Zinc pyrithione shampoo is a mild and effective option for managing conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and other fungal conditions.
When choosing a shampoo with zinc pyrithione, look for a concentration of at least 1% zinc pyrithione. If you have particularly sensitive skin, opt for pyrithione zinc shampoos that are free of fragrance and essential oils, such as Vanicream dandruff zinc pyrithione shampoo.
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Table of Contents
- Best picks
- Comparison chart
- What is zinc pyrithione?
- How does it work?
- How to use
- Effectiveness
Malassezia overgrowth (fungi normally found on our skin) is one of the factors associated with skin conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. There are several ingredients (zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide) that can decrease the burden of Malassezia.
Zinc pyrithione shampoo is my favorite option for dandruff because it is gentle and doesn’t leave any lingering smell, which can happen with some other ingredients.
Best picks
I have tried many shampoos with zinc pyrithione. Below are my favorites and the ones that have been really effective against my dandruff. Several zinc shampoos on the market claim to be mild, but many of them either didn’t clean my hair well, left a lot of residue, or weren’t effective against dandruff.
Also, I have included two zinc pyrithione bar soaps in the list that can be used on the scalp for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. I find them easier to use when my hair is cut short as compared to when I have a medium-length hairstyle.
1. Vanicream Dandruff Zinc Pyrithione Shampoo 2%
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: Yes
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Dye-free: Yes
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 2%
Vanicream dandruff zinc pyrithione shampoo has a high concentration of zinc pyrithione and is free of sulfates, dyes, fragrances, or essential oils, making it suitable for sensitive skin. This shampoo is easily available both in online and physical stores.
In addition, it has panthenol which can help with skin barrier repair through its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties (emollient and humectant).
It has a white lotion-like texture and foams really well despite the fact that it is sulfate-free and uses mild cleansing agents. It cleans my scalp and hair without drying them. You can use this as frequently as you want without overly drying out your hair.
Pros
- Gentle formulation
- Zinc pyrithione at a concentration of 2%
- Free of sulfates and fragrance
- Widely available in the US
Cons
- None
Full ingredient list
Zinc Pyrithione 2%
Purified Water, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sucrose Cocoate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sucrose Stearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride.
2. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: Yes
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Dye-free: Yes
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 0.95%
This is a shampoo that needs some love due to its gentle formulation. It has zinc pyrithione at a concentration of 0.95%.
In addition, it has several skin-soothing ingredients like licorice root extract and panthenol which can help with the impaired skin barrier. It is free of sulfates, fragrance, colorants, or any essential oils,
It foams and cleans the scalp and hair really well without drying them.
Pros
- Gentle formulation
- Free of sulfates and fragrance
Cons
- Would have preferred a higher concentration of Zinc pyrithione
Full ingredient list
Zinc Pyrithione 0.95%
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root Extract), Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid.
3. Dermadoctor Calm Cool & Corrected Tranquility Cleanser for Seborrheic Dermatitis & Dandruff
This product is currently not available.
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: No
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Dye-free: Yes
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 2%
Read my
This is not specifically labeled as a shampoo but rather as a cleanser that can be used on the scalp, body, and face.
This has a 2% concentration of zinc pyrithione. It has a thick consistency and is white in color. It foams really well and cleans the scalp and hair. It does contain sulfates (sodium laureth sulfate is much more gentle in comparison to sodium lauryl sulfate) but it is gentle for sensitive skin.
It is effective in relieving flakiness and itchiness. In addition, if you are dealing with seborrheic dermatitis on your face, you can bring the lather onto your face to get the benefit.
It used to come in glass packaging which I was not a fan of. The pump didn’t work well and the bottle was heavy. I am so happy they have changed the packaging. Now it comes in tube packaging which is much easier to use.
Note: It contains parabens as preservatives. If you are looking for a paraben-free option this may not be for you.
Pros
- High concentration of zinc pyrithione
- Gentle formulation
- Free of fragrance and essential oils
Cons
- Contains sulfates, which may be problematic for some people
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 2%
Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyquaternium-7, Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben
4. DHS Zinc Shampoo
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: No
- Fragrance-free: No
- Dye-free: No
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 2%
DHS Zinc Shampoo has zinc pyrithione at 2% concentration. It has a light yellow color probably due to the yellow dye in it. It also contains sulfates and fragrance.
It foams well and cleans hair well. At the same time, it helps with the flakiness. I can use it a few times a week without any dryness.
Pros
- Effective with 2% zinc pyrithione
Cons
- Contains dye, fragrance, and sulfates
Full ingredient list
Zinc Pyrithione 2%
Purified Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, PEG-8 Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxylpropyl Methylcellulose, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Fragrance, Citric Acid, FD&C Yellow #6
5. DS Laboratories Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: Yes
- Fragrance-free: No
- Dye-free: No
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 2%
- Contains Emu oil
Another shampoo with a high concentration of zinc pyrithione that shows results. It also has glycolic acid – I am not sure how well it works as an exfoliant in this shampoo. However, it can give hydrating benefits.
It is free of sulfates but does have fragrance and dye. It has some skin-loving ingredients including emu oil.
It has a thick consistency and foams and cleans the scalp and hair. However, sometimes it is hard to get the product out especially when it is running low.
Pros
- High concentration of zinc pyrithione
Cons
- Contains fragrance and dye
Full ingredient list
Zinc Pyrithione 2%
Aqua, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Triethanolamine, Cocamide Mea, Glycolic Acid, Zinc Pyrithione, Peg-150 Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Parfum, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Butylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Extract, Sodium Citrate, Hexamidine Diisethionate, Emu Oil, Tioxolone, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Shikimic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Blue #1 (10% Solution)
6. Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: No
- Fragrance-free: No
- Dye-free: Yes
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 1%
- Contains methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone
I have used one or the other shampoo from the Head and Shoulders brand from time to time. The formulations have changed over time and now you can see a lot more variations.
They use zinc pyrithione at a concentration of 1%. I used their classic version for quite some time but I find it very drying for my hair.
However, I am a fan of their itchy scalp version. I am surprised though since it has menthol and peppermint oil and still, it doesn’t irritate my scalp.
If you compare the ingredient list of the classic and itchy scalp version, you will see that sodium lauryl sulfate is the second ingredient in the classic and seventh ingredient in the itchy scalp version and I wonder if that’s the reason, it is less harsh on my hair.
It contains fragrance. In addition, it has methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, which may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Pros
- Easily available
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be drying
- Contains sulfates and fragrance
- Contains methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 1%
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide MEA, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Zinc Carbonate, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone, Menthol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Stearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Carbonate Hydroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-76, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone
7. Vanicream Z-Bar (Medicated Cleansing Bar)
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: Yes
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Dye-free: Yes
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 2%
Vanicream Z-bar soap is based on zinc pyrithione – effective against Malassezia. It also contains sorbitol which can disrupt the fungi biofilms. This foams really well and you can bring the foam onto your face as well if you have seborrheic dermatitis or fungal acne. It can be drying for hair.
Make sure to foam it really well in your hands and then apply the foam to the scalp or any other area.
It is free of fragrance and essential oils. I prefer the Vanicream shampoo over this bar soap.
Pros
- High concentration of zinc pyrithione
- Contains sorbitol which may target fungi biofilm
Cons
- Can be drying
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 2%
Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Stearic acid, Coconut acid, Water, Sodium isethionate, Sodium cocoyl glycinate, Sodium chloride, Petrolatum, Sorbitol, Cetearyl alcohol, Propanediol, Ceteareth-20, Simethicone, Glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 stearate, Sorbic acid
8. Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp Antidandruff Shampoo
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: No
- Fragrance-free: No
- Dye-free: No
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 1%
Selsun is a brand well known for its anti-dandruff shampoos. It has many different types of shampoos with different active ingredients – some meant to decrease Malassezia and some to get rid of the build-up of dead skin cells.
This formula has zinc pyrithione at 1% concentration which can decrease Malassezia.
It foams well, cleans hair, and is effective in decreasing flakes. This shampoo if used daily can be drying for hair.
It has sulfates, fragrances, and dyes. If you have very sensitive skin, maybe look into other options on the list.
Pros
- Affordable and easily available
Cons
- Can be drying
- Contains sulfates, fragrance, and dyes
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 1%
water, ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, glycol distearate, glycerin, cocamide MEA, cetyl alcohol, fragrance, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, dimethicone, tocopheryl acetate, panthenol, acetamidopropyl trimonium chloride, linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, PEG-3 dioleoylamidoethylmonium methosulfate, dimethiconol, sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, lauryl glucoside, amodimethicone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, laureth-9, DMDM hydantoin, benzyl alcohol, C11-15 pareth-7, trideceth-12, propylene glycol, sodium chloride, citric acid, hydroxyethylcellulose, blue 1
9. Noble Formula Shampoo with 2% Pyrithione Zinc
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: No
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Dye-free: Yes
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 2%
Noble Formula brand has multiple products based on zinc pyrithione – from washes to creams. Their soap is one of my favorites for the face. But it does not form dense foam. So, I prefer using this shampoo for my hair. It has the same active ingredient – zinc pyrithione at a concentration of 2%.
This formula foams really well and cleans hair well. It can dry out hair if used too often. This formula has sulfates – both SLS and SLES. It is free of fragrance or essential oils. It also has parabens.
Pros
- High concentration of zinc pyrithione
- Free of fragrance and essential oils
Cons
- Contains sulfates
- Can be drying
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 2%
Purified water, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium laurel sulfate, glycol stearate, propylene glycol, sodium chloride, methyl paraben, hydroxyethelcellulose, and propyl paraben
10. Dermaharmony 2% Zinc pyrithione (ZNP bar) Soap
- Quick facts
- Sulfate-free: Yes
- Fragrance-free: Yes
- Dye-free: Yes
- Percentage of Zinc pyrithione: 2%
Read my full review on Dermaharmony 2% Zinc pyrithione (ZNP bar) Soap.
Dermaharmony brand has multiple products with zinc pyrithione and this is the one I like the most. This is a bar soap with zinc pyrithione at 2% concentration. This is free of fragrance and dyes.
This foams really well. It does the job of cleaning my hair. I find it more drying than the Vanicream Z bar.
If you don’t like using a bar soap for your hair, definitely look into other options in this list.
Pros
- High concentration of zinc pyrithione
Cons
- Can be drying
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 2%
Saponified Oils (from palm and coconut), Water, Glycerin (from vegetable oil), Pyrithione Zinc, Titanium Dioxide (a natural mineral), Oatmeal, Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Table Salt, Salt of Pentetic Acid.
Comparison chart
What is zinc pyrithione?
Zinc pyrithione is a coordination complex of zinc and pyrithione. It has been used for years to control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
It is a broad-spectrum anti-microbial and can target both bacteria and fungi. It can target the fungi which is associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
It can also be used on the face. It can be helpful in the treatment of fungal acne and tinea versicolor.
How does it work?
Several mechanisms have been proposed as seen in various studies. To compile and summarize, zinc pyrithione can interfere with the utilization of various nutrients by Malassezia which prevents its growth.
Zinc pyrithione has low solubility, and is found in particulate form or as a suspension. When we use a product with zinc pyrithione, these particles can get deposited on the skin and hair follicles. Over time the active ingredient is released resulting in a sustained suppression of Malassezia.
It can also help in the restoration of the impaired skin barrier which is also one of the important factors related to dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis.
Percentage used
- For wash-off products: can be used at a concentration of 0.3 to 2 percent
- For leave-on products: can be used at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.25 percent.
How to use
There is no one particular way of using a dandruff shampoo. Some shampoos come with specific instructions that you can follow or sometimes your treating physician may give you specific directions (make sure to follow them if that is the case).
I usually use them as discussed below to get maximum benefit.
1. Choosing a dandruff shampoo
Personally, I prefer to use a zinc pyrithione shampoo with a 2% concentration for maximum benefits. In addition, look for a formulation that is easily available to you.
Many shampoos have sulfates, essential oils, fragrances, or dyes. If any of these ingredients are problematic for your skin, make sure to have a quick glance at the ingredient list and pick a shampoo accordingly.
2. Application
Wet your hair, take the appropriate amount of shampoo, and make a lather – make sure you are lathering your scalp.
3. Leave on
Let the lather sit on the scalp for a few minutes (2 to 5 minutes) for maximum effect. By doing so, the particulate form of zinc pyrithione will get deposited on the skin and hair follicles. This will make sure that you get the benefit even when the shampoo is washed off.
4. Rinse
After that, rinse off the shampoo well leaving no residue behind. Residue from a shampoo can irritate and further impair the skin barrier.
5. Maintenance
This is a very important part of managing dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Keep using your zinc pyrithione shampoo as needed to keep the symptoms of flakiness and itching from coming back.
Are these effective?
Pyrithione zinc shampoos are very easy to include in the hair care routine – gentle, no lingering smell, multiple shampoo options and they work (at least for me).
Let’s see what the studies and data tell us about this!
- One study demonstrated that zinc pyrithione shampoo treatment can decrease Malassezia. Malassezia is often implicated in dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. This explains why zinc pyrithione shampoos are beneficial for them.
- A study done on 30 patients in which 1% zinc pyrithione shampoo was used showed that it can significantly decrease scaling due to dandruff. So it can be an effective treatment for dandruff.
- One study compared a potentiated zinc pyrithione shampoo formula to a dual-active shampoo formula that contained both zinc pyrithione and climbazole. The Potentiated zinc pyrithione formula has additional ingredients for better delivery of zinc pyrithione to the skin. After 4 weeks of treatment, the potentiated zinc pyrithione formula showed superior clinical results. In addition, it was able to deliver zinc pyrithione deeper into the infundibulum (which is a funnel-shaped part of a hair follicle).
- One study compared 2% ketoconazole shampoo to 1% zinc pyrithione shampoo in patients with severe dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Both shampoos were effective in improving dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. However, 2% ketoconazole shampoo was significantly superior to 1% zinc pyrithione shampoo.
So overall, these studies give us evidence of the effectiveness of zinc pyrithione. However, everyone’s skin is different. Some people respond really well to one anti-dandruff ingredient than another.
I hope this list helps you make a choice!
Read more:
- Pyrithione Zinc for Acne: Is it Effective?
References
- Mangion SE, Holmes AM, Roberts MS. Targeted Delivery of Zinc Pyrithione to Skin Epithelia. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Sep 8;22(18):9730. doi: 10.3390/ijms22189730. PMID: 34575891; PMCID: PMC8465279.
- Warner RR, Schwartz JR, Boissy Y, Dawson TL Jr. Dandruff has an altered stratum corneum ultrastructure that is improved with zinc pyrithione shampoo. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Dec;45(6):897-903. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2001.117849. PMID: 11712036.
- Cheryl Leong, Joyce Wang, Min Jet Toi, Yuen In Lam, Joleen PZ Goh, Shi Mun Lee, Thomas L Dawson, Jr, Effect of zinc pyrithione shampoo treatment on skin commensal Malassezia, Medical Mycology, Volume 59, Issue 2, February 2021, Pages 210–213.
- Park, Jeeyeon & Kim, B.J. & Kim, M.N. & Hong, Yeon-pyo & Ju, J.H. & Lee, J.P. & Sohn, K.H. & Park, K.L. & Lee, E.C. & Chun, Young-Jin. (2009). Clinical efficacy for 1% zinc pyrithione shampoo for the treatment of dandruff. Korean Journal of Dermatology. 47. 875-883.
- Schwartz JR, Bacon RA, Shah R, Mizoguchi H, Tosti A. Therapeutic efficacy of anti-dandruff shampoos: a randomized clinical trial comparing products based on potentiated zinc pyrithione and zinc pyrithione/climbazole. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013 Aug;35(4):381-7. doi: 10.1111/ics.12055. Epub 2013 May 24. PMID: 23614401.
- Piérard-Franchimont C, Goffin V, Decroix J, Piérard G, E: A Multicenter Randomized Trial of Ketoconazole 2% and Zinc Pyrithione 1% Shampoos in Severe Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 2002;15:434-441.
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.
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