Medically reviewed by: 
Although approximately two-thirds of assigned males experience some degree of androgenic alopecia by the time they turn 35, dealing with it is personal, and finding the right solution for your individual situation is never cut and dry. Oral finasteride may be what many doctors prescribe, but it can come with some unpleasant side effects. And while some respond well to topical minoxidil (aka Rogaine), others may not notice any regrowth whatsoever despite months of continued application.
So how does XYON stack up? We’ll get into what makes their topical finasteride solution unique, what my experience was like using it, what its patented SiloxysSystem™ Gel is (spoiler alert: it’s a game changer), and how it compares to other topical finasteride formulations on the market. In addition, we spoke with Dr. Jonathan Rick, a board-certified dermatologist, about his take on topical finasteride.
Related reading: XYON Shampoo + Conditioner Review
XYON Topical Finasteride Pros + Cons
Pros
- Fewer Side Effects – Inhibits absorption of finasteride into the bloodstream (92% less than oral finasteride) to reduce side effects (like decreased libido and sexual function).
- More Effective – Gel technology allows for a higher concentration of finasteride (2.5%!) to be slowly and steadily released to the cell layers where it’s most effective (rather than too much at once or drying immediately).
- Lasts longer – 10-17x more finasteride remains in your scalp compared to other topical fin products (after 24 hours).
- Easy application – Smooth gel consistency is easier to apply and stays in place than sprays or liquid droppers that dry almost instantly.
- Less skin irritation – Compounded formula creates a permeable coat to reduce skin irritation where applied.
Cons
- Pricier – The price is higher per month than other topical fin products.
- Must take indefinitely – As with all finasteride products, you can’t stop using it, or hair loss will resume. XYON offers dermatologist consultations to help you find and tweak your ideal dose to maintain results.
- Doesn’t include minoxidil – Doesn’t provide the 2-in-1 benefits of combining fin + min for hair loss.
XYON vs. Alternatives
So, we know that, in general, topical hair loss treatments pose fewer side effects than orally ingested alternatives, but what sets XYON apart from other topical finasteride products on the market?
Check out this chart that pits XYON vs other popular brands like Happy Head, Hims, Keeps, and Roman.
XYON vs Hims vs Keeps vs Happy Head vs Strut | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical Finasteride Price | $99/month ($297 quarterly) | $79/month | $59/month | $50/month
($150 quarterly) ($270 bi-annually) | $40/month
for the first 3 months then $60/month | $50/month (billed $150 quarterly) |
| Free Online Doctor's Visit? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Active Ingredients | Up to 2.5% Finasteride SiloxysSystem™ Gel | .25% Finasteride 8% Minoxidil 0.1% Retinoic Acid 1% Hydrocortisone | 0.1-0.25% Finasteride 0%-7.5% Minoxidil 0%-0.0125% Tretinoin | .1% Finasteride 6% Minoxidil | .25% Finasteride 5% Minoxidil | .3% Finasteride 6% Minoxidil 0.025% Tretinoin |
| Controlled Release of Finasteride on Scalp? | ✅ with SiloxysSystem Gel | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Application Method | Cream | Dropper | Cream | Spray | Gel | Spray |
| Where is it Available | US + Canda (except Quebec) | US | US | US + UK | US | US |
| Website |
Want to compare the best topical finasteride brands in-depth? Check out our comprehensive guide:
My Personal Experience With XYON
As a 31-year-old male who’s taken finasteride since age 16, I have significant personal experience with hair loss meds, including most recently with XYON.
Although I’m lucky never to have experienced adverse side effects, like ED or reduced libido, during my decade, I decided it was time to explore a less systemic treatment option. I figured that since I’d probably take it for the rest of my life, opting for a safer way to administer it locally (i.e., directly onto the scalp) rather than globally (i.e., into the bloodstream) would be smart, even if that meant spending a little more on the application process.
In the first two months since using XYON’s topical fin, I noticed thicker hair on my crown, where my balding was the most pronounced. This was a welcomed surprise since I had only expected to lower my side effect risk, not necessarily see regrowth beyond what I had achieved with oral finasteride.
While the results and peace of mind are the best parts about XYON, I also really like how much easier it is to apply compared to other topical finasteride products. Simply put, it’s quicker and less messy to rub in a cream once daily vs applying drops of liquid solution twice. If you think a spray sounds easiest, check out Hims topical finasteride instead. As an added bonus, XYON’s topical smells nice, which I can’t say has been the case for every brand.
I’m really glad I switched to XYON’s topical finasteride. It’s not the most affordable, but the extra cost is worth it for me.
What Makes XYON Unique?
XYON isn’t just a SiloxysSystem Gel designed to deliver hair growth results more efficiently and with fewer side effects. While they contain the same underlying active ingredient/drug (finasteride) as other hair loss brands, XYON’s solution is unique because of their:
- Easy application: Cream (rather than spray or liquid) dries much slower and releases finasteride onto the hair follicles over 24 hours rather than applying it all at once.
- SiloxysSystem Gel: XYON’s patented technology allows for exponentially MORE finasteride to be delivered directly to hair follicles and LESS finasteride to be absorbed into the bloodstream (for less risk of side effects).
- Custom compounded: While alternatives often include minoxidil in their formulations as a 2-in-1 solution, XYON does not. Their topical only contains finasteride, custom compounded for each patient. That means the concentration of finasteride is unique to your needs, which generally means it’s among the highest on the market.
How XYON's SiloxysSystem Gel Improves Efficacy
Before we delve into how XYON’s SiloxysSystem works, you may need a little background on finasteride in general. Classified under a group of medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, finasteride works by blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT causes the miniaturization of your hair follicles, leading to thinning and, ultimately, hair loss. Finasteride blocks the production of DHT, which helps preserve your hair and possibly regrow some of what you’ve lost.
Now, the difference between oral and topical finasteride is huge. While both types of treatment offer valuable benefits, topical finasteride only works where it’s applied, specifically on your hair follicles. This means less risk of systemic circulation, and therefore, reduced chances of side effects.
XYON’s SiloxysSystem Gel contains a liposomal gel that works even harder in preventing unnecessary absorption into your bloodstream. All this while delivering the perfect dose of finasteride.
XYON loads finasteride onto specially selected liposomes, which allows the medication to penetrate deep within the follicles for more permeation of the finasteride to stop DHT in its tracks.
How Well Does XYON Topical Finasteride Work?
Most topical compounded finasteride formulations contain between 0.1%-1.0% finasteride by weight. The proprietary SiloxysSystem gel technology allows for finasteride concentrations of up to 2.5%, surpassing most other topical finasteride formulations.
It’s this precision topical formulation that delivers the active ingredient to your hair follicles in a concentrated yet controlled way. The higher concentration allows for the ongoing release of finasteride over the course of 24 hours, providing you with higher levels of efficacy.
Compounded medications like XYON’s Topical Finasteride with SiloxysSystem™ Gel are more personalized, flexible, and accurately dosed. This higher-than-usual concentration of topical finasteride improves your chances of hair regrowth success without increasing the risk of unpleasant side effects.
XYON reviews: What other customers say on Reddit
Although XYON and its hair loss products are new relative to other brands on the market, our online research found that men who were consistent with their XYON topical treatment plan have seen similarly impressive regrowth results.
We turned to Reddit to see what the consensus XYON users have through numerous testimonials:
A Word From Our Expert
— Dr. Jonathan Rick
Oral finasteride has a proven track record of efficacy. When used exclusively for hair loss, low doses appear to be effective. However, this is still a systemic medication and the topical approach appears to have less impact on the body's hormones. The efficacy of the topical and oral formulations appears to be similar when used consistently."
The Verdict: Is XYON Topical Finasteride Worth It?
XYON’s topical finasteride is ideal for those who want the effectiveness of finasteride, without the risk of certain systemic side effects that come with the oral formulation.
Your hair loss is personal, and your treatment should be as well. What works for one may not be the best choice for you, so it’s important to keep an open mind. While there’s no shortage of hair loss products and treatments out there, XYON’s custom compounded topical solution really delivers unparalleled results – based on my personal experience using the product, impressive clinical trials, and the glowing reviews I’ve read online from other happy customers.
While XYON’s topical finasteride is 1.5-2x more expensive than alternative products from Hims or Keeps, it’s worth the higher price if you can swing it, especially if you haven’t seen desired regrowth with oral fin or topical minoxidil in the past.
Their innovative SiloxysSystem delivers follicle-stimulating ingredients (i.e., finasteride) consistently throughout the day rather than all at once. This leads to an impressive 10-17x more active ingredients left on the scalp 24 hours after application, according to a study conducted at the University of Milan 🤯. That also means you can apply less without sacrificing thickness, further reducing the risk of side effects.
XYON also offers the highest finasteride concentration by weight compared to leading brands and only needs to be applied once daily. A dermatologist on their team will work with you virtually to determine the best treatment approach and guide you toward more hair growth with fewer side effects.
The bottom line is that for men who are serious about keeping their hair that don’t want to waste time or money experimenting with different products to see what works, XYON offers an industry-leading solution. It’s far from the cheapest finasteride, but it’s the most likely to yield impressive results, both when compared to other topical finasteride products, as well as more broadly to hair loss treatments in general. I personally have seen significant regrowth after using the product, and my experience isn’t unique – thousands of other happy customers echo the same.
If you can afford ~$100 each month for hair loss, we highly recommend XYON as the best overall topical treatment for men.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to get started with XYON Health
To get a prescription with XYON (of either topical OR oral finasteride), you’ll need to:
- Create an account: Click “Start Consultation” on XyonHealth.com to provide personal information (DOB, biological sex, email, etc.).
- FREE online consultation: Answer a few questions online and provide 1-2 photos of your hair/head. Questions include your hair loss specifics, medical history, and if you have a preferred treatment (oral vs topical).
- Check out: A hold will be placed to cover your first 3-month prescription, but you won’t be charged unless a dermatologist prescribes you treatment (and you can cancel at any time).
- Dermatologist review: Within 3-5 days, a dermatologist will medically review your information to diagnose the cause of your hair loss and determine prescription eligibility.
- Subscription: If deemed eligible, you’ll be charged, and your 90-day prescription will ship (for free!) directly to you (3-5 days). Your subscription will automatically renew every 3 months.
- Ongoing support: Your XYON subscription includes unlimited dermatologist consultations (secure online chats) for questions or concerns. After one year, you’ll have another (shorter) consultation for a prescription to continue treatment.
Does XYON offer oral finasteride?
XYON also offers FDA-approved oral finasteride. Oral finasteride is a great option for those who’ve reacted negatively to topical treatment or are allergic to any ingredients.
Your dermatologist consultation will determine if oral or topical finasteride is the best treatment for you (but you can also indicate your preference between the two).
XYON’s oral finasteride is $105 for a 3-month supply ($35/month).
How much do XYON topical and oral finasteride cost?
| XYON Hair Loss Product | Monthly cost | Total for 3-month supply |
| Topical Finasteride | $99 | $297 |
| Oral Finasteride | $35 | $105 |
All XYON subscriptions include a FREE dermatologist consultation, your prescription (oral or topical), and free quarterly shipping.
Prescriptions are valid for 12 months, with product delivery every three months (quarterly). After your year-long prescription expires, you’ll be prompted to complete a short (free) consultation for a new prescription.
How to pause or cancel XYON subscription?
You can cancel your XYON hair loss subscription at any time up to 48 hours before your renewal processing date. Just email [email protected] to request a pause or cancel.
You can restart or renew your subscription at any time, but depending on the time since opting out, you may need to complete another dermatologist consultation.
Who should try XYON topical finasteride with SiloxysSystem Gel?
Males in good health without any medical contraindications or allergies to using finasteride are good candidates. Since topical finasteride has fewer side effects, you should speak to your physician or schedule your online dermatologist consultation to determine if it’s right for you.
XYON is only available for men, as finasteride cannot be prescribed to females, but they are continuing to expand services to new offerings. It’s also only available for patients over 18.
You should NOT use topical OR oral finasteride if you are trying to conceive with a female partner, as it can negatively impact the health of a developing fetus. It’s always best to consult a doctor before trying any new treatments – prescriptions or over-the-counter.
How long does it take to notice results from XYON topical finasteride with SiloxysSystem Gel?
In most cases, customers saw a difference in their hair texture, integrity, and thickness in about six months. Some customers have seen results in as little as 3 to 4 months.
After starting treatment, you may notice initial additional hair loss, but this is normal. Continue treatment as prescribed, and hair follicles will eventually naturally transition back into the active growth stage.
Are there any side effects of XYON topical finasteride?
SiloxysSystem™ was specifically designed to reduce systemic exposure to finasteride, minimizing the risk of side effects.
The most common side effects, though rare, are redness, itching, or peeling. Speak with your physician or dermatologist with any concerns or if you experience any skin changes after starting use.
Where are XYON hair loss products available?
XYON is licensed to prescribe hair loss meds to residents in all 50 US states and most territories in Canada. You can order all XYON hair loss products online from their website, and they’ll ship to your door.
Methodology
We conduct extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and user experience of every telehealth service we review. This also includes examining and comparing each provider to comparable telemedicine alternatives. We also evaluate usability, treatments, prescription delivery time, and more to determine the best value for those seeking fast and reliable telehealth services.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
Related Reading
Wellbel vs. Nutrafol vs. Viviscal – Which Works Best for Women’s Hair Loss?
The best hair vitamins, also called hair growth supplements, use research-backed ingredients, are reasonably priced, aim to reduce the risk of side effects, and are formulated to support multiple types of hair loss. After extensively researching and testing multiple hair growth supplements for assigned females,
Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Spray Review – What’s the Best 2-in-1 Topical for Hair Loss?
If you’ve been looking into treatment for pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia), you may have come across the ingredients minoxidil and finasteride, which are the two most popular and clinically-backed treatments for thinning hair that come in both oral and topical form. Brands like Hims,
Tretinoin and Hair Loss: Does It Help Regrow Hair?
Key Takeaways Topical tretinoin may support hair growth by increasing circulation to the scalp and boosting cell turnover. Up-to-date clinical research indicates that tretinoin can enhance the effects of minoxidil for hair growth. The most common side effects of tretinoin are skin irritation, dryness, and
Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss: Does It Promote ReGrowth?
Key Takeaways Red light therapy can safely and effectively treat hair loss in some individuals. It typically takes four to six months to see results from red light therapy. Red light therapy can promote regrowth and hair retention. While many types of red light therapy
Hers vs. Rogaine vs. Nutrafol: Which Is Best for Hair Loss?
Our Top Picks Best for Comprehensive Hair Care: Hers, | Jump to Review Best for Convenient Accessibility: Rogaine, | Jump to Review Best for Natural Ingredients: Nutrafol, | Jump to Review Hers, Rogaine, and Nutrafol are all brands that offer hair loss treatments that may effectively
How to Get Oral Minoxidil Online: A Complete Guide
Key Takeaways Oral minoxidil is a good option for individuals with androgenic alopecia who experience side effects from topical minoxidil or who are not seeing the results they hoped for. You can get an oral minoxidil prescription online by completing a virtual consultation with a
