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But is this popular ingredient deserving of its ubiquity in the haircare aisle?
Meet the Experts
What Is Zinc Pyrithione?
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Zinc pyrithione is a chemical compound consiting of zinc and pyrithione.
Works well with:Selenium sulfide, another ingredient commonly found in dandruff shampoos stronger than zinc pyrithione.
Additionally, some individuals may alternate with other anti-dandruff ingredients, such as ketoconazole, an antifungal ingredient.
By improving the health of the scalp, the health of the hair benefits as well.
What Hair Types Can Use Zinc Pyrithione?
If you don’t have dandruff or other scalp conditions, skipping the products with zinc pyrithione is best.
How to Use It
Zinc pyrithione is easily found in many drugstore and supermarket shampoo products.
There are also leave-in treatments available from retail haircare lines.
You should see some improvement with scalp itching and flakes after the first few washes.
Selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and tar-based shampoos have all been shown to effectively treat dandruff.
Schwartz JR. Zinc pyrithione: a topical antimicrobial with complex pharmaceutics.
2016;15(2):140-144.
Berger RS, Fu JL, Smiles KA, et al.
2003;149(2):354-362.
Dandruff (For teens)- Nemours Kidshealth.
What is the best way to treat severe dandruff?Harvard Health.
