• Fights dandruff, flaking, and itchy scalp
• Controls bacterial and fungal growth on skin and scalp
• Effective against *Malassezia* yeast (main dandruff cause)
• Can be used in anti-acne and fungal-safe body washes
• Regulated active with proven clinical performance

Zinc Pyrithione – Anti-Dandruff & Antimicrobial Active for Hair & Scalp Care

 Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal active primarily used in anti-dandruff shampoos, seborrheic dermatitis treatments, and fungal acne solutions. It effectively targets the yeast Malassezia, responsible for flaking and scalp irritation. Additionally, it exhibits antibacterial action against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, making it suitable for body washes, face cleansers, and scalp serums. With low irritation potential, ZPT is safe in rinse-off and some leave-on formats when used within regulated limits.

INCI Name: Zinc Pyrithione

CAS Number: 13463-41-7

Solubility: Water-insoluble; dispersible in surfactant blends

Add Phase: Cool-down phase, pre-solubilized or slurried

pH Stability: 4.5 – 7.5

Processing Temperature: Below 45°C

Appearance: White to off-white powder

Odor: Mild characteristic

Molecular Formula: C10H8N2O2S2Zn

Molecular Weight: 317.7 g/mol

Flash Point: > 100°C

Density: ~1.8 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Organometallic salt

Functional Groups: Pyridine ring, Zinc complex

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Anti-dandruff shampoos, fungal acne face wash, scalp tonics

• Usage Rate: 0.3% – 2% (regulated max: 1% for rinse-off)
• Phase: Add in slurry or pre-solubilized at cool-down
• Ideal For: Dandruff shampoos, Scalp masks, Fungal acne washes

🧼 For maximum antifungal performance, pre-solubilize Zinc Pyrithione in a glycol or surfactant blend, and pair with salicylic acid or climbazole for boosted dandruff or fungal acne treatment.

✔️ Best for oily, flaky, and acne-prone skin

✔️ Excellent for dandruff-prone and itchy scalps

❗ Avoid overuse on dry or highly sensitive skin

1. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Use 1% ZPT with surfactants and conditioning agents like panthenol for effective dandruff control.

2. Fungal Acne Cleanser

Combine 0.5% with mild surfactants and zinc PCA for face/body washes targeting Malassezia.

3. Scalp Tonic Spray

Create a leave-on spray with 0.3% ZPT, niacinamide, and menthol for daily scalp care.

4. Seborrheic Dermatitis Lotion

Blend into an oil-in-water cream with salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur for flake control.

5. Anti-Itch Body Wash

Formulate with 0.75% ZPT and oatmeal extract to relieve itchy, irritated skin in body care.

Serums
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Limited use in oil-based or fungal-prone skin serums.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Effective in dermatitis lotions or ointments.



Toners
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can be used in low-dose antifungal toners.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Useful in clay masks for fungal acne control.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Top-tier for fungal acne and dandruff-prone cleansing.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Helps soothe flaking, itchy scalp in masks.



Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Mild antibacterial benefit.



Eye Creams
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Avoid near eyes.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Benchmark ingredient in anti-dandruff systems.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Good for bar or liquid acne soaps.



Conditioners
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Used in medicated rinse-off treatments.



Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not approved for ingestion zones.



Body Butters
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Possible use in fungal-targeted butters.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Effective in medicated barrier ointments.

Q1: Can Zinc Pyrithione treat fungal acne?

A1: Yes — it’s one of the few actives proven to work against Malassezia, the yeast causing fungal acne.

Q2: Is it safe for daily use in shampoos?

A2: Yes — when used within the regulated 1% limit, it’s safe for long-term use.

Q3: Why is it not used in leave-on serums?

A3: It may cause irritation if used in high doses on broken or sensitive skin. Use with care in leave-on formulas.