What we won’t do is tell you if the shampoo will work for you. Our responses to the ingredients are highly personal, so we just couldn’t do that. Dr. Ben Barankin, a Toronto based board-certified dermatologist at the Toronto Dermatology Centre, recommends it’s usage when he told us, “For mild-moderate dandruff, my preferred over the counter dandruff ingredients include: zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, tar and salicylic acid“. A brief history of Selenium Sulfide There is no data to support the use of selenium sulphide in pregnant and breastfeeding women. For details, please consult with your physician

Selsun Blue was probably the most effective shampoo available OTC once upon a time. These were in the bad old days when Head and Shoulders was the only viable alternative *shudders*. Selenium sulfide is an antifungal agent used in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor, and tinea capitis (scalp ringworm). It’s a non-metallic trace mineral, found naturally in sulfur ore (and Brazil nuts!). It’s required at low doses for a range of cellular processes, including protective antioxidant activity, and thyroid function [1].

A brief history of Selenium Sulfide

Hu, S. W., & Bigby, M. (2010). Pityriasis versicolor: a systematic review of interventions. Archives of Dermatology, 146(10), 1132-1140.

Both are clinically proven to be the most effective ingredients for combatting seb derm in most folk. In fact, it’s an FDA approved medicine for treating seb derm, is listed on the WHO list of essential medicines and is a first-line treatment for seb derm in Europe and the USA, Giving you the tools you need to make an educated decision on whether this is the ingredient for you, and help you choose your own favorite selenium sulfide shampoo. The Best Selenium Sulfide Shampoos For some further clarity, Dr. Ben Barankin, told us, “For mild-moderate dandruff, I recommend daily shampooing, and ideally alternating 3 shampoos, each with active anti-dandruff ingredients.” What we will do is explain, in layman’s terms, the purpose of the shampoo and what condition it is designed to alleviate. What is Selenium Sulfide?Selenium sulfide shampoos are particularly useful for this condition because they are licensed for children over 5 – ketoconazole is licensed from adolescence. How often should I use a Selenium Sulfide shampoo? There are two active ingredients I turn to when I have a bad outbreak of seborrheic dermatitis; ketoconazole and selenium sulfide.

A 1954 review article published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), noted that the use of a selenium sulfide ‘shampoo’ (really just two teaspoons of selenium suspension with soap) was associated with: However, not all shampoos are as prescriptive as this. For example, Vichy Dercos provides no guidance on frequency but instead recommend that you: Tapiero, H., Townsend, D. M., & Tew, K. D. (2003). The antioxidant role of selenium and seleno-compounds. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 57(3), 134-144.

And if it doesn’t work, board-certified dermatologist Adam J. Friedman, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology and director of dermatologic research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine explains via the AAD, “For most people, dandruff does not require medical attention. However, sometimes the flaking and itching that appears like dandruff is actually a medical condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections of the scalp, or eczema. If you continue to have symptoms after using a dandruff shampoo, consult a board-certified dermatologist.” Naldi, L., & Rebora, A. (2009). Seborrheic dermatitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 360(4), 387-396.

They assess the primary purpose of the dandruff shampoo, by examining the active ingredients present in the formulation. These active ingredients are designed to control specific types of dandruff and we’ll explain what those are. It targets fungi causing dandruff, controls flaking, clears away build- up of flakes and relieves from itching and irritationSelenium sulfide 2 1 [sol ] 2 % w/v, bentonite, lauric diethanolamine, ethylene glycol monostearate, titanium dioxide, amphoteric-2, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium phosphate (monobasic), glyceryl monoricinoleate, citric acid, captan , perfume. Selenium sulfide shampoos are associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects than ketoconazole, with the most common reactions being: redness, irritation, burning sensations, dry hair, and blistering (if the shampoo is left on the skin for too long). Importantly, selenium sulfide shampoos have been known to discolor dyed hair, and can discolor metallic jewelry – so should be removed before use [2].