Anti Dandruff Shampoo With 2% Ketoconazole
Anti Dandruff Shampoo With 2% Ketoconazole
Product Description
Product overview
A prescription-strength medicated shampoo featuring 2% ketoconazole, the gold standard antifungal for treating seborrheic dermatitis, severe dandruff, and tinea versicolor. Clinically proven to eliminate Malassezia yeast overgrowth at the root cause while providing anti-inflammatory scalp relief.
Targets Root Cause
Kills Malassezia fungus responsible for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal acne rather than just masking symptoms.
Texture & feel
SENSORYTargets Root Cause
Kills Malassezia fungus responsible for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal acne rather than just masking symptoms.
Prescription Strength
Contains 2% ketoconazole — double the concentration of OTC versions for stubborn, treatment-resistant conditions.
Clinically Proven
89% of patients showed improvement in clinical trials. Outperforms selenium sulfide with better tolerability.
Anti-Inflammatory Action
Reduces scalp redness, itching, and inflammation while treating the underlying fungal infection.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFDA Category C. Use only if benefit outweighs risk. Ketoconazole not detected in blood after scalp application, but limited human studies. Consult your doctor.
Generally considered safe for scalp use. Not detected in plasma after shampooing. Avoid application on breast/nipple area.
Excellent choice — specifically designed to target and eliminate Malassezia yeast, the cause of fungal acne.
Less irritating than 2.5% selenium sulfide in clinical comparisons. Patch test recommended for very sensitive individuals.
May affect hair color or texture in some users. The shampoo has a red-orange color — rinse thoroughly to avoid staining light hair.
Safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients. Use only under doctor supervision.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSKetoconazole 2%Proven
A synthetic imidazole antifungal that inhibits ergosterol synthesis, disrupting fungal cell membranes. The gold standard treatment for Malassezia-related scalp conditions.
- Mechanism: Blocks cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase enzyme in fungi, preventing cell membrane formation
- Efficacy: 10x more effective against Malassezia than other antifungal ingredients (lab testing)
- Clinical Study: 89% improvement rate vs 44% placebo in seborrheic dermatitis trials
- Bonus Effect: May help reduce hair loss by blocking DHT and reducing scalp inflammation
Disodium Laureth SulfosuccinateGentle Surfactant
A mild, non-irritating cleansing agent derived from coconut. Considered a gentle alternative to traditional sulfates, often used in sensitive skin formulations.
- Function: Primary cleansing agent that creates foam and removes oil/debris
- Gentleness: Significantly milder than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed CollagenConditioning
A conditioning agent that helps counteract the drying effects of the cleansing formula. Binds to hair to improve manageability and reduce static.
- Benefit: Helps restore moisture and smoothness to hair shaft
- Anti-aging: May help reduce appearance of fine lines when used on skin
Imidurea (Imidazolidinyl Urea)Preservative
An antimicrobial preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination of the product. Works by slowly releasing formaldehyde.
- Function: Extends shelf life and prevents microbial growth
- Safety: FDA approved at concentrations up to 0.5%
12 ingredients
Ketoconazole 2% (Active), Coconut Fatty Acid Diethanolamide (Cocamide DEA), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, FD&C Red No. 40, Hydrochloric Acid, Imidurea, Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Purified Water, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 2-3x weekly for treatment, then reduce to maintenance. Can be used on face/body for fungal acne — apply as a mask for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Hair & Scalp Thoroughly
Ensure your hair and scalp are completely wet with warm water before applying the shampoo.
Apply & Lather
Apply a small amount to affected areas. Massage gently into scalp, working up a rich lather. For body/face, apply to damp skin.
Wait 3-5 Minutes
Leave the shampoo on your scalp for 3-5 minutes to allow the ketoconazole to work. Do not rinse immediately.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with water. The shampoo has a red-orange color — ensure all product is removed, especially on light hair.
Follow with Conditioner
Apply a hydrating conditioner to ends. The shampoo can be drying, so conditioning is recommended.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have moderate to severe dandruff that doesn't respond to OTC products
- You're diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis
- You struggle with fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis) on face, chest, or back
- You have tinea versicolor (sun fungus) causing skin discoloration
- OTC 1% ketoconazole isn't strong enough for your condition
- You want to support hair health alongside dandruff treatment
Consider alternatives if:
- You only have mild, occasional dandruff (try 1% OTC first)
- You're pregnant (consult doctor first)
- You have known sensitivity to imidazole antifungals
- Your scalp is broken, inflamed, or has open wounds
- You're looking for a daily-use shampoo (this is for treatment, not daily use)
- You prefer fragrance-free products
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal for oily scalps prone to seborrheic dermatitis. Effectively controls oil-loving Malassezia yeast.
Can be drying. Follow with a rich conditioner. May not address dry scalp flaking that isn't fungal-related.
Less irritating than selenium sulfide alternatives. Patch test first. Some may experience mild tingling.
Game-changer for fungal acne. Can be used as a face/body mask. Targets Malassezia that causes pityrosporum folliculitis.
May affect hair color or texture. The red-orange formula requires thorough rinsing on blonde/gray hair.
Results timeline
ONGOING MAINTENANCEInitial Improvement
Noticeable reduction in itching and flaking. Scalp feels cleaner longer between washes. Fungal acne bumps may start to flatten.
60% notice reliefSignificant Reduction
Visible decrease in dandruff flakes and scalp redness. Seborrheic dermatitis plaques begin clearing. Tinea versicolor patches start fading.
80% see improvementCondition Controlled
Most cases fully controlled. Switch to maintenance schedule (1-2x weekly or as needed). Skin pigment from tinea versicolor may take months to normalize.
89% achieve controlPrevention & Upkeep
Continue using 1-2x weekly to prevent recurrence. Relapse rate only 31% with ketoconazole vs 76% with selenium sulfide.
69% stay clear long-termRatings by platform
28K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gold standard antifungal — proven effective against Malassezia
- Prescription strength (2%) for stubborn cases
- Outperforms selenium sulfide in clinical trials
- Lower relapse rate than alternatives (31% vs 76%)
- Can treat scalp, face, and body fungal issues
- May support hair growth and reduce shedding
- Less irritating than 2.5% selenium sulfide
- Only need to use 2-3x per week
Criticized
- Can be drying to hair — conditioner needed
- Red-orange color may stain light/blonde hair
- Requires prescription in the US (2% version)
- Small bottle size (120mL) for the price
- Medicinal scent not pleasant for some
- May alter hair texture or remove curl from permed hair
- Not suitable for daily use
- Contains fragrance (parfum)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same active ingredient at same concentration. Exact same efficacy — just different branding. Still requires prescription in US.
Half the ketoconazole concentration (1% vs 2%). Good for mild-moderate dandruff. No prescription needed. May not be strong enough for stubborn cases.
Different active ingredient targeting similar conditions. More drying and stronger medicinal smell. Higher relapse rate in studies. OTC available.
Gentler antifungal for mild dandruff. Not as effective for severe seborrheic dermatitis. Better for maintenance after treating with ketoconazole.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDESelsun Blue 2.5% (Selenium Sulfide)
Head & Shoulders Clinical (Pyrithione Zinc)
Neutrogena T/Gel (Coal Tar)
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHS24 months after opening when stored properly. Check expiry date on packaging.
Store below 25°C (77°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze.
120 mL (4 fl oz) nonbreakable HDPE plastic bottle. Red-orange liquid suspension.
Yes, meets TSA carry-on requirements (under 100mL/3.4 oz limit for most bottles).
Frequently asked questions
FAQPregnancy: Use with caution. FDA Category C — limited human studies. Ketoconazole is not detected in blood plasma after scalp application, suggesting minimal systemic absorption. However, oral ketoconazole has shown teratogenic effects in animal studies at high doses. Consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Generally considered safe for scalp use. The NHS states it's OK to use ketoconazole shampoo while breastfeeding as it's very unlikely to enter breast milk. Avoid applying to breast or nipple area.
Yes — it's one of the best treatments for fungal acne! Ketoconazole is specifically designed to target and eliminate Malassezia yeast, which causes pityrosporum folliculitis (fungal acne). Dermatologists recommend using it as a 5-10 minute mask on affected areas of the face, chest, or back. It's considered the gold standard topical treatment for Malassezia-related skin conditions.
Yes, Nizoral 2% Shampoo can generally be used alongside other skincare actives since it's a rinse-off treatment. Since ketoconazole doesn't absorb systemically through scalp application, there are no significant drug interactions with topical skincare. However, if using Nizoral as a face mask for fungal acne, wait until it's fully rinsed before applying other actives to avoid irritation. If your skin is particularly sensitive, consider alternating days rather than combining treatments.
Nizoral 2% works best foroily and combination skin/scalp types prone to fungal overgrowth. It's excellent for seborrheic dermatitis and oily dandruff. For dry scalp, it can be too stripping — follow with a rich conditioner. For sensitive skin, it's generally well-tolerated (better than selenium sulfide alternatives), but patch testing is recommended. It's a game-changer for acne-prone skin dealing with fungal acne specifically.
Week 1-2: Reduced itching and initial improvement in flaking.Week 2-4: Significant visible reduction in dandruff and scalp redness; clinical studies show 80% improvement by week 4.Week 4-8: Full treatment course completed; 89% of patients achieve control in clinical trials. For tinea versicolor, the infection clears within weeks but skin pigment may take months to normalize.
For scalp: Use as your first shampoo step, 2-3x per week. Lather, leave on 3-5 minutes, rinse, then follow with regular shampoo (optional) and conditioner.For face/body fungal acne: Apply to damp skin as a mask, leave 5-10 minutes, rinse thoroughly before continuing with your regular skincare routine. Use in the shower for convenience.
Comedogenic rating: 1/5 (very low). As a rinse-off treatment that's not left on the skin, pore-clogging is minimal. Some individual ingredients (like Imidurea) aren't technically "fungal acne safe" as standalone ingredients, but the ketoconazole's antifungal action more than compensates. The formula is designed to treat, not cause, acne-like conditions. Rinse thoroughly after use.
Nizoral 2% Shampoo has aPAO (Period After Opening) of 24 months when stored properly below 25°C (77°F) and protected from light. The 120mL bottle typically lasts 2-4 months with regular 2-3x weekly use. Check the expiration date printed on packaging. Do not use if the product has changed color significantly or developed an unusual odor.
Verdict: Nizoral 2% Shampoo is the gold standard prescription-strength treatment for stubborn dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal acne. With 89% efficacy rates in clinical trials and superior tolerability compared to selenium sulfide alternatives, it's the dermatologist's go-to recommendation when OTC products fail. The 31% relapse rate (vs 76% for competitors) means longer-lasting results. Best for oily, fungal-prone scalps and a cult favorite for treating pityrosporum folliculitis on face and body. The main drawbacks are the drying effect (condition after use) and prescription requirement in the US. For mild dandruff, try the 1% OTC version first — reserve the 2% strength for when you need serious antifungal firepower.
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):
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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Cocamide DEA
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
|
|
|
| 2 |
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing, Foaming, Hydrotrope, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
Parfum
Masking, Perfuming
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrochloric Acid
Buffering
|
|