Review of the best anti-dandruff shampoos - Dermatology and venereology

Dandruff always appears unexpectedly and at the wrong time. Just yesterday my hair looked neat and tidy, but today the entire back of my head and forehead are covered with small white “scales.” This condition is not a cosmetic defect, but a real disease that needs to be fought. However, to treat it you don’t have to take pills; just choose an effective anti-dandruff shampoo.

How to do it right? What components must be included in the composition of a medicinal product? And how to use it to get rid of the problem as soon as possible? The FAN journalist looked into these issues and compiled a rating of anti-dandruff shampoos, based on reviews from users and experts.

Top 9 most effective anti-dandruff shampoos.

December 2, 2022
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Content

Why does dandruff appear?
How to choose an anti-dandruff shampoo
Types of dandruff
What is included in anti-dandruff shampoos
Causes of dandruff
How to treat dandruff: 9 effective shampoos
Nizoral
Dermazol
Cynovitis
Sulsena
Dandruff
Sebozol
Compliment Zinc+
Tar shampoo 911
Ducray Squanorm

Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis and is provoked by such reasons as incorrectly selected shampoos, hormonal changes in the body, fungus on the skin or poor personal hygiene. Therefore, it is important to first determine the true cause of dandruff and eliminate it. And anti-dandruff shampoos will be an addition to the main treatment.

Price

You can only buy products with an antifungal effect in pharmacies or online; they are not sold in regular supermarkets or cosmetic stores. Approximate prices in Moscow:

Shampoo name, volume	Internet price, rubles	Pharmacy cost, rubles
Mycozoral 60 ml	300	350
Cynovit 200 ml	280	320
Dermazol 200 ml	400	420
Nizoral 60 ml	400	425
Sulsena 200 ml	300	350
Sebuton 100 ml	400	450

Why does dandruff appear?

The skin on your scalp is constantly peeling off little by little; this is a normal process. And if everything is in order with the body, skin particles are washed off when washing your hair. But if the sebaceous glands do not work properly, skin particles form crusts that fall off on the shoulders and are visible on the hair itself. There are several reasons for the formation of dandruff:

Fungus.
Each person has a different fungus on their skin, and as long as the body works smoothly, it does not cause any discomfort. But as soon as the sebaceous glands begin to produce excess amounts of sebum, the fungus begins to actively multiply. This causes improper exfoliation of skin particles - this is how dandruff appears.
Styling products.
Dandruff can also appear due to excessive use of various styling products. If you apply styling products to your hair often and a lot, the sebaceous glands begin to work incorrectly. Dandruff can also be caused by ammonia hair dyes, frequent shampooing, curling your hair, and constant blow-drying. The scalp becomes dry and seborrhea occurs.
Quality of tap water.
Hard water dries out the scalp, it begins to flake, and the hair becomes brittle and dull. If dandruff occurs for this reason, it is better to install a filter or wash your hair with boiled water.
General condition of the body.
Dandruff can also appear due to stress, fatigue, and deficiency of vitamins and microelements. An important factor is proper nutrition, because it affects not only your figure, but also the condition of your skin. Eliminate baked goods, alcohol, spicy and fatty foods from your diet.

Types of dandruff

Dry dandruff	Oily dandruff

This type manifests itself in the case of reduced sebum secretion. The scales, as a rule, are small in size and easily separated, so the hair looks as if it is powdered. In most cases, dry dandruff is located mainly in the parietal and frontal areas of the head.	It occurs when there is excessive sebum secretion. The scales are large, saturated with sebaceous secretions, which is why they stick to each other, attach to the hair and are difficult to peel off. Often the excretory duct of the gland becomes clogged with sloughing epithelial cells soaked in sebum. Itching may occur, and with seborrhea the hair begins to become shiny, looks greased with oil, and sticks together in strands.

What is included in anti-dandruff shampoos

Typically, anti-dandruff shampoos contain the following active ingredients:

ketoconazole
(a substance that blocks the activity of the fungus that causes seborrhea);
zinc pyrithione
(normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands and the exfoliation process);
sulfur
(works as a disinfectant);
tar
(eliminates bacteria);
olamine pyractone
(stimulates hair growth and has a positive effect on its appearance);
panthenol
(fights dry scalp, softens it).

Organic anti-dandruff shampoos contain various decoctions and infusions, oils, and extracts from medicinal plants.

IMPORTANT.

Dandruff can be dry or oily. Oily dandruff usually appears due to improper functioning of the sebaceous glands, poor hygiene and fungus. Dry dandruff occurs more often in adolescents and with hormonal disorders.

Indications for use

Antifungal shampoo for people is used for mycoses. They are characterized by damage to the fungus of the scalp and face. The infection often occurs in autumn and winter, its causes include weak immunity, endocrine or somatic diseases, and violation of the integrity of the skin under the hair. You can become infected with fungus in baths, saunas, swimming pools, when using other people's towels and other personal hygiene items.

Shampoos help treat the following diseases that are caused by a fungal nature:

Microsporia - round areas on the head covered with a gray coating, characterized by dry hair and hair loss.
Ringworm is a bald spot on the head where hair falls out rapidly.
Seborrhea - occurs due to improper functioning of the sebaceous glands, when hair strands quickly become oily or too dry.
Favus - the skin tissue becomes covered with yellow crusts, hairs stick out from the center, the hair looks ugly, reminiscent of a wig.

The task of antimycotic compounds is to eliminate crusts, itching, dandruff, and strengthen strands. Fungal diseases do not threaten human life, but they entail changes - scab, seborrhea and microsporia cause dullness of hair, dandruff, a person is embarrassed to walk down the street or visit hairdressers. Advanced stages of mycoses lead to the appearance of round pink plaques, inside of which there are bubbles filled with liquid. Hair begins to fall out.

You should immediately consult a trichologist if you suspect a fungus. He will conduct an examination, take a scalp scraping to determine the causative agent of the disease, determine the cause of the disease and prescribe comprehensive treatment. Today, various antifungal products are used for successful therapy: gels, balms, ointments, shampoos. The latter are effective in the initial stages of fungal development. They quickly eliminate the manifestations of dandruff, discomfort, burning, itching.

Causes of dandruff

Internal reasons	External reasons
Hormonal imbalance	Excessive use of hairsprays and gels
Poor health	Incorrect use of hair coloring products, excessive use of straighteners, hair dryers, hot rollers, curling irons
Insufficient hygiene	Cold weather and dryness in a heated room
Allergic hypersensitivity	Stress and anxiety
Lack of rest	Insufficient or too frequent use of hair shampoo, frequent change of shampoos, insufficient rinsing of hair
Emotional stress	Poor nutrition. Excessive consumption of sugar, fat, starch
Hereditary predisposition

Read also: 10 most effective acne remedies 10 creams and gels to combat acne and acne.

Nizoral

The active ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole, which is considered one of the best antifungal agents for the treatment of dandruff. Nizoral is universal, so it is used for many fungal infections of the scalp. The shampoo has a thick consistency, it is used sparingly and copes well with dandruff. Nizoral should be applied to the scalp and left for five minutes, then rinsed off. Since the product has a wide spectrum of action, Nizoral is often prescribed for pityriasis versicolor, dry and oily seborrhea. According to statistics, Nizoral is effective in 96% of cases in the treatment of dandruff.

Nizoral

Janssen-Cilag, UK

Dermatophyte skin infections caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum: - dermatomycosis of smooth skin;
- inguinal athlete's foot; - epidermophytosis of the hands and feet; - skin candidiasis; - pityriasis versicolor; - seborrheic dermatitis caused by Pityrosporum ovale from 584

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Active components of medicated shampoos

Any anti-fungal shampoo contains active substances with anticotic, fingistatic and fungicidal properties. They stop the activity of the pathogen and prevent it from penetrating into the deeper layers of the epidermis.

Read also: How to treat nail fungus at home

The composition of most fungicidal shampoos is based on the following antifungal substances:

Ketoconazole. One of the most popular synthetic antifungal drugs, it destroys yeast, mold and dimorphic fungi, as well as eumycents and dermatophytes. Penetrates the cellular structure of pathogens and disrupts metabolic processes, which leads to the death of fungal cells.
Octopyrox. A product with a fungicidal effect is most effective against lichen and seborrhea. There are no toxic substances in its structure, so it does not penetrate into the blood and does not have a harmful effect on the human body.
Selenium sulfide. Reduces the population of fungi, slowing down their reproduction and metabolism. Effectively affects the cause of fungal infection and quickly eliminates the symptoms of infection.
Cyclopiroxolamine. It has a disinfecting effect and is effective against most pathogens of fungal diseases. The drug helps to quickly eliminate inflammation and itching, destroying the population of pathogenic fungi.
Zinc pyrithione. Active complex compound, especially effective in the treatment of dandruff and seborrhea. It stops the uncontrolled proliferation of epithelial cells and eliminates peeling. Has antiproliferative properties.

Antifungal shampoos for people contain vitamin-mineral complexes, herbal extracts and essential oils as excipients: they help eliminate the symptoms of fungal infection and strengthen hair. For mild forms of fungal disease, medicated zinc-based shampoos are also used.

Dermazol

The active ingredients of this anti-dandruff shampoo are ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione. “Dermazol” is an excellent remedy for combating skin fungus that causes dandruff; it is effective for pityriasis versicolor and seborrheic dermatitis. Suitable for treating both dry and oily dandruff. “Dermazol” should be applied to damp scalp, wait 3-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly with warm water. It is recommended to use this anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week, the course of treatment is 2-4 weeks. The only contraindication is individual sensitivity to the components of the product.

Dermazol

Kusum Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., India

Treatment and prevention of skin and hair lesions caused by the yeast microorganisms Malassezia (formerly called Pityrosporum), such as dandruff, pityriasis versicolor (local), seborrheic dermatitis.
from 1000

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Cynovitis

Cynovit contains climbazole, zinc pyrithione, B vitamins. Zinc pyriotin destroys fungus and fights peeling and itching. Climbazole also works against fungus. Cynovit also contains uric acid, which nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The remedy is prescribed for dermatitis and psoriasis of the scalp, for oily and dry seborrhea, to relieve itching. Apply shampoo to damp hair, lather and leave for a minute. Then repeat the procedure, but hold it on your hair for three minutes. Treatment of dandruff will take about a month (you need to use Cynovit 2-3 times a week). The shampoo is suitable for all hair types, treats any seborrhea and dermatitis.

Cynovitis

CJSC "Green Dubrava", Russia

Cynovit shampoo is a comprehensive approach to eliminating dandruff and other manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis (irritation, itching).
Innovative formula with zinc pyrithione and climbazole. from 219

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Antifungal shampoo for body

The fungus can affect not only the scalp, but also the body. For example, it multiplies in the groin area of men. Since hair also grows there, it needs to be treated with antifungal agents. Ideally, it is better to remove them, but if this is not possible, all that remains is to use shampoos:

Algopix is a natural remedy based on juniper tar, an extract of green algae. Active components eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of itching and burning. Salicylic acid in shampoo regulates the function of the sebaceous glands. The product is used every other day for two weeks. The only drawback is the unpleasant aroma of tar. The advantages include a thick greenish consistency, excellent foaming ability and the absence of side effects. The product can be combined with other antifungal components, costs 300 rubles for 150 ml, stops the spread of fungus.
Cynovit is available not only in shampoo format, but also in cream and gel format. The composition includes zinc, jojoba and shea butter, which eliminate itching, nourish and moisturize the skin, and prevent dryness. Cynovite has a white viscous texture with a pleasant aroma; apply to hair, massage until foam forms, leave for 2-3 minutes and rinse with water. Should be used every other day. 150 ml of product costs 310 rubles.
Zincon is a thick white shampoo for seborrhea and mycoses based on zinc. The active component reduces the growth of pathogenic fungi, relieves inflammation, dries the skin, and normalizes the function of the sebaceous glands. The use of the product restores the normal environment of the skin, helps at the initial stage of disease development, cleanses and relieves burning. Must be used daily for 1.5 months. 60 ml of product costs 230 rubles.
Sebuton is a product based on medical tar, therefore it has a specific odor and a thick transparent consistency. The shampoo fights the manifestations of fungus, suppresses its growth, and eliminates peeling and inflammation. It should be used every other day for 1–2 months.

Sulsena

This shampoo paste normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, relieves irritation, reduces itching, and is effective for seborrhea. "Sulsena" improves the appearance of hair, strengthening hair follicles and healing scalp cells. The drug contains 1% selenium disulfide and sulfur ions. In addition to treating dandruff, Sulsena is also effective for alopecia. Sulfur destroys scalp fungus, eliminating itching and flaking. After washing your hair, dry your hair slightly with a towel, then apply shampoo paste to the skin and wait 10-15 minutes, rinse with water. “Sulsena” can be used frequently; there are no contraindications to the product. "Sulsena" stimulates hair growth, makes it healthier and silkier. The price of Sulsena is quite affordable. The only drawback is that it is difficult to wash off.

Sulsena

Sulsena is an anti-dandruff remedy based on selenium disulfide (SeS2), which has a unique ability to combat the yeast fungus Pityrosporum Ovale.
from 50

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Dandruff

"Dandrhotal" is a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo with a powerful antifungal effect. In addition to dandruff, the product is effective against dermatitis, mycoses, and lichen. The active ingredient in the shampoo is ketoconazole. “Perhotal” is applied to problem areas or the entire head and left for several minutes. Then wash it off. To get rid of dandruff, Perhotal should be used once every 3-4 days for 8 weeks. If it is dermatitis, the course of treatment is 4 weeks (once or twice a week). Perhotal has side effects: dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain. During pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies to ketoconazole and children under three years of age, this shampoo is contraindicated. "Perhotal" quickly treats dandruff and seborrhea, it can be used prophylactically. Among the disadvantages are contraindications and side effects.

Dandruff

Gepach International, India

Dandruff is a medicinal shampoo, an antifungal agent that acts on the very cause of dandruff.
Perhotal contains a complex that cares for your hair, makes combing easier and does not dry out the scalp. from 160

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Rules of application

All products with an antifungal effect have approximately the same instructions for use. She recommends following these steps:

Wet your hair with warm water and apply a small amount of product onto the scalp with light massaging movements.
Leave for 3-7 minutes for better effect on the problem area.
Rinse with plenty of warm water, massaging the skin thoroughly.
The formulations should be used at least three times every two weeks, or more often - each antiseptic and antifungal agent has its own instructions. Some use it every day or every 2-3 days. After 2-3 weeks of regular use, positive changes will appear.
After the condition of the scalp improves, you cannot immediately switch to a regular one and no longer use the medicinal one. To consolidate the results and prevent the development of relapse, you need to use the products prophylactically for another two weeks.

Sebozol

This remedy was created specifically for the treatment of seborrhea, so it is used both in dermatology and cosmetology. The active ingredient in the shampoo is ketoconazole. “Sebozol” copes well with dandruff, and is also effective for seborrheic dermatitis and skin lichen (and it can also be used for preventive purposes). The shampoo has a positive effect on the condition of the hair, restoring its damaged structure. You need to wash your hair with Sebozol twice a week until dandruff completely disappears (and this will happen literally after the second or third use). It is advisable to leave the drug on the scalp for at least five minutes. The second stage is prevention (it is enough to wash your hair with Sebozol once a week). This anti-dandruff shampoo can be used during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for children over 1 year old. Sebozol has no contraindications or side effects, it can be used for a long time, it is suitable for any hair type.

Sebozol

Murom Instrument-Making Plant, Russia

Fungal infections caused by susceptible pathogens;
dermatomycosis (tinea smooth skin, athlete's foot inguinal, athlete's foot, skin candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis caused by Pityrosporum ovale), folliculitis. from 77

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Compliment Zinc+

This shampoo, which gently cares for hair and scalp, is effective against all types of dandruff. "Compliment Zinc+" contains ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid. This whole complex perfectly fights dandruff, seborrhea, moisturizes the scalp, and relieves itching. In addition, the shampoo is enriched with plant extracts that improve the appearance of hair and reduce inflammation. The positive effect of “Compliment Zinc+” is noticeable after the first use, and with regular use, itching and flaking disappear completely. “Compliment Zinc+” is inexpensive, but for maximum effect it is advisable to use the entire series in combination (balm-mask and leave-in product in ampoules).

Compliment Zinc+

Moisturizing dermatological shampoo is designed to care for hair of any type with dandruff of various origins.
Thanks to the content of ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione, the product reduces the formation of dandruff and counters the causes of its appearance, reliably destroying pathogenic fungi. from 23

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How to choose

It is not recommended to independently select a shampoo with an antifungal effect. It is advisable that this be done by a trichologist, taking into account the characteristics of the disease, the individual characteristics of the patient, and after tests. When choosing products, there is a dependence on hair type, the presence or absence of dandruff. Popular classification:

Exfoliating – contain salicylic acid, these include sulfate-free Algopix with vitamins.
External antifungal based on ketoconazole - Sebazon.
Antibacterial based on zinc – Cynovit, Zincon.
Based on natural ingredients – Squanorm, Sebuton.
Antimicrobial detergents with selenium sulfide - Sulsena.

Tar shampoo 911

This shampoo helps well with excessive dandruff and psoriasis of the scalp. Tar shampoo “911” destroys fungi that cause dandruff, promotes rapid exfoliation of the skin, while the product acts gently, relieving irritation, itching and moisturizing the scalp. Apply “911” to damp scalp and leave for a few minutes. When rinsing, you need to try not to get the shampoo into your eyes. Tar anti-dandruff shampoo perfectly gets rid of the problem, restores hair, and is inexpensive. The only drawback of the product is the unpleasant smell.

Tar shampoo 911

Twins Tech, Russia

Tar shampoo 911 is a treatment for seborrhea, psoriasis, and dandruff.
from 42

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Ducray Squanorm

French anti-dandruff shampoo is used for dry scalp. The product contains zinc pyrithione, guanidine glycolate, glycerin, and glycolic acid. All these substances in combination destroy fungus, remove itching and flaking, moisturize the scalp, restore hair and improve its appearance. To quickly achieve a positive effect, this anti-dandruff shampoo should be used twice: first apply to the head and rinse, and then apply and leave for a couple of minutes. The course of treatment for dandruff Ducray Squanorm is 6 weeks (use 2-3 times a week). The positive effect of the product is noticeable literally after the first use; Ducray Squanorm does not affect hair color. Among the disadvantages are the high cost and the fact that the shampoo is only indicated for dry dandruff.

Ducray Squanorm

Pierre Fabre Medicament, France

Shampoo against dry dandruff Squanorm (Squanorm) quickly eliminates dry dandruff and fights its root cause, limiting the proliferation of fungi of the genus Malassezia.
Moisturizes and soothes the scalp, normalizes the natural balance of the skin. from 319

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The best anti-dandruff hair shampoos according to FAN

In this rating we have included effective products that help get rid of obsessive white “flakes” on hair roots and clothes. This is evidenced by reviews from customers and beauty bloggers. In it you will find pharmaceutical preparations with clinically proven effects, as well as inexpensive anti-dandruff shampoos from mass market brands.