Medicinal and cosmetic products used in treatment of hair loss

Hair loss or alopecia is a reduction in the volume or complete loss of hair and is a fairly common clinical problem, especially in the geriatric population. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in men. Androgenetic alopecia in women most often occurs before the age of 60. We also distinguish androgenetic alopecia in postmenopausal women and scarring, areata, telogen and drug-induced alopecia. The aim of the study was to analyze the composition of medicinal and cosmetic preparations available on the Polish market, recommended for people struggling with alopecia. In 2022, the composition of preparations used in alopecia available in pharmacies and drugstores was analyzed.

In total 57 medicinal and cosmetic preparations recommended for people suffering from alopecia have been identified. The most common active substance in the analyzed preparations is finasteride. Frequently used active substances are biotin and minoxidil, rarely prednisolone.

Conclusions: 1. In preparations intended for people with alopecia, the most frequently used active substance is finasteride.

2. Statistically, preparations for hair loss are most often in the form of tablets and shampoos.

3. The analyzed preparations for alopecia belong to the category of prescription drugs and cosmetics, less often in the category of OTC drugs or dietary supplements.