Minoxidil Bleach Test: What It Is and Why It Matters
If you use minoxidil for hair loss, you may have heard about the “bleach test”. Many customers search for this test to check whether their minoxidil is genuine or fake. In this article, we explain what the bleach test is, how it works, its limitations, and what it really tells you about your minoxidil.
What is the minoxidil bleach test?
The bleach test is a simple home test where a small amount of minoxidil solution or foam is mixed with household bleach. Minoxidil reacts with bleach and typically turns yellow or orange. This colour change happens because of a chemical reaction between minoxidil and sodium hypochlorite (the active ingredient in bleach).
People often use this test to check if their minoxidil contains real minoxidil as an active ingredient.
How to do the bleach test
The test is usually done as follows:
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Put a small amount of bleach into a clear container.
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Add a few drops of minoxidil solution or a small amount of foam.
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Observolour change over a few seconds.
If the solution turns yellow or orange, many people assume the product contains minoxidil.
Why does minoxidil change colour with bleach?
Minoxidil has a known chemical reaction with bleach that causes a visible colour change. This reaction has been discussed widely online and is one reason the bleach test became popular.
However, this reaction alone does not prove quality, strength, or safety.
What the bleach test can tell you
The bleach test may suggest that:
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The product likely contains minoxidil
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The product is not completely fake or plain alcohol/water
What the bleach test cannot tell you
This is very important.
The bleach test does not confirm:
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The strength (2 percent, 5 percent, etc.)
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Whether the product is manufactured to proper standards
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Whether it is safe, stable, or within expiry
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Whether it has been stored correctly.
A product can pass the bleach test and still be unsafe, expired, diluted and for that reason you should buy minoxidil only from trusted source.
Please reffer to below video:
Limitations and risks of relying on the bleach test
Many counterfeit or poor-quality products can still react with bleach. Some sellers even know this and ensure fake products pass the bleach test.
Relying only on the bleach test may give a false sense of security. Applying an unregulated product to the scalp can cause irritation, burns, excessive shedding, or other side effects
Once a medicine leaves the controlled supply chain, it cannot be verified again, even if it “passes” a bleach test.
How to make sure your minoxidil is genuine
Instead of relying only on a bleach test, you should:
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Buy from a UK-based seller
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Check batch numbers and expiry dates
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Look for proper packaging and instructions
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Avoid unusually low prices
Final thoughts
The minoxidil bleach test can be an interesting indicator, but it should never be the only method used to judge a product’s authenticity or safety. Passing the bleach test does not guarantee quality, effectiveness, or compliance with UK regulations.
For your safety and results, always choose minoxidil from trusted and regulated sources.
