The Short Answer
All 5% minoxidil products contain the same FDA-approved active ingredient at the same concentration. The "best" brand depends on your priorities:
Best value: Kirkland (Costco) — $7-10/month
Best convenience: Hims or Keeps — delivered to your door, plus access to finasteride
Best for foam: Rogaine Foam — propylene glycol-free for sensitive scalps
Here's the truth about minoxidil: the active ingredient is identical across all brands. Rogaine was first to market, but since the patent expired, generic versions have flooded the market—all using the same 5% minoxidil formula.
So why do prices vary from $7/month to $25+/month? Branding, packaging, convenience, and what else comes with your purchase. Let's break it down.
The Major Brands Compared
| Brand | Monthly Cost | Forms | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland (Costco) | $7-10 | Liquid, Foam | Best value |
| Hims | $15-20 | Liquid, Foam, Drops | Convenience + finasteride access |
| Keeps | $10-15 | Liquid, Foam | Good value + online platform |
| Rogaine (Brand) | $25-30 | Liquid, Foam | In-store availability |
| Amazon Generic | $10-15 | Liquid | Prime delivery convenience |
Kirkland (Costco): Best Value
Kirkland Signature minoxidil is the budget champion. It's Costco's store brand, and at around $18 for a 6-month supply of liquid, it works out to about $3 per bottle—roughly $7-10 per month when you factor in twice-daily application.
The formula is identical to Rogaine: 5% minoxidil in the same liquid base. Multiple dermatologists have confirmed there's no meaningful difference in effectiveness between Kirkland and Rogaine.
Pros
Dramatically lower cost than brand-name options. Same active ingredient and concentration. Available at Costco and Amazon. Foam version now available too.
Cons
Only 5% concentration (no 2% option for women). Some users report the liquid feels greasier than Rogaine. Requires Costco membership for best prices. No additional services or products bundled.
Rogaine: The Original
Rogaine pioneered minoxidil for hair loss and remains the most recognized brand. It's also the most expensive, running $25-30 per month for the same active ingredient you can get for $7 elsewhere.
Is there any reason to pay the premium? A few: Rogaine's foam was specifically developed to eliminate propylene glycol, which causes scalp irritation in some users. If you've had reactions to liquid minoxidil, Rogaine Foam might work better for you.
Pros
Available everywhere (pharmacies, grocery stores, Amazon). Foam formula is propylene glycol-free. Options for both men (5%) and women (2%). Established brand with decades of track record.
Cons
Significantly more expensive than generics. Active ingredient is identical to cheaper alternatives. You're mostly paying for the brand name.
Hims: Convenience + Extra Options
Hims is a telehealth platform, not just a minoxidil seller. Their minoxidil costs $15-20 per month—more than Kirkland, less than Rogaine. But the value proposition is different.
With Hims, you get online access to healthcare providers who can prescribe finasteride (oral or topical), the ability to add prescription treatments to your regimen, convenient monthly delivery, and combination products that include both minoxidil and finasteride.
Why Pay More for Hims?
If you're using minoxidil alone, there's no reason to pay the Hims premium over Kirkland. But if you want finasteride too—which research shows is more effective when combined with minoxidil—Hims makes it easy to get both in one subscription.
Pros
Access to prescription finasteride. Convenient subscription delivery. Online provider consultations included. Combination products available.
Cons
More expensive than store-brand minoxidil. Paying for platform access even if you only want minoxidil. Subscription model requires active management.
Keeps: Middle Ground
Keeps is similar to Hims—a telehealth platform offering minoxidil plus prescription access. Their pricing is slightly lower than Hims, around $10-15 per month for minoxidil.
Like Hims, the real value is access to finasteride and combination treatments. If you just want minoxidil, you're paying extra for services you won't use.
Liquid vs Foam: Which Is Better?
Both liquid and foam contain the same 5% minoxidil. The differences are practical:
Liquid
Generally cheaper. Better absorption according to some users (reaches the scalp more directly). Contains propylene glycol, which can cause irritation. Can feel greasy and take time to dry.
Foam
Propylene glycol-free (less irritation). Dries faster and feels less greasy. Easier to apply without dripping. More expensive. Can stick to hair instead of reaching scalp if not applied carefully.
If you have a sensitive scalp or have experienced irritation with liquid minoxidil, foam is worth trying. Otherwise, it's largely a matter of preference.
What About Oral Minoxidil?
Oral minoxidil is increasingly prescribed off-label for hair loss. It's more convenient than topical (no twice-daily application) and some studies suggest it may be more effective. However, it has more potential for systemic side effects like fluid retention and unwanted body hair growth.
Oral minoxidil requires a prescription. Platforms like Hims and Keeps can prescribe it after an online consultation.
Our Recommendations
Choose based on what you need—not what's most heavily marketed.
Just want minoxidil? → Buy Kirkland and save 70%
Want minoxidil + finasteride? → Use Hims or Keeps for easy access
Sensitive scalp? → Try Rogaine Foam (propylene glycol-free)
The Bottom Line
All 5% minoxidil products contain the same active ingredient at the same concentration. Rogaine isn't more effective than Kirkland—it's just more expensive. The "best" brand depends entirely on what you value.
For pure value, Kirkland from Costco can't be beat. For convenience and access to finasteride, Hims or Keeps justify their slightly higher prices. For sensitive scalps, Rogaine Foam's propylene glycol-free formula may be worth the premium.
Whatever you choose, consistency matters more than brand. Minoxidil only works if you use it daily—pick whichever brand you'll actually stick with.