Zinc Pyrithione

INCI: Zinc Pyrithione

Also known as: ZPT, Pyrithione zinc

Hair & ScalpactivesyntheticStrong evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

1/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

1%–2%

How It Works

An OTC antifungal and antibacterial used in dandruff shampoos. Works against Malassezia yeast that triggers scalp inflammation.

Disrupts Malassezia membrane transport; chelates trace metals essential to yeast metabolism.

pH Range

5.0–7.0

Benefits

Antifungal
Antibacterial
Reduces dandruff
Scalp inflammation

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

DandruffSeborrheic dermatitis

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order

1/10

Apply early in routine, toner/essence step.

Max Safe Concentration

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–2%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

For Estheticians & Professionals

EU restrictions are tightening, formulations may transition to alternatives.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Zinc Pyrithione.

1 peer-reviewed study

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Oral zinc supplementation equivalent to tetracycline antibiotics for mild-to-moderate acne.

Meynadier J
European Journal of Dermatology, 1998

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Salicylic Acid Ketoconazole

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility