head and shoulders active ingredient
Matthew Wilson
Updated on August 10, 2026
Pyrithione zinc: Pyrithione zinc is the most common active ingredient in medicated dandruff shampoos because it’s well-tolerated, inexpensive, and easy to find, says Del Campo.
Is pyrithione zinc the same as selenium sulfide?
Pyrithione zinc vs.
Like pyrithione zinc, it’s also commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos, and the two ingredients can complement each other. Selenium sulfide is known to be a bit stronger and can be irritating if left on the scalp for too long.
What is active ingredient in Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength?
Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength is a shampoo used to treat dandruff. It’s available over-the-counter (OTC) as both a brand and generic product. The active ingredient in Head and Shoulders is selenium sulfide, which belongs to a group of medications called antiseborrheics.
Is head and shoulders antifungal?
Selenium sulfide shampoos (Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue, others). These contain an antifungal agent. Use these products as directed and rinse well after shampooing, as they can discolor the hair and scalp.
What does zinc pyrithione do?
Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is an active material that has been used for over 50 years to effectively treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (D/SD). It has become the most common material for that purpose, its use has expanded to include other skin benefits such as skin hygiene.
Is it ketoconazole or salicylic acid?
Ketoconazole is an antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of dandruff-causing fungi by preventing them from forming their own protective covering. Salicylic Acid is a keratolytic medicine which helps break down the skin clumps on scalp and relieves itching and flaking associated with dandruff.
Do all Head and Shoulders have zinc pyrithione?
Treatment of Dandruff: Patients may choose from a wide array of therapeutic shampoos for dandruff. These products contain zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, coal tar, or keto-conazole. Zinc pyrithione 1% shampoos include Head & Shoulders, Pert, and Zincon.
Is zinc pyrithione banned?
Lilial and Zinc pyrithione banned in the EU
On November 3, 2021, the European Commission published the Omnibus Act IV (Regulation (EU) 2021/1902) that foresees the prohibition of 23 cosmetic ingredients. Among them there are Lilial and Zinc pyrithione. The bans apply as of March 1, 2022.
Can you use pyrithione zinc everyday?
For dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: Adults and children up to 2 years of age—Use once a day as a shampoo on the scalp at least two times a week; however, may be used every day. Apply to wet hair and leave on the scalp for several minutes or massage into scalp vigorously before rinsing.
How does selenium sulfide work?
It reduces itching, flaking, irritation, and redness of the scalp. Selenium sulfide is also used for a condition that causes discoloration of the skin (tinea versicolor). This medication belongs to a class of medications called anti-infectives. It works by slowing the growth of the yeast that causes the infection.
Does Head and Shoulders ketoconazole?
Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, and Kuric. Brand names for selenium sulfide include Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, SelRx, and Selsun Rx. Side effects of ketoconazole and selenium sulfide that are similar include hair loss (rare), and scalp tingling.
Does zinc pyrithione prevent hair loss?
It reduces buildup on the scalp and helps de-clog your follicles. 2. REDUCED HAIR LOSS: Zinc can help reduce rampant hair loss when you’re dealing with a scalp issue. Typically, your hair loss is a result of thick scaling patches that have become reddened and inflamed.
Is Head and Shoulders shampoo anti bacterial?
Now equipped with germs & bacteria Protection combined with the tried and tested anti-dandruff active formula, Head & Shoulders keeps your hair beautiful, healthy looking and up to 100% dandruff free**.
Why does Head and Shoulders work so well?
Pyrithione Zinc
Yeast eat your scalp secretions and metabolize them into oleic acid. Oleic acid in turn irritates your skin, which sparks an increase in cell production, and thus an increase in dead skin cells (though only if you are predisposed to dandruff — some people don’t react to oleic acid).
What kills yeast on your scalp?
Most scalp yeast infections can be treated with topical over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. These come in the form of ointments, shampoos, or foams. Research shows that antifungal drugs known as azoles, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), are very successful, as well as allylamines.
What is the difference between zinc and zinc pyrithione?
Zinc pyrithione (or pyrithione zinc) is a coordination complex of zinc. It has fungistatic (that is, it inhibits the division of fungal cells) and bacteriostatic (inhibits bacterial cell division) properties and is used in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Is zinc pyrithione the same as zinc oxide?
Two of the most popular zincs you’ll hear about are zinc pyrithione and zinc oxide for acne. Zinc pyrithione is the active ingredient found in most dandruff shampoos, which helps kill yeast and fungus. Zinc oxide is commonly found in diaper rash cream and helps repair the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation.
Is ketoconazole better than zinc pyrithione?
Side effects were minimal. It is concluded that after a 4-week treatment, KET 2% shampoo was significantly superior to ZPT 1% shampoo in the treatment of subjects with severe dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.