Zinc Pyrithione
Also known as: ZPT, ZPTO, Pyrithione Zinc
INCI name: Zinc Pyrithione
What it does
The classic anti-dandruff active — both antifungal and antibacterial, and the ingredient most medicated shampoos were built on.
Benefits
Long clinical track record for reducing flaking, itching and scalp redness. Cheap, stable and well studied.
Concerns & Risks
Banned as a cosmetic ingredient in the EU since March 2022 after a reprotoxicity reclassification, though it remains permitted and widely used in India and the United States. Can leave a dulling film on colour-treated hair with repeated use.
Comedogenic rating
Non-comedogenic (0)
Suitable for
Oily, flaky scalps
Avoid if
You are pregnant and prefer to avoid it, or you follow EU cosmetic standards
Typical concentration
0.5–2% in rinse-off shampoo
Products containing Zinc Pyrithione
1 product in our database