Kirkland or Regaine? The same minoxidil 5% for half the price

Kirkland, Regaine and Foligain all contain the same active ingredient: minoxidil 5%. The effect on your hair follicles is therefore the same. The real differences lie in three things: the price per month, the form (lotion or foam) and the excipients, which determine how well your scalp tolerates it. At Minodeals you pay about €18 per month for Kirkland lotion, about €37 for Regaine lotion. That's exactly half. In this comparison you can read which of the three best suits your scalp, your routine and your budget.

In this article

• Is Kirkland minoxidil the same as Regaine?
• What does minoxidil cost per month?
• What is the difference between lotion and foam?
• Which minoxidil is best for a sensitive scalp?
• When should you choose Regaine?
• Which minoxidil suits you?
• What do you pay attention to, which brand you choose?
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources

Is Kirkland minoxidil the same as Regaine?

In terms of active ingredient, yes. Regaine is the original brand (in America it is called Rogaine). Kirkland is the house brand of the American wholesaler Costco and Foligain is an American brand that focuses entirely on hair growth. All three use minoxidil at a concentration of 5% for men.

Minoxidil works by prolonging the growth phase of your hair. That mechanism depends on the substance and the concentration, not on the name on the bottle. Where the brands differ from each other:

• Excipients: such as alcohol and propylene glycol, which dissolve the minoxidil but irritate the scalp in some people.
• Form: lotion (liquid with pipette) or foam.
• Price: at Regaine you mainly pay for the brand name.

What does minoxidil cost per month at Kirkland, Regaine and Foligain?

Because you use minoxidil for months to years, the price per month is the fairest point of comparison. These are the prices at Minodeals for minoxidil 5% for men:

Calculated over a year, this makes a big difference: with Kirkland lotion you will spend approximately €220, with Regaine lotion approximately €440. Would you like to try it quietly first? Kirkland lotion is also available as a 1-month package for €29.99.

Lowest price per month

Kirkland Minoxidil Lotion 5% (6 months)

Six bottles of minoxidil 5% with pipette. The same active ingredient as Regaine, for about €18 per month.

€109,99 View Kirkland lotion →

What is the difference between minoxidil lotion and foam?

The biggest difference is propylene glycol. Minoxidil lotions usually contain propylene glycol in addition to alcohol, which helps the minoxidil dissolve and absorb into the scalp.^[2] This causes itching, flakes, redness or a burning sensation for some users.^[2] Minoxidil foam is made without propylene glycol.^[3]

This is how you choose between the two:

• Lotion is cheaper per month and with the pipette you can dose precisely on thin spots, even on longer hair. It dries a bit slower.
• Foam dries faster, feels less sticky and is nicer if you apply minoxidil in the morning before work. It's the logical choice if lotion irritates your scalp.

Many users combine the two: foam in the morning, lotion in the evening. This is allowed, as long as you do not use more than the package leaflet indicates at a time.

Without propylene glycol

Kirkland Minoxidil Foam 5% (6 months)

Dries quickly and is not sticky. Ideal for the morning or if lotion irritates your scalp.

€134,99 View Kirkland foam →

Which minoxidil is best for a sensitive scalp?

If you quickly suffer from itching, redness or a dry scalp, then you have two good options:

1. Foam (Kirkland, Foligain or Regaine), because foam does not contain propylene glycol.^[3]
2. Foligain Lotion 5% Sensitive Skin, a lotion with less alcohol. Great if you want the precision of a pipette, but your scalp reacts badly to regular lotion.

Does your scalp remain irritated, even with foam? Then stop and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Dry or irritated skin is a known side effect, but it should not persist.^[1]

For a sensitive scalp

Foligain Lotion 5% Sensitive Skin (3 months)

Minoxidil 5% with less alcohol, for those who find regular lotion too harsh.

€64,99 View Foligain →

When should you choose Regaine?

Regaine is not better in the sense that it contains more or contains stronger minoxidil. Yet there are reasons to choose it:

• You have been using Regaine for a long time, it works well and you do not want to change anything in your routine.
• You are attached to the original brand and the well-known packaging and applicator.
• You like the Regaine foam better in terms of smell and texture than that of Kirkland.

If you mainly look at results per euro, then Kirkland or Foligain is the more logical choice.

The original brand

Regaine Foam 5% for Men (3 months)

The well-known A-brand, as a foam without propylene glycol.

€109,99 View Regaine foam →

Which minoxidil suits you?

• You want the lowest price per month: Kirkland Lotion 5%, 6 months.
• You want fast drying and no sticky hair: Kirkland Foam 5%.
• You have a sensitive scalp: foam, or Foligain Lotion 5% Sensitive Skin.
• You want the A-brand: Regaine Foam or Lotion 5%.
• You want to try first: Kirkland Lotion 5%, 1 month.

Are you still unsure? Then choose the form that is easiest for you to maintain every day. Daily use determines the result much more than the brand.

What do you pay attention to, whichever brand you choose?

• Patience: minoxidil starts to work after about 4 months.^[1] So do not judge the result after a few weeks.
• Temporary extra hair loss: in the You may lose more hair in the first few weeks. This is called shedding and usually occurs 2 to 6 weeks after starting.^[4]
• Continue to use: you stop, the new growth will disappear again within 3 to 4 months.^[2]
• Side effects: irritation, dry skin or extra hair growth in other places are possible. Avoid bright sun and tanning beds on the treated skin.^[1]
• Do not use if you are pregnant,^[1] and consult your doctor first if you have heart or blood pressure problems or in case of sudden, patchy hair loss.^[4]

Read also the early signs of hair loss and myths and facts about hair loss.

Frequently asked questions

Does Kirkland minoxidil work as well as Regaine?

Yes. Both contain minoxidil 5% and work via the same mechanism. Differences in how it feels are due to the excipients and the form, not the active ingredient.

Can I switch from Regaine to Kirkland?

Yes, if you stay at the same concentration (5%) and don't skip days. If you switch from lotion to foam or vice versa, your scalp can take some time to get used to the other additives.

Is foam or lotion better?

Neither works better. Lotion is cheaper and can be dosed more precisely, foam dries faster and does not contain propylene glycol, which means it is often less irritating.

How long does it take for minoxidil to work?

Expect about 4 months of daily use before you can properly assess the results.^[1] Some people see the first fine hairs earlier.

Why is Kirkland so much cheaper than Regaine?

Kirkland is a house brand that is sold in large volumes. At Regaine you also pay for the brand name and marketing. The active ingredient is the same.

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

1. KNMP / Apotheek.nl. Minoxidil on the skin (patient information, 2025).
2. Medicine Evaluation Board. Package leaflet Minoxidil lotion 2 g/100 ml (RVG 57383).
3. Medicine Evaluation Board. Package leaflet Minoxidil Linn 50 mg/g foam (RVG 128704).
4. Medicine Evaluation Board. Summary of Product Characteristics Minoxidil Linn (RVG 122547).