Description
What is Zinc Pyrithione?
Zinc Pyrithione is a cosmetic ingredient primarily in anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp cleansers. It inhibits the fungi and bacteria that typically cause flakes, itching, and scalp irritation. It’s most commonly found in rinse-off hair products and is a well-known anti-dandruff active.
Why You Should Use Zinc Pyrithione
Helps Control Dandruff
Zinc Pyrithione helps to control the flakes and itching associated with dandruff. It is a scalp care active included in finished anti-dandruff products.
Good Fit for Shampoo Systems
It is extensively used in shampoos and scalp washes. A published anti-dandruff shampoo formula combines Zinc Pyrithione with a surfactant system, stabilized suspension, and a scalp-compatible pH.
Works at Practical Use Levels
Ready-to-use products on the market typically contain Zinc Pyrithione at 0.5% to 1%, depending on the objective of the formula. It is useful for a standard anti-dandruff shampoo as well as a more intense scalp product.
Useful for Scalp-Focused Product Lines
It is used for formulating for flaky scalp, itchy scalp, and scalp cleaning. It is particularly useful for a rinse-off anti-dandruff product.
How to Use
Handling Note:
Make sure to use a uniform material. Take care to mix slowly. If you buy a suspension grade, attempt to make sure the active is well dispersed. In one published shampoo formula, Zinc Pyrithione is kept in suspension by a rheology system, and the provider’s note says to keep the material uniform before use.
Use Levels by Product Category
Usage levels vary with the strength of the grade purchased. The table below is in terms of active Zinc Pyrithione in the finished product. This is in line with common anti-dandruff product concentrations and hair use as rinse-off products.
| Product Type | Zinc Pyrithione Active in Formula by Weight |
| Anti dandruff shampoo | 0.5 percent to 1 percent |
| Daily scalp shampoo | 0.5 percent |
| 2 in 1 anti dandruff shampoo | 0.5 percent to 1 percent |
| Scalp cleansing wash | 0.5 percent |
| Scalp cleansing bar | 0.5 percent |
Target pH:
For most rinse-off scalp products, the pH should be in the range of 5.5 to 6.5. One published Zinc Pyrithione anti-dandruff shampoo has a pH of 5.8 to 6.2.
Formulation Build Order:
- Start with the water phase.
- Add your thickener or suspending agent and mix until fully smooth.
- Add primary surfactants and co-surfactants and mix.
- Add Zinc Pyrithione and mix until well blended.
- Add conditioners or support ingredients.
- Adjust pH.
- Add perfume and other cool-down ingredients last.
What You Can Make With Zinc Pyrithione
- Anti-dandruff shampoos
- Daily scalp shampoos
- 2-in-1 dandruff shampoos
- Scalp cleansing washes
- Scalp cleansing bars
- Skin and hair products to support a flaky scalp
Why Order From Stexol
COA With Every Batch:
You get a COA with each batch. You can review the information before ingredients are used.
No Minimum Order Pressure:
Our Zinc Pyrithione comes small and bulk quantities, so cosmetologists and small beauty manufacturers can purchase small amounts no minimum order pressure.
Price Break for Bulk Orders:
We offer tiered pricing for bulk orders.
Same-Day Dispatch:
Fast delivery from our nearest warehouse allows your batch planning and production to move through smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Zinc Pyrithione used in hair products?
A: Yes. It is generally used in rinse-off scalp and hair products for dandruff control.
Q: Can I just put it in water?
A: I recommend using it in a formula that will help suspend the active. It is important to avoid vigorous mixing.
Q: What pH should it be?
A: For most scalp shampoos, the pH should be 5.5 to 6.5.
Q: Should I use it in leave-on products?
A: This information is for products that are used to shampoo and then rinsed off. Check your own regulatory requirements before using leave-on.
Q: Why should I care about batch quality?
A: Uniform consistency of the active ingredient helps you make a more consistent product.
Order Now
COA available. Same-day dispatch. Available in bulk and at discounts.
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