Kirkland 5% minoxidil solution has really evolved over the past couple of years. An area in which we have noticed a significant number of changes is the packaging.
Changes in the packaging have led to widespread confusion within the minoxidil community, with many questioning the authenticity of their product.
This article documents some of the things we have learnt about kirkland minoxidil over the years.
Discoveries
Crystallization
The original Kirkland minoxidil liquid treatment crystallizes when it dries up. Same way it does when it dries up on the skin too. The fake minoxidil does not crystallize.
The easiest way to test this is to place a few drops on the inside ridges of the bottle lid. These drops will end up crystallising and a crunching sound can be heard whenever the bottle is opened. It will eventually tun yellow.
Itchiness
Original Kirkland minoxidil should cause some slight itchiness and irritation where applied. This is especially true when the area of application is not kept moisturised or oiled.
Counterfeit kirkland minoxidil does not cause as much itchiness and drying.
Texture
Original Kirkland minoxidil should be of an oily texture. When on the skin, it should create a shine in the area of application which is very visible under the sun.
Counterfeit Kirkland minoxidil is less oily and will more or less be like water when applied.
Scent
Original kirkland minoxidil should have the scent of alcohol (vodka to be specific). This scent should have a denseness to it which lingers in your nose for a bit.
The scents from the fake kirkland minoxidil is also of alcohol but is a lot lighter. The scent will be easier to breath in and almost smell a bit fresher.
Packaging
The bottom of yeh bottle of original kirkland minoxidil should have two dents. The fake bottles, will be smooth.
Summary
These fake batches of Kirkland minoxidil are most likely being manufactured in China and contain a lower quality of the 5% minoxidil. It's still minoxidil, but will be less effective than original kirkland minoxidil.
At this point, distinguishing authenticity through packaging is very hard since counterfeit packaging is almost identical but if you look at these five aspects above, you'll be able to distinguish between an original and counterfeit bottle.