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Custom Dandruff Formulations Manufacturer
Custom anti-dandruff hair-care solutions for D2C, salon, and pharmacy brands. We design microbiome-friendly systems that visibly reduce flakes, calm itch, and rebalance oily or sensitive scalps—while meeting packaging, MOQ, and region-specific compliance needs. Get fast sampling (3–7 days), free label design, and scalable production.
What This Dandruff Formula Solves
Our customizable anti-dandruff solutions are formulated with proven active ingredients to combat flakes, soothe scalp irritation, and control excess oil. Tailored to your brand, they deliver effective results with flexible formulas, packaging, and market-ready product options.
Exfoliating Formula
1.Flake reduction & relapse control
Use a primary antifungal (e.g., piroctone olamine, climbazole, ketoconazole) in a well-tolerated surfactant base. Pair with a mild keratolytic to detach adherent scale. Recommend 2–3×/week use, plus a leave-on tonic to lengthen clear periods and reduce rebound when consumers resume regular shampoos.
2. Itch & redness relief
Combine anti-yeast agents with anti-irritants (allantoin, bisabolol) and cooling sensates. Avoid harsh fragrance allergens and high SLES loads. A light occlusive film reduces friction during combing and styling. Communicate “soothes discomfort” and “helps resist scratching,” which supports barrier recovery and lessens visible redness.
3. Oil-control with barrier care
Favor amphoteric/anionic blends to cleanse without over-stripping. Add zinc PCA or niacinamide to moderate sebum appearance, plus cationic conditioners to improve glide. Target a fresh, non-squeaky feel so consumers don’t over-wash—a common trigger for fast oil rebound and flaky build-up.
Dandruff impacts consumer confidence and retention: visible white flakes on shoulders, persistent scalp itch, post-wash oiliness, and redness from repeated scratching. Our systems target these pain points through antifungal actives (for Malassezia-related flaking), gentle keratolysis to clear adherent scale, and soothing agents that reduce the “itch–scratch” cycle. We balance surfactant strength with barrier-supportive humectants and film formers, so formulas cleanse without stripping. For oil-prone scalps, sebum-modulating ingredients curb relapse; for sensitive types, fragrance-free and sulfate-free bases minimize sting and tightness. The result: predictable, repeatable performance across hair types—delivered in everyday shampoos and conditioners, plus leave-on serums/tonics that extend results between washes.
Active Dandruff Ingredients & Types
Balanced anti-dandruff systems pair antifungal efficacy with gentle exfoliation and soothing. Choose actives by scalp type and target market, then fine-tune pH/surfactants for comfort and color-care safety.
Regulatory reminders (select examples)
• EU prohibits zinc pyrithione in cosmetics; select alternatives like piroctone olamine or climbazole. (EUR-Lex)
• In some markets, anti-dandruff shampoos with drug actives (e.g., ketoconazole) are regulated as OTC drugs—claims must align with local rules.
• Always substantiate “anti-dandruff,” “itch relief,” and “oil control” with appropriate testing per target market norms.
Custom Dandruff Formulas Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Recommended % | Mechanism | Best For | Compliance & Market Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piroctone Olamine | 0.1–1.0% | Inhibits fungal growth linked to dandruff | Daily use, sensitive scalps | Wikipedia |
| Climbazole | 0.5–2.0% (rinse-off); up to 2% as anti-dandruff in shampoo (EU) | Broad antifungal | Moderate–stubborn flakes | SCCS Addendum PDF, Reg. (EU) 2019/698. (Public Health, EUR-Lex) |
| Ketoconazole | 1% OTC (some markets), 2% Rx | Antifungal, reduces Malassezia | Relapse-prone, severe itch | Wikipedia. |
| Selenium Disulfide (Selenium Sulfide) | 1% OTC (varies by region) | Anti-yeast; reduces cell turnover & oil | Oily scalp, stubborn flakes | Wikipedia. |
| Salicylic Acid | 0.5–3.0% | Keratolytic to lift adherent scale | Thick, adherent flakes | Healthline. (Healthline) |
| Zinc PCA | 0.3–1.0% | Sebum-appearance control, soothing | Oily & combo scalps | (General reference) Cosmile EU overview. (COSMILE Europe) |
| Legacy (Not for EU): Zinc Pyrithione | — | Antifungal; formerly common | Markets where allowed | Wikipedia. (EUR-Lex) |
Piroctone Olamine — Customization Details for Dandruff Control
1. INCI & CAS
INCI: Piroctone Olamine (aka Octopirox; ethanolamine salt of piroctone) · CAS: 68890-66-4 · White to yellowish crystalline powder; sparingly water-soluble, freely soluble in ethanol/surfactant solutions. (ECHA substance dossier; FDA UNII; Clariant/SpecialChem TDS). (Echa Europa, precisionFDA, SpecialChem)
2. Role in Dandruff Control
Antifungal active targeting Malassezia on the scalp; chelates iron and disrupts mitochondrial energy metabolism in fungi to reduce flaking and itch; efficacy improves with enhanced scalp deposition/retention. (Int J Cosmetic Science; mechanistic summaries; delivery/retention data). (EU PMC, Wiley Online Library, MedChemExpress)
3. Typical Use Levels (formulation custom guide)
Shampoos & rinse-off scalp washes: 0.3–1.0% (market norm 0.5–1.0%).
Conditioners/leave-on scalp tonics/serums: 0.1–0.5% (subject to regional limits).
Processing: Pre-dissolve in ethanol/glycols or surfactant phase; stable roughly pH 5–9 (clear solutions often adjusted near pH 5–7.5); compatible with most anionic/cationic surfactants; protect from strong UV during processing/pack. Combining with salicylic acid or climbazole is common. (Clariant/SpecialChem TDS & brochure; supplier TDS; Wiley delivery papers). (Happi, Basic Ingre, SpecialChem, clubnclab.com, Wiley Online Library)
4. Regulatory Sources & Global Compliance
- EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — Listed as an allowed preservative in Annex V (entry noted as PO/“Octopirox”); when used as a preservative, concentration limits apply; if used for non-preservative purposes, higher levels may be permitted subject to product-level safety assessment (SCCNFP “(+)” note). Databases: CosIng; ECHA Annex V list. (Echa Europa, EU market economy, European Commission)
- U.S. FDA — OTC dandruff drug monograph (Deemed Final Order M032) lists permitted actives (e.g., salicylic acid 1.8–3%, selenium sulfide 1%, coal tar, zinc pyrithione for certain formats); piroctone olamine is not listed as a GRASE monograph active. A 2004 FDA call-for-data evaluated PO but it was not added to the monograph. Use in U.S. shampoos is typically as a cosmetic ingredient or as an inactive in drug products; avoid drug claims unless compliant with M032/NDA. (FDA Access Data, ECFR, Federal Register)
- China — Included in the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC 2021); regulated under the Cosmetic Safety Technical Standard. (NMPA/IECIC summaries). (CQN, lv-1.cn)
5. Clinical Evidence (dandruff/seborrheic scalp)
- Mechanism & delivery: Improved PO deposition/retention from optimized shampoos correlates with greater anti-dandruff efficacy (flakes & biomarkers). (EU PMC)
- Efficacy vs comparators: Investigator-blinded randomized trial found a non-steroid shampoo with 1% PO (plus supportive actives) had efficacy comparable to 1% ketoconazole shampoo with good tolerability. (JAAD)
- In vitro/clinical programs show PO and PO+climbazole formulations effectively inhibit Malassezia and reduce clinical dandruff scores; contemporary studies continue to benchmark against ketoconazole. (Wiley Online Library, EU PMC)
6. Safety & Risk Assessment (toxicology highlights)
Low acute oral toxicity reported (rat oral LD₅₀ ~8,100 mg/kg); substance identity EC No. 272-574-2. PO shows low skin sensitization potential in cosmetic use patterns; handle eye contact risk; aquatic hazard labeling may apply at raw-material level. Refer to ECHA dossier for endpoints. Patch testing advised for sensitive users. (Echa Europa, materie-prime.farmalabor.it)
7. Stability & Packaging
Chemically stable across a wide pH range; solubility and clarity improve in neutral/slightly alkaline surfactant systems; sensitive to strong UV—favor opaque/UV-protective bottles. Store cool, dry; compatible with typical shampoo packaging. (Clariant/SpecialChem). (SpecialChem, Happi)
8. Cost–Benefit
Widely available, compatible with clear shampoos, and cosmetically elegant (vs some particulate actives). Offers a non-drug cosmetic route in the EU and many markets; in the U.S., positions best as cosmetic scalp-care (or as inactive) unless monograph compliance is met. (Clariant white paper; FDA M032 context). (Happi, FDA Access Data)
9. Claims Language (Do/Don’t)
✅ Helps reduce visible flakes and scalp oiliness.
✅ Helps soothe the scalp and improve the look of dandruff-prone hair.
✅ Helps control scalp microbiome imbalance associated with dandruff.
❌ Avoid U.S. drug-type claims (e.g., “treats dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis”) unless the product is an OTC drug compliant with FDA M032 or an approved NDA. (FDA Access Data)
Selenium Disulfide (Selenium Sulfide) — Customization Details for Dandruff Control
1.INCI & CAS
INCI: Selenium Sulfide (aka Selenium Disulfide) · CAS: 7488-56-4 (also reported as 7446-34-6 in regulatory/toxicology listings due to mixture composition SeₙS₈₋ₙ) · Orange, water-insoluble solid used as a suspended active in shampoos. (Merck/MilliporeSigma; NTP RoC; ScienceDirect review; NOAA CAMEO.) (MMP, ntp.niehs.nih.gov, Science Direct, CAMEO Chemicals)
2. Role in Dandruff Control
Fungistatic against Malassezia spp. and cytostatic on hyperproliferative scalp epidermis; helps normalize excess scalp oiliness, addressing two core drivers of dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis. (DrugBank; European Journal of Dermatology/L’Oréal studies; medical overviews.) (DrugBank, jle.com, lorealdermatologicalbeauty.com)
3. Typical Use Levels (formulation custom guide)
Shampoos (rinse-off): 1.0% SeS₂ is standard; in the U.S. OTC monograph, micronized SeS₂ 0.6% is also permitted. Prescription drug lotions commonly use 2.5% (not cosmetic). Maintain product pH < ~6.5 for stability; formulate as a well-dispersed suspension with appropriate surfactant system and chelators (e.g., EDTA). (FDA Deemed Final Order M032; NTP RoC; patents/formulation tech notes; Stepan example; FDA PSG.) (ntp.niehs.nih.gov, freepatentsonline.com, Stepan, FDA Access Data)
4. Regulatory Sources & Global Compliance
- EU (Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009): Selenium sulfide is a restricted substance (Annex III) permitted in anti-dandruff shampoos with conditions; industry summaries reference 1% max and label warning “Contains selenium disulphide; avoid contact with eyes or damaged skin.” Verify latest entry in Annex III. (ECHA Annex III listing; PCPC CosmeticsInfo; Cosmile Europe.) (Echa Europa , Cosmetics Info)
- U.S. FDA OTC (Antidandruff DF Final Order M032): Allowed actives include selenium sulfide 1% and micronized selenium sulfide 0.6% in antidandruff drug products; 2.5% is used in prescription products. (FDA DF Order page.)
- China (IECIC/CSAR): Selenium disulfide is listed; the Cosmetic Safety Technical Specification (2015) and local compliance databases indicate rinse-off anti-dandruff shampoos ≤1% with label warning “含二硫化硒；避免接触眼睛或损伤的皮肤.” (Regulatory database summaries; NMPA IECIC update notice.) (lv-1.cn, nifdc.org.cn)
- Databases (for INCI/label checks): ECHA/CosIng-linked entries; PCPC wINCI/CosmeticsInfo. (Echa Europa , Cosmetics Info)
5. Clinical Evidence (dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis)
- Benchmark RCT: Ketoconazole 2% vs Selenium sulfide 2.5% vs placebo—both actives effective for moderate–severe dandruff. (JAAD 1993.) (JAAD)
- Recent head-to-head RCT: 1% selenium disulfide shampoo non-inferior to 2% ketoconazole for moderate–severe scalp SD (n≈, multi-center). (Skin Appendage Disorders 2024; JAAD 2024 meeting report.) (Karger, JAAD)
- Mechanistic/biomarker data: SeS₂ shampoo significantly reduces Malassezia and Staphylococcus counts and improves sebum quality; microbiome changes track with clinical improvement. (European Journal of Dermatology / L’Oréal PDF.) (jle.com, lorealdermatologicalbeauty.com)
6. Safety & Risk Assessment (toxicology highlights)
Irritation risk to eyes/abraded skin; label warnings required in EU/China. Systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal; increased if used on broken skin. NTP RoC classifies selenium sulfide as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on oral rodent data; long-term dermal studies in mice with SeS₂ shampoos did not show tumors (study length limitations noted). Reported acute oral LD₅₀ (rat) ~139 mg/kg (lab SDS). Patch testing and avoidance on damaged skin recommended. (NTP RoC; SDS/NOAA profiles.) (ntp.niehs.nih.gov, HMDB, CAMEO Chemicals)
7. Stability & Packaging
Formulate and store at mildly acidic to neutral pH; avoid pH > ~6.5 (decomposition/discoloration risk). Opaque, “shake-well” labeled packaging helps maintain uniform suspension and color stability. (Formulation patents; product labels.) (freepatentsonline.com, Mulligans Pharmacy)
8. Cost–Benefit
Mature, widely recognized anti-dandruff active with robust clinical precedent; generally cost-effective vs some newer antifungals. Note: in the U.S., anti-dandruff shampoos are OTC drug products—claims/labeling must align to monograph. (FDA DF Order overview.)
9. Claims Language (Do/Don’t)
✅ Helps control dandruff and reduce visible flakes.
✅ Helps relieve scalp itch and oiliness associated with dandruff.
✅ Dermatologist-tested anti-dandruff shampoo active.
❌ Avoid disease/drug-only claims (e.g., “cures seborrheic dermatitis,” “treats tinea capitis”), or blanket germicidal claims (e.g., “kills all fungi”). (Labeling best-practice inferred from FDA DF Order & EU Annex III constraints.) (Echa Europa )
Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT) — Customization Details for Dandruff Control
1. INCI & CAS
INCI: Zinc Pyrithione (aka Pyrithione zinc, bis(2-pyridylthio)zinc) · CAS: 13463-41-7 · Off-white crystalline, poorly water-soluble; used as a particulate/suspended active in shampoos. (Wikipedia; ECHA/CLP listings) (Wikipedia, EUR-Lex)
2. Role in Dandruff Control
Antifungal/bacteriostatic active targeting Malassezia; disrupts fungal metal homeostasis and energy pathways to reduce flaking and itch. Efficacy depends on scalp deposition/retention from rinse-off formats. (Scientific Reports mechanism; UHPLC deposition/scalp delivery studies) (Nature, Science Direct)
3. Typical Use Levels (formulation custom guide)
Shampoos (rinse-off): 0.3–2% (U.S./Canada OTC limits; many market products at 0.95–1%).
Leave-on scalp tonics: 0.1–0.25% (U.S./Canada OTC).
Process: disperse as fine particulate; optimize deposition with polymers/conditioning systems; validate flake-score reduction in vivo. Note: EU/UK: banned in cosmetics from 1 Mar 2022 (see Reg/Compliance). (eCFR 21 CFR 358; FDA Deemed Final Order M032; Health Canada monograph) (ECFR, GovInfo, FDA Access Data, webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca)
4. Regulatory Sources & Global Compliance
- EU/UK: Classified CMR 1B under CLP 15th ATP (Reg. (EU) 2020/1182); added to Annex II (prohibited) by Reg. (EU) 2021/1902 — cosmetic use banned from 1 Mar 2022. (EUR-Lex 2020/1182; EUR-Lex 2021/1902; COSlaw update) (EUR-Lex, coslaw.eu)
- U.S. FDA OTC (Antidandruff/SD/psoriasis, DFO M032): Zinc pyrithione permitted at 0.3–2% (rinse-off dandruff); 0.95–2% (rinse-off SD); 0.1–0.25% (leave-on). Follow OTC drug labeling/testing. (FDA DFO M032 PDF; eCFR §358.710) (FDA Access Data) (ECFR)
- China (IECIC/CSAR): Listed in IECIC 2021; local standards historically cite ≤1.5% in anti-dandruff shampoos per Safety & Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015); check latest NMPA updates per SKU. (CIRS update; NMPA/IECIC guidance) (CIRS Group, chemsafetypro.com)
- Databases (for label/INCI checks): EU CosIng (historical records), ECHA, Wikipedia (general). (European Commission, Echa Europa , Wikipedia)
5. Clinical Evidence (dandruff/seborrheic scalp)
- Mechanism/evidence: ZPT shows strong in-vitro activity against Malassezia and improves clinical scores in human use tests. (JAAD in-vitro/clinical review; Scientific Reports 2018) (JAAD, Nature)
- Head-to-head trials: 1% ZPT shampoo demonstrated efficacy comparable to 2% ketoconazole in a multicenter randomized trial for severe dandruff/SD; other RCTs show significant flake reduction vs vehicle and benefit of ZPT combinations (e.g., ZPT+climbazole). (Skin Pharmacol Physiol/Karger 2002; Int J Cosmet Sci 2000) (Karger, EU PMC)
6. Safety & Risk Assessment (toxicology highlights)
SCCS (2021): ZPT considered safe up to 1% in rinse-off anti-dandruff shampoos under CMR derogation criteria, but EU ban proceeded due to CLP CMR 1B status and lack of “no suitable alternative” justification. (SCCS Opinion 2021; EUR-Lex 2021/1902) (Public Health, EUR-Lex)
Formulation/handling: particulate active; eye irritation risk; minimal systemic absorption from intact scalp reported; ensure consumer warnings per region. (SCCS opinion; FDA OTC labeling) (Public Health, FDA Access Data)
7. Stability & Packaging
Formulate as stable suspension; manage interactions/photodegradation; use opaque bottles and deposition aids to maximize scalp retention. Validate active content and performance across shelf life. (Analytical/scalp deposition studies; phototransformation review) (Science Direct)
8. Cost–Benefit
Pros: robust efficacy track record; compatible with conditioning systems; consumer recognition. Cons: Regulatory ban in EU/UK restricts global deployment; environmental/tox classification drives scrutiny; alternatives (ketoconazole, climbazole, selenium sulfide, piroctone olamine) may be required for EU portfolios. (EUR-Lex; comparative clinical literature) (EUR-Lex, Karger)
9. Claims Language (Do/Don’t)
✅ “Helps control dandruff and reduce visible flakes.”
✅ “Relieves scalp itch associated with dandruff.”
✅ In the U.S./Canada, treat as OTC drug and align claims/labels with monograph (DFO M032).
❌ EU/UK: ingredient prohibited — do not market cosmetic claims/products containing ZPT. Avoid absolute or disease claims beyond allowed OTC drug scope. (FDA DFO M032; EU ban) (FDA Access Data, EUR-Lex)
Custom Dandruff Product Applications
Cover mass retail, salon, and dermocosmetic channels with rinse-off and leave-on options; provide usage cadence to sustain results without over-cleansing.
Dandruff Trends & Market Insights
The dandruff care market is growing with demand for gentle, effective, and natural solutions. Brands that combine proven actives with clean, sustainable positioning are gaining stronger consumer trust and loyalty.
Market Overview
Anti-dandruff remains a top scalp-care search and review category. Growth hotspots: male grooming (clean, cool, oil-control), sensitive-scalp (fragrance-free), and plant-leaning anti-dandruff (with regulated antifungals). Position SKUs for Amazon, salon-pro, and dermocosmetic channels with claim-sets mapped to each.
Trending Keywords in Exfoliation
“Anti-dandruff shampoo” stays the category driver. APAC leads hair & scalp revenue share and anti-dandruff holds the largest product slice, making SEA/India/Korea prime launch markets. Grand View Research+1
EU pivots to “ZnP-free” terms (e.g., “piroctone-olamine,” “climbazole,” “zinc-free anti-dandruff”) after the zinc pyrithione ban—strong fit for EU/UK dermocosmetic channels. EUR-Lex
“Scalp serum/tonic” rises fast as leave-on maintenance; best traction in North America and East Asia D2C/dermo retail thanks to higher repurchase cadence. Business insights
Male-grooming anti-dandruff (clean, oil-control, fresh feel) expands across US, GCC, and EU mass retail; position clear routine language and simple claim sets. Global Market Insights Inc.
“Fragrance-free / sensitive-safe” searches grow in EU/US; pair anti-dandruff actives with gentle bases and minimalist allergens to win pharmacy and salon-pro shelves. Allure
Customization Options for Packaging & Branding
Explore flexible packaging options, bottle types, and private label services. From tube to jar, we match your brand’s tone and market position.
Cosmetic formulation development
Your formula is the soul of your brand. Whether you’re developing a gentle serum for sensitive skin, a high-efficacy anti-aging cream, or a scalp-purifying shampoo, our in-house chemists create custom cosmetic formulations tailored to your desired effect, skin type, region, and ingredient philosophy.
With over 5,000+ proven base formulas and full white-label development support, we help you build a product that meets your performance goals, brand values, and market trends.
Available Services:
Active ingredient sourcing & formulation balancing
Custom texture creation: gel, cream, balm, lotion, foam, oil
Ingredient selection for target concerns: anti-acne, brightening, anti-aging, hydration
Support for natural, vegan, EWG green-level formulations
Regional compliance: USA, EU, AU, JP standards
Custom Cosmetic Packaging Styles
Packaging plays a critical role in how your brand is perceived. Whether you need luxury glass droppers, airless pump bottles, eco-friendly refill pouches, or retail-friendly PET tubes, we provide 3000+ stock and customizable packaging options.
From minimalist matte finishes to glossy foil-stamped designs, our packaging engineers help you select the perfect form and material—whether for prestige skincare, professional haircare, or clean beauty positioning.
Available Options:
Glass, PET, PP, PCR, aluminum, bamboo, and more
Airless pumps, sprayers, jars, tubes, and dropper bottles
Color-matching, texture finishes, and custom mold services
Cosmetic Box, Label Design for skincare brands
Beyond the bottle, your visual identity sets your product apart. Our in-house design team creates custom label layouts, box designs, and full branding suites—including logo placement, font matching, and barcode compliance.
We also offer waterproof labels, UV spot gloss, embossing, foil stamping, and other premium finishes to ensure your packaging feels as high-end as your formula. Whether you’re building an Amazon FBA product or a salon-grade kit, we help make your product shelf-ready.
Design Services Include:
Free artwork design and dieline support
Amazon & retail barcode setup (FNSKU/UPC)
Custom printing on labels, boxes, pouches, and shrink wraps
Cosmetic Box Customization for Skincare Brands
Beyond the bottle, your outer packaging is your first impression. Our team provides custom cosmetic box solutions with tailored box styles, premium cardboard or specialty paper choices, and protective inserts in EVA, molded pulp, or PET.
We also offer specialty printing options, matte or glossy lamination, foil stamping, embossing, and spot UV to create a tactile, luxury feel. Whether for boutique retail, e‑commerce, or professional kits, we ensure your packaging enhances your brand story.
Customization Options Include:
Box style selection: tuck‑end, drawer, magnetic, or folding carton
Material choices: rigid board, kraft, coated paperboard
Insert options: EVA foam, molded pulp, PET, or cardboard
Cosmetic Box Logo Finishing for Premium Branding
Beyond structure, your logo finish defines your product’s luxury appeal. We offer custom cosmetic packaging logo treatments including emboss, gold foil printing, silver foil, glossy lamination, holographic effects, and spot UV for high-impact shelf presence.
From subtle debossed textures to striking holographic foil, each technique is chosen to enhance your brand story and match your target market positioning. Whether for upscale retail, e‑commerce, or professional use, our finishes help your product stand out.
Finishing Options Include:
Emboss & Deboss logo impressions
Gold, silver, and holographic foil stamping
Spot UV for selective gloss highlights
Glossy or matte lamination for surface protection
Make A Sample First？
If you have your own formula, packaging idea, logo artwork, or even just a concept, please share the details of your project requirements, including preferred product type, ingredients, scent, and customization needs. We’re excited to help you bring your personal care product ideas to life through our sample development process.
More Dandruff product customization instructions and FAQs
Our formulations: This category focuses on eliminating scalp flakes (dandruff) and relieving itchiness using proven anti-dandruff actives. Dandruff is often caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus (Malassezia) on the scalp, which leads to irritation and flaking Headandshoulders . Effective formulations typically include antifungal and keratolytic ingredients to control the fungus and shed built-up flakes, as well as soothing agents to calm irritation. By addressing the root cause and symptoms, these shampoos and treatments eliminate visible flakes and reduce scalp itch for comfort and confidence.
Effective Ingredients:
Common anti-dandruff actives include:
- Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT): A classic antifungal agent used since the 1960s, effective against mild to moderate dandruff. ZPT reduces Malassezia yeast on the scalp, which helps control flakes and itchiness Headandshoulders. It’s found in many dandruff shampoos (e.g. Head & Shoulders) and has antibacterial properties as well Mayoclinic.
- Ketoconazole: A potent broad-spectrum antifungal often used in persistent cases. Ketoconazole shampoo (e.g. Nizoral) kills dandruff-causing fungi on the scalp, leading to improvement in flaking Mayoclinic. It’s clinically proven to promote a healthier scalp and, in some studies, showed hair-density improvements comparable to 2% minoxidil when used regularly PMC NCBI.
- Selenium Sulfide: Used for more severe dandruff, this ingredient has strong antifungal activity and also helps slow down scalp cell turnover Mayoclinic. A 1% selenium sulfide shampoo can act quickly – starting to work from the first wash – and keep dandruff in check for up to a week Headandshoulders. (Note: It can sometimes cause slight hair discoloration or odor, so it must be rinsed thoroughly.)
- Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that serves as a keratolytic exfoliant. Salicylic acid loosens and removes dead skin from the scalp, helping shed flakes and prevent buildup Mayoclinic. It often appears in “dandruff treatment” shampoos to enhance the effectiveness of antifungal agents.
- Coal Tar: An older remedy that reduces flaking by slowing the shedding of skin cells Mayoclinic. Tar-based shampoos (e.g. Neutrogena T/Gel) can be effective, though they may have a strong odor and can cause sun-sensitivity or slight discoloration in light hair.
- Piroctone Olamine: A newer antifungal and anti-inflammatory active that helps control the growth of dandruff-causing fungi and soothes irritation Innovist. It’s an alternative to ZPT in some formulas.
For Customize: In addition to these actives, cooling and soothing ingredients are often added for itch relief. For example, menthol or peppermint oil can provide a cooling sensation and help calm itch on the scalp. Natural extracts like aloe vera or tea tree oil may also be included for their anti-inflammatory or mild antifungal properties (tea tree oil has shown some anti-dandruff efficacy) Innovist. By combining fungus-fighting ingredients with exfoliants and soothing agents, dandruff shampoos relieve symptoms (flakes and itch) while addressing the underlying cause, resulting in a healthier, comfortable scalp Mayoclinic.
Q: Can you make fragrance-free, sensitive-safe versions?
A: Yes. We build fragrance-free bases or low-allergen natural aroma at ≤0.1%, and prioritize amphoteric surfactants, bisabolol, and panthenol. Patch-testing and RIPT can be arranged per market expectations.
Q: Will anti-dandruff products feel heavy or strip hair color?
A: We balance cleansing with conditioning polymers for slip without buildup. For color-treated hair, we limit harsh anionics, control pH (≈5.0–5.8), and choose color-safe antifungals. Provide “color-care friendly” guidance on labels.
Q: Which active should my brand choose?
A: Select by market and severity: piroctone/climbazole for EU cosmetics; ketoconazole or selenium disulfide where permitted; salicylic acid for thick scale. We can prototype A/B systems for your brief. (EU ban on zinc pyrithione applies.) (EUR-Lex)
Q: Can we claim “scalp microbiome friendly”?
A: Use careful wording (e.g., “designed to respect scalp flora”) and back with gentle surfactant systems and preservative strategy. For stronger claims, plan targeted testing.
Q: Do we need sulfate-free?
A: Not mandatory, but sulfate-free or blended SLES/amphoteric systems often test better on comfort and color safety. We can show panel feedback to guide messaging.
Request your custom anti-dandruff sample kit today
Experience our tailored scalp care innovations firsthand. Your custom anti-dandruff sample kit showcases effective formulas, premium packaging options, and proven results—helping you launch products that stand out and win customer trust.
