Which Brand of Finasteride Is Best? Comparing Oral and Topical Options

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the American Hair Loss Association, approximately 85% of men will experience some degree of hair loss by age 50, making finasteride one of the most common prescriptions for androgenetic alopecia. When considering treatment, a common question is: Which brand of finasteride is best? The answer is more nuanced than picking a single manufacturer, as the core active ingredient remains consistent across oral versions.

Quick Summary

Finasteride's effectiveness is based on the active ingredient, not the brand name. Generic oral finasteride is medically identical and often more affordable than brand-name Propecia. The primary decision involves choosing between cost-effective generic oral tablets and newer, sometimes pricier, topical formulations from telehealth providers, each with distinct features.

Key Points

Generic vs. Brand Efficacy: For oral finasteride, brand-name Propecia and its generic counterpart are medically identical and equally effective for treating male pattern baldness.
Cost Difference: The primary difference between Propecia and generic finasteride is cost, with the generic version being significantly more affordable.
Formulation Matters: Ensure you are using the correct finasteride formulation intended for hair loss (Propecia, generic finasteride), not the formulation used for prostate issues (Proscar).
Topical Finasteride Options: Several telehealth brands offer topical solutions for those preferring a non-oral treatment method, sometimes combined with minoxidil.
Choosing a Topical Brand: The best topical brand depends on individual factors like formulation, price, convenience, and additional ingredients, as offered by providers like Hims, Keeps, and Happy Head.
Consistency Is Key: Regardless of the brand or formulation chosen, consistent daily use as prescribed is essential for achieving and maintaining results.

Understanding the Active Ingredient: Finasteride

Finasteride is a medication that works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the primary hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink, leading to male pattern baldness. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride can halt or reverse hair loss in many men. This mechanism is identical across all oral finasteride products, whether brand-name or generic.

Oral Finasteride: Propecia vs. Generic

When it comes to oral finasteride, the key comparison is between the brand-name product, Propecia, and its generic counterpart. The core distinction between them is primarily price, not medical efficacy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that generic medications be 'bioequivalent' to their brand-name versions. This means they must contain the same active ingredient, strength, and dosage form, and deliver the same amount of the active ingredient into the bloodstream at the same rate.

Efficacy: Both Propecia and generic finasteride contain the same amount of the active ingredient and are considered equally effective for treating male pattern baldness. Clinical studies demonstrate that finasteride can prevent further hair loss and promote regrowth.
Cost: Generic finasteride is significantly cheaper than brand-name Propecia because it does not carry the marketing and research costs of the original patented drug. For most men, choosing the generic version provides the same clinical results at a fraction of the cost, often saving hundreds of dollars annually.
Inactive Ingredients: While the active ingredient is the same, generic pills may differ in their inactive ingredients, such as fillers, binders, and coloring. For most individuals, this has no effect. However, those with specific allergies should always check the full ingredients list.

The Propecia vs. Proscar Confusion

Another point of clarification is the difference between Propecia and Proscar. Both contain finasteride but are prescribed for different conditions and in different formulations.

Propecia: Contains a specific amount of finasteride and is FDA-approved specifically for male pattern baldness.
Proscar: Contains a different, higher amount of finasteride and is approved for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate.

It is crucial not to alter the form of a tablet to achieve a different dose, as the medication is not evenly distributed and could lead to inconsistent dosing and side effects. Always use the formulation prescribed by your healthcare provider.

The Rise of Topical Finasteride

Beyond oral tablets, topical finasteride has emerged as a popular alternative, often combined with minoxidil. This option is appealing to those who wish to avoid the potential systemic side effects associated with oral medication. Several online telehealth companies specialize in these custom formulations, such as Hims, Keeps, and Happy Head. The 'best' brand in this category depends on factors like formulation, price, and additional ingredients.

Comparing Popular Topical Finasteride Brands

Here is a comparison of popular telehealth providers offering topical finasteride formulations:


Provider	Typical Cost (per month)	Available Formats	Key Features	Combined with Minoxidil?
Hims	~$22 (generic oral) / ~$35 (topical)	Topical Spray, Oral Tablets	Often combined with Minoxidil. Affordable and convenient online service.	Yes, in combination spray.
Keeps	~$25 (generic oral) / ~$50 (topical)	Topical Foam, Gel, Oral Tablets	Specializes in hair loss. Offers finasteride foam for sensitive scalps.	Yes, in combination products.
Happy Head	~$24 (generic oral) / ~$79+ (topical)	Topical Serum, Gel, Aqueous Solution	Offers highly customizable prescription formulas. Can include additional ingredients like minoxidil and retinoic acid.	Yes, in combination formulas.
Roman	~$20 (generic oral) / ~$50 (topical)	Topical Spray, Oral Tablets	Simple, transparent pricing structure. Easy-to-use topical spray formulation.	Yes, in combination spray.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

For oral finasteride, the question of which brand of finasteride is best is answered by science: brand-name Propecia and generic finasteride are therapeutically equivalent. The primary differentiator is price, with generics offering a far more cost-effective treatment. The choice is often a personal preference between paying for the brand name or prioritizing savings.

When considering topical formulations, the 'best' brand depends on individual needs and preferences regarding cost, ingredients, and delivery method. Telehealth providers like Hims, Keeps, Happy Head, and Roman all offer regulated, effective options and provide the added convenience of online consultations and home delivery.

Regardless of the brand or formulation you choose, consistency is key to achieving results. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. For additional information on male pattern baldness, consider reviewing trusted medical sources.

How to Choose the Right Option for You

To help you decide, consider the following steps:

Consult a Doctor: Speak with a healthcare provider or a dermatologist about your hair loss to confirm the diagnosis and discuss finasteride as an option.
Evaluate Oral vs. Topical: Discuss the benefits and risks of both oral and topical finasteride. Oral versions are systemically absorbed, while topical versions aim to target the scalp directly, potentially reducing systemic side effects.
Compare Costs: If opting for oral finasteride, compare the cost of generic versions versus brand-name Propecia at different pharmacies or online providers. If considering topical, research the pricing and subscription models of telehealth providers.
Check for Other Ingredients: If choosing a topical formulation, note whether it's combined with other ingredients like minoxidil and if those are appropriate for your needs.
Research Telehealth Providers: If you prefer the convenience of online services, compare the features, costs, and customer service of platforms like Hims, Keeps, Roman, and Happy Head.

Ultimately, the best brand is the one that best fits your budget and lifestyle, while providing the medical efficacy you need, as verified by a healthcare professional.

The Takeaway

Oral finasteride: Brand vs. generic: Generic finasteride is medically identical and equally effective to Propecia for hair loss but is significantly cheaper.
Oral finasteride: Dosage confusion: Use the formulation for hair loss (Propecia, generic finasteride). The formulation for benign prostatic hyperplasia (Proscar) is not intended for hair loss.
Topical finasteride: Online telehealth providers like Hims, Keeps, and Happy Head offer topical solutions that may reduce systemic side effects.
Choosing the best brand: The best brand is a matter of preference regarding price, format (oral vs. topical), and delivery method, as long as it contains the correct active ingredient and is used as prescribed.
Consult a professional: Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new medication to discuss the options, potential side effects, and correct usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, generic finasteride is considered just as effective as brand-name Propecia because they both contain the exact same active ingredient in the same amount, and are required by the FDA to be bioequivalent.

Generic finasteride is cheaper because it does not bear the development, marketing, and advertising costs of the original patented drug. Once the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other manufacturers can produce and sell it at a lower price.

No, it is not recommended to use the finasteride tablet (Proscar) for hair loss. The formulation for male pattern baldness is different, and using a formulation intended for another condition is not appropriate and increases the risk of side effects.

Since both versions contain the same active ingredient, their potential side effect profiles are virtually identical when used as prescribed. The main difference lies in the inactive ingredients, which could cause a reaction in rare cases for individuals with specific sensitivities.

Topical finasteride, applied directly to the scalp, may reduce the risk of systemic side effects compared to oral tablets, which are absorbed throughout the body. It is often combined with minoxidil in formulations from telehealth providers.

Telehealth providers like Hims, Keeps, Roman, and Happy Head primarily differ in cost, specific topical formulations (spray, foam, gel), combinations with other drugs like minoxidil, and their consultation and delivery services. The choice depends on your personal preferences for these features.

No, there is no medical evidence that one brand of oral finasteride is more effective than another when used as prescribed. Efficacy is tied to the active ingredient itself, and all approved generic and brand-name versions are held to the same standards.