Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Product Description
Product overview
The only OTC anti-dandruff shampoo with Ketoconazole 1%, clinically proven to control flaking, scaling, and itching by targeting the root cause of dandruff — the fungus Malassezia. Use just twice a week for effective, long-lasting relief with a fresh, clean scent.
Antifungal Action
Ketoconazole targets and eliminates Malassezia fungus, the root cause of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal acne.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntifungal Action
Ketoconazole targets and eliminates Malassezia fungus, the root cause of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal acne.
10x More Effective
Lab-tested to be 10x more effective at killing scalp fungus than the active ingredient in the leading dandruff shampoo.
Color Safe
Gentle enough for color-treated, chemically processed, and gray hair without stripping or fading.
Hair Growth Support
Studies suggest ketoconazole may help support hair density by reducing scalp inflammation and DHT activity.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEConsult doctor before use. Topical ketoconazole has limited systemic absorption, but use only if benefit outweighs risk. FDA Category C.
Generally considered safe for scalp use. Little to no risk to breastfed infant expected. Avoid applying to breast/nipple area.
Excellent choice! Ketoconazole specifically targets Malassezia yeast, making it a first-line treatment for fungal acne.
Well-tolerated by most. Some may experience mild dryness. Discontinue if irritation persists or worsens.
Safety not established for children under 12. Consult pediatrician before use on minors.
Contains Blue 1 dye. Rinse thoroughly to avoid potential temporary tinting on very light or bleached hair.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSKetoconazole 1%Proven
A broad-spectrum azole antifungal that disrupts fungal cell membranes by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis. The only OTC dandruff shampoo ingredient with ketoconazole.
- Mechanism: Inhibits cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase, disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity
- Clinical Evidence: Multiple studies show significant reduction in dandruff symptoms vs placebo
- DHT Activity: May locally inhibit 5-alpha reductase, potentially supporting hair density
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Primary cleansing surfactant that creates the lather and removes oils, debris, and fungal buildup from the scalp. Well-tolerated by most scalps.
- Function: Surfactant/cleansing agent that lifts oil and debris
- Safety: Generally recognized as safe; milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
A gentle, amino acid-based surfactant derived from coconut oil. Provides mild cleansing without stripping the scalp's natural moisture barrier.
- Function: Secondary surfactant for gentle cleansing
- Benefits: Biodegradable and less irritating than traditional sulfates
Benzyl Alcohol
Multi-functional ingredient serving as a preservative, solvent, and fragrance component. Helps maintain product stability and shelf life.
- Function: Preservative, solvent, and perfuming agent
- Safety: CIR-approved as safe in cosmetic formulations at current use levels
17 ingredients
Active Ingredient: Ketoconazole 1% (w/w)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Cocamide MEA, Glycol Distearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Polyquaternium-7, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, BHT, Citric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Blue 1
Where it fits in your hair care routine
ROUTINEUse Nizoral twice per week. On other days, use your regular shampoo. Can be alternated with other medicated shampoos for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Hair Thoroughly
Ensure hair and scalp are completely wet with warm water to help the shampoo spread and penetrate evenly.
Apply to Scalp
Dispense a quarter-sized amount and massage into the scalp, focusing on affected areas. Work into a rich lather.
Leave On for 3-5 Minutes
Allow the ketoconazole to work on the fungus. This contact time is crucial for effectiveness. Don't rush this step.
Rinse Completely
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow with conditioner on lengths and ends if needed. Avoid contact with eyes.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have stubborn, chronic dandruff that won't respond to regular shampoos
- You're dealing with seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis symptoms
- You want to treat fungal acne on face, chest, or back
- You're experiencing hair thinning and want to support scalp health
- You have an oily scalp prone to fungal overgrowth
- Regular dandruff shampoos haven't worked for you
Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant (consult doctor first)
- You have broken, inflamed, or irritated scalp
- You're allergic to ketoconazole or other azole antifungals
- You have very light blonde or bleached hair (rinse extra thoroughly)
- You need daily use (Nizoral is for 2x weekly use only)
- Your dandruff is caused by dry scalp rather than fungus
Scalp type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPerfect match. Controls excess sebum and reduces Malassezia overgrowth that thrives in oily environments.
May cause additional dryness. If dandruff is due to dryness rather than fungus, consider moisturizing alternatives first.
Generally well-tolerated. Start with once weekly to assess tolerance. Discontinue if persistent irritation occurs.
First-line treatment recommended by dermatologists. Ketoconazole directly targets the underlying fungal cause.
Safe for color-treated and chemically processed hair. Twice-weekly use is gentle enough to preserve color vibrancy.
Studies suggest ketoconazole may support hair density. Best used as part of a comprehensive hair loss regimen.
Results timeline
ONGOINGInitial Relief
Noticeable reduction in itching and flaking. Scalp begins to feel cleaner and less irritated after shampooing.
70% noticed improvementSignificant Improvement
Major reduction in visible flakes. Scalp inflammation decreases. Most users report dandruff is well-controlled at this stage.
85% report significant improvementOptimal Control
Dandruff effectively managed with twice-weekly maintenance use. Some users notice improved hair thickness and scalp health.
90% achieve controlled dandruffLong-Term Maintenance
Continue twice-weekly use to prevent recurrence. Dandruff may return if treatment is stopped, as the condition is chronic.
Maintenance required for lasting resultsRatings by platform
107K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Only OTC shampoo with ketoconazole 1%
- Clinically proven effectiveness for stubborn dandruff
- Works for seborrheic dermatitis and fungal acne
- Pleasant, non-medicinal scent unlike competitors
- Safe for color-treated and chemically processed hair
- Only needs twice-weekly use
- May support hair density and thickness
- Lathers well and feels luxurious
Criticized
- Higher price point than regular dandruff shampoos
- Small bottle size (7 fl oz standard)
- Contains Blue 1 dye that may tint light hair
- Can cause dryness in some users
- Not for daily use — twice weekly only
- Dandruff returns if you stop using
- Contains fragrance (potential irritant for some)
- Contains sulfates (SLES)
Alternative options
DUPES
Uses 1% selenium sulfide instead of ketoconazole. Good for mild-moderate dandruff but less effective against stubborn fungal overgrowth. More affordable option.
Contains 1% selenium sulfide. Strong medicinal scent. May discolor lighter hair. Good for moderate dandruff but harsher than Nizoral on scalp.
Uses coal tar 0.5% as active ingredient. Works differently — reduces cell turnover rather than targeting fungus. Strong smell. Good for psoriasis.
Prescription-strength version with 2% ketoconazole. More potent for severe cases. Requires doctor visit. Same active ingredient, double the concentration.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHS24 months after opening when stored properly
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Protect from light and freezing. Keep bottle tightly closed.
Opaque plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Protects ketoconazole from light degradation.
7 fl oz (200mL) exceeds TSA 3.4oz limit. Use travel-size container or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQTopical ketoconazole shampoo has limited systemic absorption when used on the scalp. For breastfeeding, the NHS and LactMed state it poses little to no risk to the infant — just avoid applying to the breast area. For pregnancy, it's classified as FDA Category C; consult your doctor before use, as safety hasn't been definitively established. Generally, use only if the benefit outweighs potential risk.
Yes! Nizoral is excellent for fungal acne. Ketoconazole specifically targets Malassezia yeast, which causes fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). Many dermatologists recommend using Nizoral as a face/body wash for fungal acne: apply to affected areas, leave on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse. It's considered a first-line treatment option for this condition.
Yes, Nizoral can generally be used alongside topical skincare actives. Since it's a rinse-off product used on the scalp (or briefly on skin for fungal acne), it won't interact with leave-on products like retinol, vitamin C, or acids. If using Nizoral on your face for fungal acne, apply it first, rinse off, then wait 10-15 minutes before applying other actives to avoid irritation.
Nizoral is best for oily scalps prone to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or fungal overgrowth. It's excellent for those with stubborn dandruff that hasn't responded to regular shampoos. It also works well for fungal acne on face, chest, and back. Those with very dry scalps may find it drying — in such cases, follow with a moisturizing conditioner or consider if your flaking is from dryness rather than fungus.
Most users notice reduced itching and flaking within 1-2 weeks of twice-weekly use. Significant improvement typically occurs by weeks 2-4. For optimal control, continue using for 2-3 months. Remember that dandruff is a chronic condition — symptoms will likely return if you stop treatment, so ongoing maintenance use is recommended.
Use Nizoral as your shampoo step, twice per week. Wet hair thoroughly, apply to scalp, massage into lather, and leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Follow with conditioner on lengths and ends if needed. On non-Nizoral days, use your regular shampoo. Some dermatologists recommend alternating Nizoral with other medicated shampoos (like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide) for enhanced results.
Nizoral has a low comedogenic rating (1/5) and is unlikely to clog pores. As a rinse-off product, ingredients don't remain on skin long enough to cause buildup. In fact, ketoconazole actively fights Malassezia yeast that can contribute to clogged pores and fungal acne. It's generally safe for acne-prone skin and is often recommended specifically for those with fungal acne.
Nizoral remains effective for approximately 24 months after opening when stored properly. Keep it at room temperature (68-77°F), away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. The opaque bottle helps protect ketoconazole from light degradation. With twice-weekly use, a 7 fl oz bottle typically lasts 3-4 months.
Verdict: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the gold standard for treating stubborn, fungal-related dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. As the only OTC shampoo with ketoconazole 1%, it targets the root cause of dandruff rather than just masking symptoms. With over 94,000 Amazon reviews and strong dermatologist endorsement, it's a proven performer for chronic dandruff sufferers and those with fungal acne. The pleasant scent and color-safe formula make it user-friendly, though the price point and twice-weekly limitation may be drawbacks for some. Best for: oily scalps, stubborn dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal acne treatment.
Browse related
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Ketoconazole
|
|
|
| 5 |
Benzyl Alcohol
Solvent, Masking, Fragrance, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Preservative, External Analgesic, Perfuming
|
|
|
| 6 |
BHT
Masking, Fragrance, Antioxidant
|
|
|
| 0 |
Blue 1 Lake
Cosmetic Colorant
|
|
|
| 2 |
Citric Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Chelating Agent, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Texture
Pores
|