Zinc pyrithione, coal tar, salicylic acid… the list goes on. There are many ways to treat dandruff. But why is zinc pyrithione the world's #1 anti-dandruff ingredient¹?
Anti-dandruff treatment can be approached in two ways:
- treating the symptoms: this approach aims to treat visible symptoms, such as flakes or inflammation. However, the underlying cause of dandruff remains active.
- treating the cause: you get to the heart of the problem. By treating the cause, you can get superior relief and prevent symptoms from reappearing. It's a good long-term solution.
Discover products that treat dandruff symptoms
These anti-dandruff treatments, which barely act on symptoms, include coal tar and salicylic acid.
Coal tar helps control the skin's reaction to scalp irritants, formed when the microbe Malassezia globosa breaks down the scalp's natural oils.
So, even if you experience less irritation, these substances are still produced at the same rate and can still damage your scalp.
Salicylic acid works on flakes. It is designed to help break the bonds between dead cells, to facilitate their elimination. But, just like coal tar, salicylic acid does not treat the underlying cause of your itchiness, irritation, or flaking. It is therefore less effective against dandruff.
In clinical tests, these products are much less effective in treating flaking than shampoos containing 1% zinc pyrithione.
A better long-term solution? Zinc pyrithione (or Head & Shoulders)!
The best way to treat dandruff and keep it away for good is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo with an active ingredient that treats the root cause of dandruff.
That's where zinc pyrithione comes in. Zinc pyrithione removes scalp irritants and helps prevent their formation, for a healthy, comfortable scalp.
You'll find zinc pyrithione in all Head & Shoulders shampoos.
Only Head & Shoulders combines a unique form of this magical ingredient with zinc carbonate. This formula fights dandruff better than any conventional zinc pyrithione shampoo and improves scalp hydration.
That's why we are the world's #1 anti-dandruff shampoo¹.
Use it regularly and not only will you be able to keep dandruff under control, but you will also be able to prevent it from returning.
And if you really want to optimize its effect, combine it with an anti-dandruff conditioner. It is specially designed to work in synergy with your shampoo, unlike other conditioners that can remove zinc pyrithione from your scalp.
This means you'll be protected and your anti-dandruff shampoo will continue to work as much as possible to control dandruff, itchiness² and irritation.
¹ P&G calculation based on Nielsen sales data from July 2012 to June 2013² Caused by dandruff
