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Medicine & cosmetic ingredient

Selenium sulfide

Anti-dandruff ingredient that targets the yeast linked to flaking Also on labels as: selenium disulphide, selenium sulphide

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What it does

Selenium sulfide is an anti-dandruff ingredient that's thought to work mainly by reducing Malassezia, the skin yeast linked to dandruff. The British Association of Dermatologists lists it, alongside ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione, among medicated shampoos for seborrhoeic dermatitis, and suggests a 1% selenium sulphide shampoo as one option to reduce the spread of scalp ringworm (alongside prescription tablets).

Cautions

  • UK rules require cosmetic shampoos containing it to carry the warning "Avoid contact with eyes or damaged skin".
  • In trials it caused more side effects than ketoconazole — most often scalp burning and itching — though these weren't common.
  • Some people find it leaves hair feeling oily.
  • Follow the pack directions and ask a pharmacist if you're unsure, especially for children or in pregnancy.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence: Limited

Small or early studies only — promising at best.

A 1993 trial of 246 people with moderate to severe dandruff found both 2.5% selenium sulfide and 2% ketoconazole shampoos effective, with ketoconazole better tolerated. A 2015 BMJ Clinical Evidence review rated the evidence as low quality. Note that the 2.5% strength used in that trial is above the 1% allowed in UK cosmetics.

UK rules and availability

Allowed in cosmetic anti-dandruff shampoos in Great Britain at up to 1%, with mandatory warnings. We couldn't find a 2.5% selenium sulfide medicine currently listed in the UK medicines database, so availability may be limited.

Not medical advice. This guide is general information from the sources listed, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. If you are worried, or symptoms are severe or not improving, get advice. Read our health information policy.

Sources

  1. British Association of Dermatologists – Seborrhoeic dermatitis bad.org.uk
  2. British Association of Dermatologists – Tinea capitis bad.org.uk
  3. legislation.gov.uk – Cosmetics Regulation Annex III (restricted substances) legislation.gov.uk
  4. Danby FW et al. Ketoconazole 2% vs selenium sulfide 2.5% shampoo for dandruff. J Am Acad Dermatol 1993 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Naldi L, Diphoorn J. Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp. BMJ Clin Evid 2015 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Ranganathan S, Mukhopadhyay T. Dandruff: the most commercially exploited skin disease. Indian J Dermatol 2010 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov