Kirkland Minoxidil is one of the most popular hair loss treatments, widely used by people experiencing thinning hair or baldness. Its affordability and effectiveness have made it a go-to solution for many. However, due to its high demand, counterfeit versions have flooded the market, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine products from fake ones.
Using counterfeit Minoxidil is not just a waste of money but can also pose serious health risks. Fake products may contain unknown or harmful chemicals, leading to skin irritation, burns, or even allergic reactions. In this guide, we will explore the key differences between real and fake Kirkland Minoxidil and provide practical tips on how to verify the authenticity of your purchase.
The Dangers of Fake Kirkland Minoxidil
Many people purchase counterfeit Kirkland Minoxidil without realising it, only to experience negative side effects. Some of the risks include:
- Skin irritation and burns – Fake Minoxidil may contain harmful chemicals that can cause redness, itching, or even chemical burns on the scalp.
- Lack of effectiveness – Counterfeit products do not contain the correct concentration of Minoxidil and may not work at all.
- Health risks from unknown ingredients – Some fake versions contain alternative substances like ginger extracts or other unknown chemicals that could trigger allergic reactions.
- Financial loss – Spending money on a fake product means you are not only wasting your investment but also delaying proper hair treatment.
Where Fake Kirkland Minoxidil is Commonly Sold
Counterfeit Kirkland Minoxidil is often found on online marketplaces that lack strict product verification. Here are some places where you should be cautious:
1- Ebay
eBay (UK) – Kirkland Minoxidil is now classified as a prescription product on eBay UK, meaning genuine listings are removed. Most Minoxidil sold on eBay UK is counterfeit, mimicking the Kirkland packaging. These products often contain ineffective or harmful ingredients.
2- OnBuy
Fake Minoxidil on OnBuy looks extremely similar to the real product, making it harder to spot. However, differences in packaging and product quality reveal that these are not genuine Kirkland Minoxidil bottles. You won't notice any difference until unless you start losing your gains or it make your hair fall more worst. sellers on Onbuy is still selling the Kirkland Minoxidil with old packaging.
Packaging Differences: How to Spot a Fake
Costco changed it packaging from start of 2024 and ditched the old packaging with honey comb structure. Please make sure you are buying minoxidil with new packaging.
Engraved expiry date – The expiry date on real Minoxidil is engraved into the box, while fake versions often have it simply printed. Run your nail across the date – if you cannot feel the texture, it might be fake.
Bottle lid seal – Genuine Kirkland Minoxidil bottles do not have a sealed lid. If the bottle you receive has a plastic seal, it is likely fake.
Dropper differences – The dropper in counterfeit products is often thinner and of lower quality compared to the genuine version.
Product Appearance and Texture
The liquid inside genuine Kirkland Minoxidil has a slightly yellowish tint and a somewhat oily texture. Fake versions tend to fall into two categories:
Too yellow – Some counterfeit products contain an overly yellow liquid, which is not the correct formulation.
Too clear – Some fakes resemble water, lacking the correct viscosity of genuine Minoxidil.
Additionally, Kirkland has recently modified its formula, making the crystallization process slower. This means newer batches may not crystalize as quickly, but they still retain their slightly yellowish tint.
Scent Differences
The smell of Kirkland Minoxidil is another key indicator of authenticity. Genuine Minoxidil has a strong alcohol-like scent, similar to vodka, that lingers. Fake versions may also have an alcohol smell but tend to be lighter and fresher, making them easier to breathe in.
The Crystallization Test
One of the most well-known tests to verify the authenticity of Kirkland Minoxidil is the crystallization test.
Genuine Kirkland Minoxidil crystallizes over time when exposed to air.
To test, place a few drops on the ridges inside the bottle lid and leave it for a few hours. If it is real, it will eventually form crystals and may even turn slightly yellow.
When opening a bottle of real Minoxidil after some time, you may hear a slight crunching sound from crystallized residue.
However, due to changes in the formulation, this test may take longer for newer batches, so do not be alarmed if crystallization is slow.
The Bleach Test: Checking for Authenticity
Another popular method for verifying Minoxidil is the bleach test.
How to perform the bleach test:
1- Mix 1ml of Minoxidil with an equal amount of toilet bleach in a clear container.
2- Observe the reaction – genuine Minoxidil should turn bright yellow.
While this is a useful test, counterfeit manufacturers have started adding chemicals to fake products that allow them to pass this test. Therefore, the bleach test should not be the only method used to verify authenticity.
The Role of Expiry Dates in Spotting Fakes
Many counterfeit products have unrealistic expiry dates that do not match genuine Kirkland Minoxidil. Some common trends:
Fake Minoxidil often has longer expiry date
Genuine Kirkland Minoxidil usually has expiry dates of 18 month.
Always check the expiry date and ensure it is engraved rather than just printed.
sealed Kirkland Minoxidil packs should always include a standard Kirkland dropper.
Price as an Indicator of Authenticity
Genuine Kirkland Minoxidil is not extremely cheap. If you find a 6-month supply for less than £40, you should be highly suspicious. Sellers offering large discounts are often dealing in counterfeit products.
How to Buy Genuine Kirkland Minoxidil
To ensure you are purchasing authentic Kirkland Minoxidil, follow these steps:
Buy from trusted sources – Purchase from authorised resellers or reputable retailers.
Avoid third-party sellers – Do not trust listings on online marketplaces that seem too good to be true.
Check reviews – Look at customer reviews and feedback before making a purchase.