Antifungal active in anti-dandruff shampoos. Suppresses Malassezia, reduces scaling and scalp itch. Since 2022 EU restricts cosmetic use to rinse-off formats only.
Topical application
AProven efficacy. Two or more independent RCTs with instrumental endpoints.
Meta-analyses and Cochrane confirm efficacy of 1% ZPT in dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. EU Regulation 1223/2009 restricts use: banned in leave-on products, allowed up to 1% in rinse-off.
Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT, Pyrithione Zinc) is an antifungal active used in anti-dandruff shampoos since the 1960s. It suppresses growth of the yeast Malassezia furfur – the main culprit in dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and fungal acne. Mechanism. A copper and iron chelator inside fungal cells – disrupts mitochondrial respiration, ATP synthesis, and iron-containing enzyme function. Also suppresses ergosterol synthesis (fungal membrane component). Active against Malassezia spp., Candida albicans, Pityrosporum ovale. Where applied. Anti-dandruff shampoos (Head & Shoulders, Vichy Dercos, Nizoral Anti-Dandruff, Sebamed Anti-Dandruff), body washes for fungal acne and pityrosporum folliculitis, problem-skin bar soaps. In Spain – in Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff, Klorane Anti-Dandruff. Use levels: 0.5-2%. Evidence base. Schwartz 2013 systematic review confirmed ZPT 1-2% efficacy in scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis (improvement in 60-70% of patients over 4-8 weeks). Comparable to 2% ketoconazole in efficacy but acts more slowly. In fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis) ZPT soap is used 'apply, leave for 5-10 minutes, rinse' 3-5 times weekly. EU 2022 regulation. Following ZPT classification as Repr 1B (potentially reproductively toxic), EU Regulation 2021/1902 banned its use in leave-on skin products from March 2022. Allowed only in rinse-off formats (shampoos, body washes) and only for scalp and body, not for the face. Concentration – up to 2% in shampoos and 1% in other rinse-off products. Safety. On intact skin in rinse-off use systemic absorption is minimal (<1%). Irritation and itch are possible in 5-10% of patients in the first 1-2 weeks. Allergic contact dermatitis is rare (1-2% per NACDG 2018). Pregnancy – use with caution. Because of the Repr 1B classification, the EU recommends avoiding leave-on use during pregnancy. Rinse-off (anti-dandruff shampoo) is considered safe by EADV 2022 consensus thanks to minimal systemic absorption, but where possible the first-line therapy for gestational dandruff should start with salicylic acid or 2% ketoconazole (shampoo). Suited for. Dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp, fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), seborrhoea capillorum. NOT for the face in leave-on form (banned in the EU since 2022).
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
ModeratePregnancy
CautionSuitable for
Use with caution
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Zinc Pyrithione should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
Zinc Pyrithione suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Zinc Pyrithione has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Antifungal active in anti-dandruff shampoos.
The INCI name is Zinc Pyrithione. It may also appear as: ZPT, Pyrithione Zinc, Цинк пиритион.
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