0.01% in a traditional alcohol and propylene glycol base. Designed for adults who want a focused two-ingredient approach combining follicle stimulation with enhanced absorption, delivered with the precision of a spray applicator and the efficient absorption of a well-established liquid base. Applied as six sprays (1ml) to the scalp at night and washed off in the morning.
Minoxidil 5% + Tretinoin 0.01% Topical Hair Loss Liquid
A targeted treatment for pattern hair loss
Hair loss is easy to ignore until it starts affecting you. You may notice thinning at the crown, a wider parting, or a hairline that keeps shifting backwards. However, the impact often goes beyond appearance. Over time, hair loss can affect confidence, increase self-consciousness, and leave you feeling frustrated when previous treatments have not made enough difference.
Why doing nothing can make hair loss worse
Pattern hair loss does not stop while you weigh up your options. Instead, follicles continue to miniaturise, hairs become finer, and the opportunity to respond early can narrow over time. As a result, many people spend months trying products that do not suit their biology, see limited improvement, and eventually give up.
However, that does not always mean treatment cannot work. More often, it means they simply have not started the right treatment yet.
Why this combination may be prescribed
Not every patient needs an anti-androgen in their formula. Instead, some patients benefit from a different approach. This compounded liquid combines minoxidil with tretinoin to support hair growth from two useful angles.
Minoxidil helps stimulate the follicles, while tretinoin may improve scalp absorption and support the environment around the follicle. Together, they offer a practical treatment option in a format that allows precise application with a spray applicator.
In some cases, a prescriber may recommend this formula after reviewing your medical history and scalp concerns. In other cases, TrichoTest results may suggest that minoxidil and tretinoin together, without an anti-androgen, offer the most suitable starting point for your individual profile.
So, this two-ingredient compounded liquid is not a compromise. Instead, it is a considered clinical choice.
Why choose a traditional liquid base?
This liquid formula uses alcohol and propylene glycol, which are well-established ingredients in topical hair loss treatment. Importantly, these excipients help improve penetration by carrying the active ingredients through the scalp barrier more effectively.
Because this base has been used in hair loss treatments for many years, it remains a familiar and practical option for patients who tolerate it well. In short, it offers a direct, no-fuss way to deliver both active ingredients to the follicles that need them most.
A dose you can measure with confidence
The spray applicator delivers exactly 1ml across six sprays. So, you do not need to estimate or guess. Instead, you can apply the liquid more accurately to the areas of thinning rather than spreading product across the whole scalp.
That level of control matters. After all, when you apply a two-ingredient formula night after night, precise and consistent delivery can make treatment easier to follow.
Why minoxidil 5% and tretinoin 0.01%?
Minoxidil 5% is a widely used strength for adults with pattern hair loss. It works by helping stimulate the follicles and support ongoing hair growth.
Tretinoin 0.01% is a low-strength retinoid. In this formula, it works alongside minoxidil by helping improve scalp penetration and supporting the skin environment around the follicle.
Together, these ingredients support follicle stimulation and absorption efficiency in one compounded formula. At the same time, they do this without targeting the hormonal pathway affected by anti-androgen ingredients.
A clinically guided treatment option
This formula is not a default treatment. Instead, a prescriber selects it based on your individual profile, medical history, and treatment goals. Where relevant, TrichoTest results may also help guide that decision.
At Courier Pharmacy, treatment starts with a proper assessment. We carefully review your suitability before prescribing. As a result, your treatment plan reflects your scalp, your history, and your needs.
Key features
Prescription-only compounded topical liquid for pattern hair loss
Traditional spray format with precise, measured delivery
Contains minoxidil 5% and tretinoin 0.01% in a carefully considered formula
Designed to support accurate and consistent nightly application
Reviewed for suitability by a UK-qualified prescriber
Additional information
Quantity
1 x 30ml, 2 x 30ml, 3 x 30ml, 4 x 30ml, 5 x 30ml, 6 x 30ml
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What is Minoxidil 5%, Tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid?
This compounded topical hair loss liquid contains minoxidil 5% and tretinoin 0.01% in a traditional alcohol and propylene glycol base. It is designed for adults with pattern hair loss who want a focused two-ingredient approach — combining minoxidil’s follicle-stimulating action with tretinoin’s ability to support scalp penetration and follicle health — particularly those whose clinical profile indicates this combination is the most appropriate starting point, or those who want both active ingredients delivered efficiently via a precise spray applicator. The aim is straightforward: support follicle activity and enhance active ingredient delivery, applied accurately and consistently night after night.
Two active ingredients working together to support follicle activity and enhance absorption
Traditional spray liquid format for precise, measured delivery
Minoxidil at 5% and tretinoin at 0.01% — a clinically considered combination
May suit people with androgenetic alopecia who want a minoxidil and tretinoin approach without an anti-androgen, in a direct, efficient liquid format
Safe prescribing still matters — hair loss treatment needs proper screening, review, and follow-up
Part of the Gro hair loss range, designed for personalised treatment at less than £1 per day
Pattern hair loss is personal
Pattern hair loss is common, but that does not make it any less personal. Many people first notice extra shedding, reduced density, or a hairline that seems to be quietly retreating. Many then try a product that does not match their biology, see little result, and quietly give up — not because treatment cannot work, but because they were never on the right treatment to begin with.
A formula for people who want a focused, direct two-ingredient approach
This liquid is aimed at people who want a carefully considered minoxidil and tretinoin combination — delivered in a traditional format that absorbs efficiently and applies with precision. It is particularly relevant for those whose prescriber has identified this combination as the most appropriate starting treatment, those whose TrichoTest results indicate a strong minoxidil response profile alongside a benefit from enhanced absorption, and those who want the precision of a spray applicator to deliver both active ingredients exactly where they are needed.
The goal of treatment
Hair loss affects more than appearance. It chips away at confidence. It makes ordinary moments feel oddly loaded — a harsh bathroom mirror, a photo taken from an unexpected angle, a windy day when you would rather not think about what is visible.
The goal of treatment is not perfection. It is to slow loss, support healthier growth, and help you feel more in control — with a plan that makes clinical sense and a format that delivers both active ingredients efficiently, night after night.
The traditional liquid advantage
Precise dosing with every application
The spray applicator removes the guesswork entirely. Six sprays deliver exactly 1ml — the standard prescribed dose — every single time. You direct each spray to the areas of thinning. No pooling. No drift. That precision makes consistent, accurate delivery of both active ingredients straightforward and repeatable night after night.
An established vehicle with a proven track record
Alcohol and propylene glycol are effective penetration enhancers with decades of clinical use in topical hair loss treatment. They carry active ingredients through the scalp barrier efficiently — and for this formula, efficient delivery of both minoxidil and tretinoin matters. For patients who tolerate this base well, it offers a direct, no-fuss format that gets on with the job.
Adherence is everything
Both minoxidil and tretinoin work best with sustained, consistent use. If six precise sprays at the same time each evening is a routine you can maintain without difficulty, the liquid format has a clear practical advantage — and that advantage builds over months of sustained, consistent use.
Why the liquid vehicle matters
The alcohol and propylene glycol base is clinically relevant as well as practically efficient. It acts as an effective penetration enhancer — promoting scalp absorption and helping both active ingredients reach the follicles that need them. The spray applicator ensures a precise, consistent dose with every application. For patients who tolerate this base well, it offers a direct and efficient route to the follicles.
Why compounding?
What compounding means
Compounding means a medicine is prepared to order by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient. It is not a mass-produced one-size-fits-all product. In the UK, this sits within a regulated framework and should only be supplied when clinically appropriate.
Why compounding matters for this formula
Some people choose this compounded liquid because they want a clinically tailored two-ingredient approach — minoxidil and tretinoin together, in a traditional spray base that delivers both efficiently. Others come to compounding after finding that standard single-ingredient options have not delivered adequate results, wanting a more considered approach that targets both follicle stimulation and absorption. Others want the flexibility to start with this combination and expand their formula over time.
Personalised medicine in practice
Hair loss is not identical from one person to the next. The right treatment approach for one patient is not the right approach for another. Compounding makes it possible to prescribe minoxidil 5% and tretinoin 0.01% together in a liquid base — a formulation that simply does not exist in any standard licensed product — when clinical assessment indicates that this is the most appropriate approach. The medicine is shaped around the patient, not the other way around.
Why this two-ingredient combination can be the right choice
Some patients benefit from minoxidil and tretinoin together without needing an anti-androgen at this stage. Tretinoin at 0.01% enhances the scalp’s absorption of minoxidil, supports follicle health, and may improve treatment outcomes compared with minoxidil alone. For patients whose TrichoTest results indicate a strong minoxidil response via the SULT1A1 pathway, adding tretinoin to the formula may further support that response without introducing hormonal pathway ingredients that are not indicated.
If additional ingredients are indicated over time — such as finasteride or dutasteride — TrichoTest and clinical assessment will guide that decision. Compounding makes either path possible.
TrichoTest: personalising the approach
TrichoTest reduces guesswork. It is a pharmacogenetic test that analyses 26 genetic polymorphisms linked to nine key treatment pathways relevant to hair loss. Rather than prescribing from standard protocols alone, TrichoTest combines your genetic profile with your medical history to predict which ingredients, dosages, and delivery methods are most likely to work for your biology.
How the TrichoTest informs this formula
Minoxidil works via a specific metabolic pathway. The enzyme SULT1A1 — sulphotransferase — converts minoxidil into its active form at the follicle. Patients with high SULT1A1 expression have a strong predicted response to minoxidil. TrichoTest identifies this before treatment begins, helping the prescriber decide whether minoxidil is the most appropriate primary ingredient — and whether the addition of tretinoin to enhance scalp absorption and follicle health makes this two-ingredient liquid the best starting point.
If TrichoTest indicates strong minoxidil metabolism alongside other factors that support a tretinoin-enhanced approach, this formula may be the most clinically appropriate starting point. If results suggest that an anti-androgen ingredient would also be beneficial, the prescriber can incorporate this from the outset or add it over time.
How the TrichoTest informs this formula more broadly
If TrichoTest identifies factors that would make a more comprehensive combination formula more beneficial from the outset — such as a high anti-androgen requirement — the prescriber may recommend a three-ingredient formula instead, or plan to expand this one over time.
The nine pathways TrichoTest analyses
Prostaglandins and sulphotransferase — how you process minoxidil and latanoprost
Anti-inflammatory response — your reaction to glucocorticoids and immunomodulators
Anti-androgen metabolism — how effectively you respond to dutasteride, finasteride, and 17?-oestradiol
Circulation stimulation — response to vasodilators
Collagen synthesis capacity
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) response
Vitamin absorption — A, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E
Mineral absorption — zinc, magnesium, iron, selenium
Antioxidant needs and oxidative stress profile
Beyond ingredient selection
TrichoTest also identifies nutritional gaps and metabolic factors that affect hair health independently of topical treatment. If genetic variants reduce zinc or iron absorption, the prescriber can recommend targeted supplementation alongside this liquid formula — moving treatment from guesswork towards something shaped by your actual biology.
TrichoTest does not guarantee results, but it gives the prescriber better information to decide whether this specific formula — minoxidil and tretinoin together, in a liquid base — is right for you, or whether something different would serve you better.
The Gro hair loss range
What is the Gro brand?
Gro is the compounded hair loss range created by Courier Pharmacy and Medical Mojo. It exists because hair loss treatment should not feel one-size-fits-all.
Some people want a traditional liquid spray — direct, efficient, and familiar. Some prefer a foam. Others need an alcohol-free and propylene glycol-free base because their scalp reacts to standard excipients. Gro brings those options together under one brand, matching treatment to the person using it, not the other way around.
Each Gro product comes in a 30ml bottle designed to last one month. Every option costs £29.99 for up to three active ingredients — less than £1 a day.
Why Gro is different
Gro was built around three practical goals:
Choice of formulation: topical liquid, topical foam, or Trichosol solution (propylene glycol free and alcohol free)
Personalisation: single, dual, and triple-ingredient combinations across multiple concentrations
Better tolerability: every format is designed to reduce the friction that stops people from maintaining their routine
The three formulation types
Topical hair loss liquid — a traditional spray solution containing alcohol and propylene glycol. Well-established, with efficient scalp penetration. Six sprays deliver a precise 1ml dose. This is the formulation described on this page. Chosen by patients who want a direct, proven format for their two-ingredient combination.
Hair loss foam — lighter, faster-drying, and easier to apply without dripping. Chosen by patients who want clinical results in a format that fits more easily into daily life.
Trichosol topical solution — propylene glycol free and alcohol free. Designed for patients with sensitive or reactive scalps who need a gentler base but want the same active ingredients.
Ingredients used across the Gro range
Depending on the product selected, Gro formulations may include:
Dutasteride
Finasteride
Minoxidil 5%
Tretinoin 0.01%
These can be prescribed alone or in combination, and at varying concentrations, depending on the individual treatment plan.
Gro product options
The Gro range includes the following compounded hair loss options, each supplied as a 30ml one-month bottle at £29.99.
Dutasteride 0.05%, minoxidil 5% in Trichosol — topical solution
Dutasteride 0.1%, minoxidil 5% — topical liquid
Dutasteride 0.1%, minoxidil 5% — topical foam
Dutasteride 0.1%, minoxidil 5% in Trichosol — topical solution
Dutasteride 0.2%, minoxidil 5% — topical liquid
Dutasteride 0.2%, minoxidil 5% — topical foam
Dutasteride 0.2%, minoxidil 5% in Trichosol — topical solution
Finasteride + Minoxidil
Finasteride 0.05%, minoxidil 5% — topical liquid
Finasteride 0.05%, minoxidil 5% — topical foam
Finasteride 0.05%, minoxidil 5% in Trichosol — topical solution
Finasteride 0.1%, minoxidil 5% — topical liquid
Finasteride 0.1%, minoxidil 5% — topical foam
Finasteride 0.1%, minoxidil 5% in Trichosol — topical solution
Finasteride 0.2%, minoxidil 5% — topical liquid
Finasteride 0.2%, minoxidil 5% — topical foam
Finasteride 0.2%, minoxidil 5% in Trichosol — topical solution
In simple terms
Gro makes personalised hair loss treatment accessible and practical.
You get a 30ml bottle for one month, £29.99 pricing, up to three active ingredients at a concentration chosen for you, and a choice of liquid, foam, or Trichosol alcohol-free and propylene glycol-free solution. If you want a treatment that fits your biology, your treatment stage, and your daily life — not a generic protocol — the Gro range gives you more than one route without making the choice unnecessarily complicated.
This is a Prescription Only Medicine. You can request it from courierpharmacy.co.uk by completing a quick online consultation, reviewed by a UK-qualified prescriber for suitability and safety. If appropriate, Courier Pharmacy will dispense the compounded liquid and deliver it discreetly.
Complete the online consultation
Prescriber reviews your answers for suitability and safety
Prescription issued if clinically appropriate
Dispensed and delivered discreetly to your door
If the treatment is not suitable, this will be explained clearly and the next best option may be suggested.
Summary
Prescription-only compounded two-ingredient treatment for pattern hair loss
Combines follicle stimulation and enhanced scalp absorption via the minoxidil and tretinoin pathways
Traditional spray liquid format with precise, measured dosing
Minoxidil at 5% and tretinoin at 0.01% — a clinically considered combination
May help patients who need a minoxidil and tretinoin approach without an anti-androgen, or who want efficient delivery via a spray liquid base
Good outcomes depend on consistency, review, and realistic expectations
Comes in a convenient 30ml bottle designed to last around one month, at less than £1 per day
Minoxidil 5%, Tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid — Active ingredients
Minoxidil 5%
Minoxidil is a topical vasodilator and follicle stimulant. It supports hair growth by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, improving blood supply to follicles, and stimulating follicle cells to produce thicker, healthier hair. At 5%, this is the standard compounded concentration for adults with pattern hair loss.
Tretinoin 0.01%
Tretinoin is a retinoid that supports hair loss treatment in two ways. At 0.01%, it enhances the scalp's absorption of minoxidil — helping the active ingredient penetrate more effectively to the follicles that need it — and it supports the follicle environment by promoting cell turnover and scalp health. It is used at a low concentration specifically to complement minoxidil without causing the irritation associated with higher retinoid strengths.
Why the liquid vehicle matters
The alcohol and propylene glycol base is clinically relevant as well as practically efficient. It acts as an effective penetration enhancer — promoting absorption and helping both active ingredients reach the follicles efficiently. The spray applicator ensures a precise, consistent dose with every application. For patients who tolerate this base well, it offers a direct and efficient route to deliver both minoxidil and tretinoin to the follicles that need treatment.
What is the Minoxidil 5%, Tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid used for?
Pattern hair loss in men and women
This product treats pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. In men, this often appears as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. In women, it may present as diffuse thinning or a widening parting. The aim is to support hair retention and encourage healthier growth where clinically appropriate.
The problems of hair loss
The practical problem is visible thinning. The internal problem is the loss of confidence that builds quietly alongside it. The deeper issue is that people should not have to feel dismissed or left to navigate treatment alone for something that so clearly affects daily life.
Who this formula is for
Some patients come to this formula because minoxidil and tretinoin together is the most clinically appropriate approach for their profile — and they want it delivered in a precise, efficient liquid spray format. Others arrive because their TrichoTest results demonstrate strong SULT1A1 activity alongside a benefit from enhanced scalp absorption, making this two-ingredient combination the right starting point. Others still come after finding that standard single-ingredient products have not delivered adequate results — and this more targeted two-ingredient liquid offers a more considered clinical plan. In all cases, a compounded liquid at 5% minoxidil and 0.01% tretinoin offers a more purposeful path than anything available off the shelf.
How does the Minoxidil 5%, Tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid work?
Pattern hair loss is driven by a combination of hormonal and circulatory factors. This formula addresses the circulatory, follicle-stimulating, and absorption sides of that equation.
Minoxidil: stimulating the follicle
Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener and vasodilator. Applied topically, it improves blood flow to follicles, prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle, and stimulates follicle cells to produce thicker, healthier hair. It does not block DHT — that is the role of anti-androgen ingredients such as finasteride or dutasteride. Minoxidil and anti-androgens work through different mechanisms and can be used together when clinically appropriate.
For patients whose TrichoTest results indicate strong SULT1A1 enzyme activity, a minoxidil-based formula may deliver meaningful results. Think of minoxidil as waking up the follicles — improving the conditions at the scalp so that existing follicles can produce more and healthier hair.
Tretinoin: enhancing delivery and follicle health
Tretinoin at 0.01% works in a supporting role. It promotes cell turnover in the scalp, enhances the penetration of minoxidil through the skin barrier, and supports the follicle environment. At this low concentration, it is formulated to complement minoxidil's action without causing the irritation that higher retinoid concentrations can produce.
Think of tretinoin as preparing the ground — helping minoxidil reach the follicles more effectively and supporting the scalp conditions that healthy hair growth depends on.
How do you use the Minoxidil 5%, Tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid?
This formulation is a topical liquid and should only be used exactly as prescribed. The usual direction is:
Apply 1ml (6 sprays) at night to the scalp and wash off in the morning.
A dose you can control
Six sprays deliver a consistent, measured 1ml dose every time. You direct each spray precisely to the areas of thinning, then massage gently with your fingertips to distribute evenly. No estimating. No concern about whether you applied the right amount of either active ingredient. The liquid works overnight and washes off as part of a normal morning routine.
The right approach for you
Because this is a compounded medicine, the prescriber selects the formula based on your individual clinical profile and, where used, TrichoTest results. The prescriber may select this two-ingredient liquid as a starting point based on your SULT1A1 pathway activity, your scalp tolerability, your treatment history, or as part of a broader treatment plan that may expand over time.
Building a routine that works
Many people find it easiest to apply as part of their evening routine — after a shower, before bed. The liquid works overnight and washes off as part of a normal morning routine. Applied consistently at the same time each night, treatment has the best possible conditions to deliver results.
What to do if you miss a dose
Resume at the next usual time. Do not apply extra to make up for it. Consistent daily use over months matters far more than compensating for a missed night.
Minoxidil 5%, Tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid — Warnings and precautions
Who should not use this product
This product is not suitable for everyone. Extra care is needed if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding, have a scalp condition affecting absorption, or have a history of allergy to any ingredient in the formulation — including alcohol or propylene glycol.
Minoxidil warnings
Minoxidil is a vasodilator. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, low blood pressure, or cardiac conditions need careful assessment before starting. Systemic absorption is lower with topical use than oral minoxidil, but cardiovascular status will still be reviewed. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should discuss this with the prescriber before starting.
Tretinoin warnings
Tretinoin is a retinoid. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant must not use this product — retinoids are associated with serious risks to foetal development. Scalp sensitivity, dryness, or peeling can occur, particularly in the early weeks of use. Avoid applying near the eyes or mucous membranes. Sun sensitivity may be increased — apply at night as directed and use appropriate sun protection during the day.
A note on the liquid base
Some patients find alcohol and propylene glycol-based products cause scalp dryness, stinging, or irritation — particularly those with more sensitive skin. This may be more noticeable in the early weeks when tretinoin is also contributing to initial scalp sensitivity. If you have previously reacted to products containing these excipients, discuss this with the prescriber before starting. Alternative formats — including the foam and the Trichosol alcohol-free and propylene glycol-free solution — are available within the Gro range at the same concentrations and may be more appropriate.
A note on concurrent treatments
If you are using other topical hair loss agents alongside this liquid, disclose this during consultation. Concurrent use of multiple topical hair loss agents is not usually recommended without prescriber guidance.
Compounded does not mean casual
The traditional liquid format and two-ingredient formula do not reduce the need for proper prescribing review. The same thorough safety and suitability checks apply here as with any other prescription treatment. A full medical history — including cardiovascular status, blood pressure, pregnancy status, previous medication reactions, and any relevant health conditions — will be reviewed during consultation.
Minoxidil 5%, Tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid — Side effects
Common side effects
Common side effects may include scalp irritation, dryness, redness, itching, flaking, or temporary shedding early in treatment. The alcohol and propylene glycol base may cause more noticeable dryness or a mild stinging sensation in some patients — this may be more pronounced in the early weeks when tretinoin is also causing some initial scalp sensitivity. Early shedding is common when starting minoxidil — it occurs as follicles shift through the hair cycle in response to treatment and usually settles within a few months.
Minoxidil-related effects
Topical minoxidil may cause unwanted facial hair growth if the product spreads beyond the scalp. Apply only to the scalp and avoid contact with the face. Systemic effects are uncommon with topical use but can include dizziness, palpitations, fluid retention, or low blood pressure. These are more likely in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Report any cardiovascular symptoms, marked scalp irritation, or allergic reactions promptly.
If the base causes persistent irritation
If scalp dryness or irritation from the alcohol and propylene glycol base becomes a consistent problem, do not push through. Ask for a review. The foam or Trichosol version of this two-ingredient formula may be a more suitable alternative. One of the genuine advantages of compounded treatment is that the format can be adjusted when tolerability becomes an issue — without changing the clinical approach.
When to seek advice
Seek advice if you develop chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, swelling, marked irritation, signs of allergy, or unwanted hair growth in areas other than the scalp.
Minoxidil 5%, Tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid — Drug interactions
Why interactions matter with this formula
Both minoxidil and tretinoin carry interaction considerations. Thorough review before starting remains important.
Minoxidil interactions
Topical minoxidil may have an additive effect in patients taking antihypertensive medicines, potentially causing blood pressure to fall further. Patients taking medicines for cardiovascular conditions, blood pressure, or fluid balance should discuss this with the prescriber before starting.
Tretinoin interactions
Tretinoin may increase skin sensitivity and can interact with other topical products that cause dryness or irritation. Products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or strong exfoliants should not be used on the same area without prescriber guidance. The drying effect of the alcohol base may compound tretinoin-related sensitivity in some patients.
Other scalp products
Other scalp treatments, harsh exfoliants, or irritating cosmetic products may increase the risk of local reactions — particularly alongside tretinoin. Concurrent use of multiple topical hair loss agents is not usually recommended without prescriber guidance. All current products should be disclosed during consultation.
Minoxidil 5%, Tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid — FAQs
How long does it take to see results?
Minoxidil requires patience. Most people need several months of consistent use before visible improvement becomes apparent. Early shedding in the first few weeks is common and is not a sign that treatment is failing. The spray applicator makes consistent nightly dosing straightforward — and consistency is what treatment outcomes depend on.
Is this suitable for both men and women?
It may suit some adults, but the prescriber will assess this carefully. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant must not use this product — it contains tretinoin, which is contraindicated in pregnancy. Suitability is always assessed individually.
What does tretinoin do in this formula?
Tretinoin at 0.01% plays a supporting role. It enhances scalp penetration of minoxidil, promotes cell turnover, and supports the follicle environment. At this low concentration it is formulated to work alongside minoxidil without causing the irritation associated with higher retinoid strengths. The prescriber includes it when clinical assessment indicates it adds meaningful benefit for the individual.
Why is this a two-ingredient formula rather than a single ingredient?
Some patients benefit from minoxidil and tretinoin together without needing an anti-androgen at this stage. The tretinoin component enhances minoxidil delivery and supports follicle health. If clinical assessment or TrichoTest results indicate that an anti-androgen would also be beneficial, the prescriber can adjust the formula accordingly.
How does the spray applicator work?
Six sprays deliver exactly 1ml — the standard prescribed dose — ensuring both active ingredients are applied at the right amount to the right area every night. Direct each spray to the areas of thinning, then massage gently with your fingertips to distribute evenly.
What is compounding and why does it matter?
Compounding is the preparation of a medicine to order for an individual patient by a licensed pharmacy. It allows the ingredients, concentrations, and format to be tailored specifically to the person being treated. A compounded minoxidil 5% and tretinoin 0.01% liquid at this specification does not exist in any standard licensed product — compounding is what makes it possible.
Can I add more ingredients to this formula later?
Yes. One of the advantages of compounded treatment is that the formula can evolve over time. If clinical assessment or TrichoTest results indicate that finasteride, dutasteride, or other ingredients would be beneficial, the prescriber can adjust the formula accordingly. Discuss this during your consultation or at review.
What if the liquid base causes dryness or irritation?
Some patients find alcohol and propylene glycol-based products cause scalp dryness or stinging — this may be more noticeable in the early weeks when the tretinoin component is also causing some initial sensitivity adjustment. If this becomes a persistent problem, ask for a review. The foam or Trichosol version of this formula may be a more suitable alternative.
Can I use it if standard hair loss products have irritated my scalp?
If you have previously reacted to alcohol or propylene glycol-based products, discuss this with the prescriber before starting — particularly because the tretinoin component may add some initial scalp sensitivity. A foam or Trichosol alternative at the same concentrations within the Gro range may be more appropriate for your scalp.
How can TrichoTest help with this treatment?
TrichoTest analyses 26 genetic markers linked to hair loss susceptibility and treatment response across nine key pathways. It helps the prescriber decide whether minoxidil and tretinoin together in a liquid base is right for you — including whether the SULT1A1 pathway suggests a strong predicted response to minoxidil — based on your unique genetics rather than a standard protocol. It can also identify whether additional ingredients are likely to be beneficial, and which nutritional gaps or metabolic factors may be affecting your hair health.
Does TrichoTest guarantee the right treatment?
No. It reduces guesswork and supports more informed prescribing, but it does not guarantee results. Genetic testing works best alongside clinical assessment and your personal treatment history.
Will I need a prescription?
Yes. This is a Prescription Only Medicine. A UK-qualified prescriber must review suitability before supply. The consultation can be completed online at courierpharmacy.co.uk.
Can I stop if I see improvement?
Do not stop or change treatment without advice. Hair loss often returns to its previous pattern if treatment stops, even when results have been encouraging. Minoxidil in particular requires ongoing, sustained use to maintain results.
What is the Gro hair loss range?
Gro is the compounded hair loss brand from Courier Pharmacy and Medical Mojo. It offers liquid, foam, and Trichosol formulations, all priced at £29.99 for up to three active ingredients — less than £1 per day.
How much does this cost?
£29.99 for a 30ml bottle, designed to last around one month. Less than £1 per day.
How long does a 30ml bottle last?
Around one month when applied as directed — 1ml (six sprays) to the scalp at night.
What is the difference between liquid, foam, and Trichosol?
Liquid is a traditional spray solution containing alcohol and propylene glycol — efficient absorption, precise spray delivery. Foam is lighter, faster-drying, and easier to apply without dripping. Trichosol is a propylene glycol free and alcohol free option for patients with sensitive or reactive scalps. All are available across the Gro range.
Is liquid better than foam or Trichosol for this formula?
It depends on your scalp, your sensitivities, and what you find workable in daily use. The liquid base offers efficient absorption and precise spray delivery of both active ingredients. The foam and Trichosol options suit patients who find the liquid base uncomfortable — particularly relevant with tretinoin in the formula, which may add some initial scalp sensitivity. The prescriber can help you decide which format fits your scalp and your routine best.
Can I use other hair loss products at the same time?
Concurrent use of multiple topical hair loss agents is not usually recommended without prescriber guidance. Disclose all current treatments during consultation.
I have a heart condition — can I use topical minoxidil?
Disclose any cardiovascular history during consultation. The prescriber will assess suitability carefully. Topical minoxidil carries lower systemic absorption than oral forms, but cardiovascular status is always reviewed before prescribing.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
Written by the Courier Pharmacy clinical content team and reviewed in line with UK pharmacy standards.
How this content was created
This content was created using UK clinical guidance, peer-reviewed evidence, and patient-focused healthcare writing principles. It supports safe understanding, not self-prescribing, and has been reviewed in line with pharmacy standards.
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Minoxidil 5%, tretinoin 0.01% topical hair loss liquid
