Encyclopedia
Every molecule that touches your hair
From proven medicines to kitchen-cupboard oils, with the studies behind each one.
9 entries
C
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anti dandruff
Ciclopirox
An antifungal shampoo ingredient with randomized-trial support for scalp seborrheic dermatitis and a particular edge on itch, with no good evidence that it grows hair.
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anti dandruff
Climbazole
A cosmetic azole antifungal used mostly as a booster next to zinc pyrithione or piroctone olamine, with thin evidence on its own.
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anti dandruff
Coal tar
One of the oldest dandruff and psoriasis treatments; it works, but it contains carcinogens, smells, stains and is no longer anyone's first choice.
K
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anti dandruff
Ketoconazole
An antifungal shampoo ingredient that is among the best-proven treatments for dandruff and, with much weaker evidence, a possible add-on for pattern hair loss.
P
-
anti dandruff
Piroctone olamine
A gentle anti-dandruff ingredient common in European shampoos, with trial results roughly equal to zinc pyrithione but mostly from manufacturers.
S
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anti dandruff
Salicylic acid
A scale-loosening ingredient that helps thick flakes and scalp psoriasis plaques and works best paired with an antifungal.
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anti dandruff
Selenium sulfide
An old, inexpensive anti-dandruff active that new trials suggest works about as well as ketoconazole and has been tested across all curl types.
T
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botanical
Tea tree oil
A popular natural dandruff remedy with modest evidence, whose oxidised oil is a well-documented contact allergen.
Z
-
anti dandruff
Zinc pyrithione
The most widely used anti-dandruff shampoo ingredient, proven in large trials to cut flaking, though most of those trials were run by the companies that sell it.