Name Ingredients:
Cetirizine belongs to a family of antihistamines that have varied medical uses and are commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms. A number of studies have reported that cetirizine may be beneficial for those with AGA.
Key insights:
- There does not appear to be any in vitro or in vivo (in animals) data supporting the use of this product.
- There are several clinical studies, however, that support the use of cetirizine for male and female pattern hair loss.
- 2018 – 1% topical cetirizine (males and females with AGA): After 6 months, a dramatic improvement in hair regrowth was seen for the treated group compared to the placebo group.
- 2021 – 1% topical cetirizine (males with AGA): Sparse improvement was seen; however, there was an improvement compared to the control.
- 2021 – 1% topical cetirizine vs. 5% minoxidil (males with AGA): Cetirizine showed comparable hair growth improvements to minoxidil.
- 2023 – 1% topical cetirizine vs. 3% diclofenac vs. 5% minoxidil (males with AGA): Cetirizine showed hair growth parameters comparable to minoxidil.
- 2023 – 1% topical cetirizine vs. 2% minoxidil (females with AGA): Cetirizine showed comparable hair growth parameter outcomes to minoxidil and increased shaft thickness with no reported side effects
- You can make topical cetirizine at home:
- Take 1g of cetirizine and crush it finely in a mortar and pestle, then dissolve it in 100 mL water. Add 1-5 mL of ethyl alcohol (70-90%) and 1-5 mL of Coco glucoside to help absorb. Thoroughly mix the ingredients and store them in a dark brown bottle with a 1 mL serving pump.
Additional links:
- Cetirizine: Evidence Quality (Rubric)
- A preliminary study on topical cetirizine in the therapeutic management of androgenetic alopecia
- Therapeutic implications of topical cetirizine 1% in treatment of male androgenetic alopecia: A case-controlled study
- Comparison between topical cetirizine with minoxidil versus topical placebo with minoxidil in female androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- Histamine and Hair Loss – Is There A Use For Antihistamines?