An anti-dandruff active, now prohibited in EU cosmetics.
What it is
Zinc pyrithione is a zinc complex with antifungal and antibacterial activity, long used in anti-dandruff shampoos. Since March 2022 it has been listed in Annex II (prohibited substances) of the EU cosmetics regulation following its classification as a reproductive toxicant.
Where it is used
Historically anti-dandruff shampoos; still found in products outside the EU.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
If you see it on a product sold in the EU, the data may describe an older formula or a non-EU market; check the current label.
Functions
- Anti-seborrheic
- Preventing or relieving the symptoms of seborrhea and/or seborrheic dermatitis, including dandruff.
- Anti-sebum
- Helping control sebum production.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Preservative
- Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
EU regulation
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EU) 2021/1902
Safety Gate alerts (EU)
3 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.
- Pilgrim – Anti-Dandruff (2026-03-24)
- Epionce – Lytic Tx, Lite Lytic Tx, Lytic Sport Tx, Restorative Hand Cream, Enriched Body Cream, Spot Gel (2024-10-29)
- INOAR – Argan Infusion (2023-08-09)
Scientific opinions (SCCS)
- Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT) - Submission III
- Addendum to the scientific opinion on Zinc pyrithione (P81) ref. SCCS/1512/13
Opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety that mention this ingredient. They assess specific uses and concentrations; read the opinion for its scope.
Products with this ingredient (80)
- Dove Solutions Anti Dandruff Shampoo · Dove
- Shampoo DOVE Caspa Control 200 ml · Dove
- Invigo Balance Clean Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo · Wella Professionals
- Anti-Schuppen Intensiv Shampoo (x3, mit Zink-Pyrithion) · Henkel
- Shampooing dermo-apaisant antipelliculaire · Dessange
- Shampoo Manzana Fresh · Head & Shoulders
- Shampoo Men Clean & Fresh, 250 ml · Orkla Home & Personal Care AS
- Head & Shoulder Shampoo Classic Clean 90ml · PROCTER & GAMBLE NORGE AS
- Head & Shoulder Balsam Supreme Moisture 220ml · PROCTER & GAMBLE NORGE AS
- Define Balsam Sensitive 200ml · LILLEBORG AS
- Head & Shoulder Balsam Supreme Repair 220ml · PROCTER & GAMBLE NORGE AS
- citrus fresh · Head & Shoulders