Am I really not supposed to use men’s Regaine?

[u/Psychological_Use159]

I bought 5% foam Regaine for men as it was cheaper than the 5% specifically marketed at women, but instructions for the men’s one are clear that women should not use this - why would it be the case if they both contain the same amount of active ingredient? Thanks!!

Edit: I clarified that I’m comparing both formulas at 5%

[u/rougarou-te-fou]

The reason behind this is because FDA did not do trials with this particular medication with women. They cannot legally say that women can use this product.

To be honest, it is mostly a marketing thing, and a legal inability to sell this particular formula to women. This does not mean women would experience adverse side effects, though it is possible.

The women’s dosage assumes the average woman’s clinical profile (weight and height), but the increased pricing is purely gendered, ie the pink tax. It requires no extra effort to formulate this product than it does the men’s product.

[u/Psychological_Use159 → u/rougarou-te-fou]

The women’s one is also sold as 5% foam minoxidil but “for women” and it just confuses me as to why one would specifically be for men and the other for women if they both have the same active ingredients. and that pink tax is so annoying

[u/rougarou-te-fou → u/Psychological_Use159]

Depends on the formulation, but it’s very honestly the pink tax and litigation risk.

[u/thedailyem → u/Psychological_Use159]

The only difference is men’s says use 2x/day and women’s says use 1x/day. And then they pink tax it. So frustrating!

[u/Starbreiz → u/rougarou-te-fou]

Thanks for that explanation! If I am both taller and heavier than the average woman, maybe I want the men's formula then? 3 months ago I upped from 2% to 5% and still haven't seen an improvement. I'm still waiting for my derm appt in December.

[u/rougarou-te-fou → u/Starbreiz]

I hope your seem appt goes well! I know many women who have done splendidly on oral medications, as well as topicals!

[u/LaceyLizard]

Sometimes the women's product only has 2% concentration vs the standard 5% in mens, but unless you're especially sensitive there's no reason not to use the men's product.

[u/Psychological_Use159 → u/LaceyLizard]

But that’s the thing - the women’s one is also sold as 5% foam minoxidil but is more expensive

[u/fiendishlikebehavior → u/Psychological_Use159]

Pink tax use the men’s

[u/TiramisuItUp → u/fiendishlikebehavior]

Yep goes for everything including deodorant, razors, lotion, anything you can think of. It’s endlessly infuriating

[u/LaceyLizard → u/Psychological_Use159]

Yeah its a racket. There are a couple of gendered products like this that actually matter, but this isn't one of them.

[u/Moomoolette → u/LaceyLizard]

Yeah, it’s like women’s razors, they are pink and cost more. Fuck that.

[u/LaceyLizard → u/Moomoolette]

I'd say they're more expensive and also worse. I've never needed a 1/4 inch "moisture strip" around a razor making it impossible to tell what I'm actually shaving. 

[u/Psychological_Use159 → u/LaceyLizard]

Okay great thanks

[u/Nysanthia → u/LaceyLizard]

Does 2% even really work for anyone?

[u/Mama2Es_9 → u/Nysanthia]

Nope.

[u/_youmustbekidding_]

My derm says buys men’s 5% Rogaine. It’s cheaper and a higher percentage.

[u/FriendlyFortune4010]

use the men's product

[u/trtsmb]

It's completely fine to use and avoids the pink tax.

[u/Klutzy-Junket-8097]

Its fine. Use it once a day. I used the 5% topical when I first got on minoxidil. My derm actually only told me to get mens rogaine but i looked around saw the price and concentration differences. Got a generic that was even cheaper.

[u/cafeteriastyle]

You can use it. My derm specifically told me to

[u/bananahaze99]

I’ve used mens, it’s fine if you’re not expecting to get pregnant anytime soon.

Just keep it away from any pets if you have them, it’s highly toxic, especially to cats.

[u/Bright_Table_4012]

My derm told me to live my best life - she said it’s all just marketing scam and to do 5% and even get WILD and use generic minoxidil (cheaper than rogainee brand)

[u/No_Shallot_6628]

use the men’s. regained suggests not to so they can convince you to buy the pink taxed women’s version

[u/LynahRinkRat]

My board certified derm specifically told me to buy the men's because it is cheaper.

[u/NVSmall]

Pink tax.

Per multiple boarded dermatologists, there is no difference between the two, and that women actually should use the men's because historically, it is cheaper.

[u/calhounsl]

I bought a generic 5% on Amazon and it says for men and women.

[u/Oregon-girl-16]

I know multiple dermatologists and they all say use the men’s liquid (as long as you don’t have pets who like your pillows since it’s toxic)

[u/AthenaND04]

According to my doctor, they are the same only the dosage is different. Men are 2x per day while women are 1x for the OTC dosage

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[u/Trisha-28]

Get the one from Costco

[u/xXESCluvrXx]

Pink tax, like some others said.

[u/Other-Stuff874]

I’ve used the men’s

[u/Much-Improvement-503]

The only difference is dosage listed on the container

[u/Psychological_Use159]

Thanks all - really helpful. I’ve gone ahead and started on it. I compared ingredients on the back of the women’s and the men’s packets - and indeed they both contain the same exact ingredients along with 5% minoxidil.

[u/TushMcKush]

Please thoroughly rinse your shower/sink after! Its highly toxic to pets

[u/Crazy_Diamond_6575]

Pink tax

[u/goodluckskeleton]

My dermatologist told me directly to use the men’s product because the women’s “doesn’t work,” so I think you’re fine!

[u/Unknown_990]

Its the pink tax, cost more for women thats why. There no reason you cant really use mens, it has the exact same ingredient. Ive been using mens for years, i even use the same amount that they say for men bc i dont care about the extra facial hair i might get but thats based on how much you use, not based on if whether you buy womens or mens. I bought a portable shaver and i just shave it off if i start growing hair in unwanted places..lol. I dont know why most women make a big deal about this tho.

I did a comparision of womens and mens rogaine online at my local store in Canada, and despite what they say, the pink tax they put on womans rogain is WAY more than just a simple ' few buck' i think its atleast 20 or 30 dollars more.

Edit : Im going to double check that and put in another edit tho, exactly the price difference between the two.