Whether it’s your first time with dandruff or you’re experiencing a sudden recurrence, targeting your concerns may seem like a daunting task.
Anti-dandruff hair care is the most effective way to address the underlying causes of dandruff, but if you’ve ever picked up an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner, you might have been confused by the scientific ingredients listed on the bottle. So, we find that demystifying some of the anti-dandruff ingredients in shampoo is often a good place to start.
Read on as we unpack five hero ingredients of anti-dandruff shampoo and explore how you can use them in your hair care routine to care for your scalp.
Selenium disulfide
Heralded as one of the best active ingredients for dandruff, selenium disulfide is used as an anti-fungal agent. It’s widely formulated in anti-dandruff hair care products like shampoos and serums.
Dandruff is caused by the presence of bacteria on the scalp which can trigger accelerated skin cell shedding. These dead skin cells accumulate faster than they can shed which results in flakes that clump together on the scalp.
Selenium disulfide is used to target the root cause of different types of dandruff. It works by inhibiting the proliferation (rapid growth) of dandruff-causing bacteria, which is essential in both the ‘targeting’ and ‘maintenance’ phases of dandruff. This efficacious ingredient is commonly used in more advanced cases of dandruff.
You’ll find selenium disulfide in many Dercos anti-dandruff formulas, including the Dercos Anti-Dandruff DS Shampoo For Normal To Oily Hair and Dercos Anti Dandruff DS Shampoo For Dry Hair. Both formulas are used to manage oily scalp dandruff and dry scalp dandruff, respectively.
Salicylic acid
You’re likely familiar with this superstar ingredient in the context of skincare, but using salicylic acid for hair can produce significant benefits for people with dandruff.
Salicylic acid falls under the umbrella of beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which are a type of oil-soluble chemical exfoliant. As a BHA, salicylic acid can penetrate the scalp surface and address clogged pores. Other key benefits of salicylic acid include:
- Regulating sebum production
- Removing excess oil
- Loosening the bonds that hold dead skin cells together
These properties make salicylic acid one of the best shampoo ingredients for dandruff because it can control sebum levels – which contribute to dandruff production – and dissolve the flakes that collect on the scalp.
You can reap the cleansing benefits of salicylic acid in a number of Dercos formulas, notably in the Dercos Anti-Dandruff K-Deep Purifying Shampoo. This shampoo gently exfoliates flakes and scalp residue, and its 5.5 pH formula helps rebalance the scalp microbiome to prevent dandruff from returning.
Piroctone olamine
Another core ingredient in our anti-fungal lineup, piroctone olamine is among the best active ingredients for dandruff. It functions similarly to selenium disulfide – by impeding the growth of dandruff-causing bacteria on the scalp. However, even the best anti-dandruff ingredient is not going to be compatible with every scalp, as some are more sensitive than others.
This is where piroctone olamine is very effective in anti-dandruff hair care, because it’s a milder alternative to selenium disulfide that is well-tolerated by sensitive scalps.
The Dercos Anti-Dandruff Serum 10 is enriched with piroctone olamine to help target dandruff in between hair washes. Its non-rinse formula makes it particularly simple to use alongside your anti-dandruff shampoo.
Zinc prithione
Like selenium disulfide and piroctone olamine, zinc prithione is one of the major ingredients of anti-dandruff shampoo. Thanks to its anti-fungal and anti-proliferation properties, zinc prithione is used in anti-dandruff hair care to stop dandruff in its tracks.
Zinc prithione is most suited for topical use of mild to moderate cases of dandruff – like dry scalp dandruff – to help alleviate itching sensations on the scalp.
Bisabolol
Derived naturally from essential oils like chamomile, bisabolol has long been used in hair care to maintain scalp comfort, promote moisture, and foster an environment for hair growth. It also possesses antioxidant properties, which combat oxidative stress and rebalance the scalp.
Dercos utilises bisabolol as an essential ingredient of anti-dandruff shampoo to help mitigate some of the more uncomfortable characteristics of dandruff – like tight, tingling sensations. This is especially useful for individuals with sensitive scalps. The Dercos Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp counts piroctone olamine and bisabolol as its chief anti-dandruff ingredients to help reduce dandruff while simultaneously comforting the scalp.
How to wash your hair with the best anti-dandruff ingredients
Once you have identified which type of anti-dandruff shampoo is going to be most compatible with your scalp, it’s important to establish a regular washing schedule to glean the most benefits from the anti-dandruff ingredients in your shampoo.
For effective targeting results, use your anti-dandruff shampoo three times per week for four weeks. After four weeks, reduce washing to once weekly to help maintain a balanced scalp and prevent the recurrence of dandruff. Simply alternate with a standard shampoo on other wash days.
Along with employing the best ingredients for dandruff, it’s important to maintain your hair’s vitality with nourishing ceramides. Next, explore the moisturising and fortifying benefits of using ceramides for hair.
