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Does the Foligain DHT Blocker Serum work against hair loss? Honest answer: it can care for your scalp, but there is no independent research that shows that this serum itself inhibits hereditary hair loss or regrows hair. The serum does not contain minoxidil. It works with Trichogen, a complex of plant extracts, amino acids and vitamins, and according to the manufacturer it does not change or block hormones, despite the name "DHT Blocker".[1] If you want to do something against hereditary hair loss, minoxidil is the best-researched remedy that you can use without a prescription.[3] You can see the serum as a supplement, not as a replacement. Below you can read what it contains, what the evidence says and for whom it is useful.
Table of contents
- What is the Foligain DHT Blocker Serum?
- What is in it and what is Trichogen?
- What does DHT do for hair loss?
- Is the serum proven to works?
- DHT Blocker Serum or minoxidil: what do you choose?
- How do you use the serum, also together with minoxidil?
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
What is the Foligain DHT Blocker Serum?
Foligain is an American brand which is best known for its minoxidil lotions and foams. In addition to those products, the brand makes a serum without minoxidil: the DHT Blocker Serum with "12% Trichogen". Foligain targets men and women with thinning hair and promises that it will help reduce hair loss and make hair look fuller.[1]
Important to know: the product page states that the serum "does not change or block hormones" and that the ingredients are cosmetic.[1] So the name DHT Blocker is mainly marketing. The serum does not work like finasteride, which inhibits the enzyme that produces DHT.[3]
Scalp serum with plant extracts, amino acids and biotin, to be used in addition to your regular routine.
What is in it and what is Trichogen?
Trichogen is a raw material from chemical company BASF. It is a liquid complex of plant extracts, amino acids and protein, which the manufacturer describes as "anti-hair loss complex". BASF recommends using it in hair products at a concentration of 0.5 to 10%.[2] Foligain mentions "12% Trichogen", but does not explain what exactly that percentage means.[1]
According to Foligain's ingredient list, the serum contains, among other things, the following substances:[1]
| Group | Ingredients in the serum | Role according to the manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Amino acids | Arginine, acetyl tyrosine, ornithine, citrulline | Scalp care |
| Vitamins and minerals | Biotin, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate (B5), zinc gluconate | Hair and scalp support |
| Plant extracts | Ginseng, burdock, ginkgo, kigelia, clary sage, cinnamon | Care, traditional use in hair products |
| Protein and sugars | Hydrolyzed soy protein, glucosamine | Care for hair structure and hair follicles |
| Minoxidil | Not present | N/A |
It also contains propylene glycol. According to Foligain, the serum is free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates.[1]
What does DHT do for hair loss?
In hereditary hair loss, hair follicles convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT binds more strongly to the androgen receptor than testosterone. As a result, the growth phase of the hair becomes shorter and the hair follicles become smaller: the hair becomes thinner and shorter.[3] Thuisarts.nl describes it more simply: when balding, the hair follicles are hypersensitive to male hormones, and hereditary predisposition plays a major role.[4]
A real DHT inhibitor intervenes on that enzyme. Finasteride does that, but is a prescription drug and is not suitable for women who could become pregnant.[3] Minoxidil works differently: it does not inhibit DHT, but may improve blood flow around the hair follicle. The precise mechanism of action is not yet fully known.[3] The DHT Blocker Serum does neither, according to its own product page.[1]
Has the serum been proven to work?
In short: no, not for this serum itself. Foligain does not mention any research into the DHT Blocker Serum on the product page. The clinical figures stated there (such as "76% less hair loss") belong to another product from the brand, Trioxidil, and the page does not provide a source for this.[1]
The evidence for the raw material Trichogen is also thin. BASF talks in its product information about tests after 8 and 16 weeks and a more favorable ratio between growing and resting hair, but does not provide numbers of participants or results.[2] That is manufacturer information, not an independently published study.
Thuisarts.nl is also clear about individual remedies against hair loss: shampoos, creams, diets and vitamin pills have been studied and probably do not help.[4] Dermatologists see Such products can at most be used as a supplement to a treatment that has been well researched.[3] A fair expectation: the serum may feel pleasant and care for your scalp, but do not count on demonstrable regrowth.
DHT Blocker Serum or minoxidil: what do you choose?
Minoxidil is one of the best-researched treatments against hereditary hair loss, according to dermatologist Prof. Reinhart Speeckaert (UZ Gent).[6] It can slow down hair loss and make the hair look fuller, although the effect is often modest: Thuisarts.nl estimates that it helps about 1 in 6 people a little.[4] That is why minoxidil is the logical first choice and the serum is at most an extra.
| Feature |
Recommended Foligain Minoxidil Lotion 5% |
Foligain DHT Blocker Serum |
|---|---|---|
| Effective substance | Minoxidil 5% | Trichogen complex, no minoxidil[1] |
| Evidence in hereditary hair loss | Well researched, effect often modest[3][4] | No independent research into this serum |
| How often | 2 times a day (lotion for men), see package leaflet[4] | At least once a day, leave on for 4 hours[1] |
| Known disadvantages | Itching, dry scalp, temporary extra loss; not during pregnancy or under 18[5] | Little known; contains propylene glycol[1] |
| Price per month at Minodeals | About €21.66 (3 months €64.99) | €44.99 (1 month) or approximately €42 (3 months €125.99) |
Minoxidil is not without disadvantages. It only works as long as you use it: if you stop, the effect will disappear within about 3 to 4 months.[5] It is not suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or younger than 18, and if you have cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, consult your doctor first.[4][5] If you get chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or swollen hands or feet, stop and contact a doctor. doctor.[5] You can read more about the different variants in our blog about which Foligain minoxidil suits you.
The best-researched step against hereditary hair loss, for 3 months.
Minoxidil lotion in a lower strength, especially for women with thinner hair.
How do you use the serum, also together with minoxidil?
Foligain recommends applying the serum to the scalp at least once a day, massaging it for a few minutes with your fingertips and letting it sit for at least 4 hours.[1] The manufacturer does not mention a fixed amount. Avoid contact with your eyes and keep it out of the reach of children.[1]
Do you also use minoxidil? Then these are practical points:
- Always give priority to minoxidil: follow the dosage in the package leaflet and never use more than prescribed.[5]
- Do not apply the two products directly on top of each other, but at different times of the day, on a dry scalp. This way you avoid diluting the minoxidil.
- Start with 1 new product at a time. If you get itching or redness, you will know which product is causing it.
- Give minoxidil for at least 3 to 6 months. If no new hair grows after 6 months, there is little point in continuing.[5] In our timeline of minoxidil results you can read what you can expect per month.
Go to the doctor if you are younger than 20 and are balding, if you suddenly develop bald spots, or if you become very depressed or insecure about your hair loss.[4] Then there may be another cause, and no serum or lotion will help against that.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Foligain DHT Blocker Serum contain minoxidil?
No. Minoxidil is not in the ingredients list. The serum works with Trichogen, a complex of plant extracts, amino acids and vitamins.[1]
Does the serum really block DHT?
According to the Foligain product page itself, the serum does not change or block hormones. The name DHT Blocker does not describe how it works.[1]
Can I use the serum and minoxidil together?
That is possible, at different times of the day and on a dry scalp. Always follow the package leaflet for minoxidil and, if in doubt, consult your pharmacist.
Is the serum suitable for women?
Foligain focuses the serum on men and women with thinning hair.[1] Pregnant or breastfeeding? Please consult your doctor or midwife first, because the manufacturer does not provide any information about use during that period.
How long does a bottle last?
At Minodeals, 1 bottle is equivalent to approximately 1 month of use. Exactly how long it lasts depends on how much you apply each time.
Start with the step with the most evidence
Choose your minoxidil lotion and add the serum as extra care if necessary.
View Foligain minoxidil →120 day money back guarantee · Free shipping from €40 · Ordered before 11pm, shipped today
This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. Always read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Prices are as of October 2026.
Sources
- Foligain, DHT Blocker Serum with 12% Trichogen, product page with ingredients and usage advice, accessed October 2026.
- BASF, Trichogen VEG UL LS 9922, product information (English).
- Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM, Androgenetic Alopecia, StatPearls, 2024 (English).
- Thuisarts.nl (NHG), I am becoming bald (man).
- Medicine Evaluation Board, Medicines Information Bank, Package leaflet Minoxidil Intermed 50 mg/g foam.
- VRT NWS, Fact check: LED hair growth caps, minoxidil and dermarollers, June 2026.
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