Why you should avoid propylene glycol
When it comes to concocting a topical solution for hair loss, it's obvious that propylene glycol is an enticing ingredient for pharmacists. This is because most products use it as a part of the base, or as a delivery vehicle for the active ingredient(s). Rogaine has it, as does Kirkland Minoxidil, as do versions of Dr. Lee's Xandrox Products, as does Folligen, and as do many others. So long as you're not allergic to it, or don't experience a rash or reaction from it, then it's probably okay. I say probably because even if you DON'T experience any observable adverse effects, that doesn't necessarily mean you're not experiencing any. The problem with propylene glycol is that a fair number of people do experience some form of sensitivity to it. This is not good because it can lead to inflammation. Inflammation is not good because it can lead to a less than ideal environment in the scalp for hair to grow. In some cases it can even lead to folliculitis. I am not saying that propylene glycol causes folliculitis directly, but I am suggesting that it's probably a good idea to avoid it if you can. Many products nowadays do not contain it, and many product vendors are now releasing products that use glycerin or some other vehicle instead. Neither Revivogen nor Xandrox 15 contain it, and that was one of the factors in my deciding to use these products myself. If you are experiencing any form of itching, irritation or sensitivity of the skin, or rash from using a topical that contains propylene glycol, I suggest that its probably prudent for you to switch to an alternative product or set of products that don't contain it. On the other hand, if you're not observing such side-effects, it won't hurt for you to consider switching to products that don't contain it anyway, to avoid potential inflammation that you're not aware of. Dr. Lee is one person that I am aware of that will compound his minoxidil-containing products without propylene glycol if you ask him to. I'll put a list together of worthwhile products that don't contain propylene glycol for you soon. It's 1:00AM now, so for now I must sleep.
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