I also couldn't use 5% minoxidil for that reason, and the flakes. Lee's is doing the trick for me. Even his regular minoxidil formula dries FAR faster and causes me far less flakes than other 5%s, due to the lower ppg %age. It's totally worth the extra cash to me.
I did have some itch using it for about the first 4 months but the itch is totally gone now. And I know it's legit product as I have regrowth in front.
The ppg-free version he sells uses glycerin instead of ppg which takes much longer to dry for me, so I only use it at night.
If you're in the US, you'll have to request a simple consultation form and return it to them before ordering, also there's a $20 consult fee for the first order. Again, well worth it SFAIC.