Calming Seborrheic Serum
Calming Seborrheic Serum
Product Description
Dermazen's Calming Seborrheic Serum is a lightweight, steroid-free leave-on treatment built specifically for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Instead of just moisturizing, it works to break the Malassezia biofilm, calm itching and flaking, and hydrate skin on the scalp, face, and body β all without any oils, fatty acids, or esters that feed the yeast behind the problem.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Breaks the Biofilm
Xylitol, grapefruit seed extract and sea salt help disrupt the protective shield Malassezia hides behind, so the formula can reach the root cause.
No Fungal Fuel
Made without oils, fatty acids or esters that feed Malassezia β the yeast linked to dandruff, seb derm and fungal acne.
Hydrates While It Calms
Urea, hyaluronic acid, MSM and aloe soothe redness and replenish moisture as the actives go to work.
One Serum, Many Zones
Works on scalp, hairline, ears, eyebrows, beard, face and body β a single all-in-one for every flaky, itchy area.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Core actives (niacinamide, urea, hyaluronic acid, aloe) are considered low-risk, but the formula contains tea tree & rosemary essential oils plus colloidal silver, which aren't well studied in pregnancy. Check with your doctor first.
Formulated with no oils, fatty acids or esters that feed Malassezia β it's actually designed to target the yeast and its biofilm.
Plays well with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and other water-based actives. Avoid layering with rich oils or butters, which can re-feed the yeast.
Highly inflamed skin may sting briefly from sea salt and tea tree oil. This is normal and usually settles in a minute; dilute 50% with water if needed.
No hydrocortisone or prescription steroids, so it's suitable for long-term daily use without the thinning or rebound flares steroids can cause.
Gentle and sulfate-free, so it's safe for curly, kinky, flat, color-treated and chemically processed hair.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Urea 5% Proven
A humectant that draws and holds moisture in the skin, keeping the scalp and face hydrated and comfortable. At this concentration it's primarily moisturizing rather than strongly exfoliating.
- Research: Urea is a well-established moisturizer for dry, flaky skin conditions like eczema and is used at much higher percentages (often 40%) in medical keratolytics.
- Bonus: Studies show urea can boost the penetration and potency of antifungal ingredients.
𧬠Niacinamide 3% Proven
A multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil, calms redness and helps fade dark spots and uneven texture β well tolerated even by sensitive skin.
- Mechanism: Converts to NAD in skin cells, supporting repair, collagen and barrier function.
- Tolerability: Does not cause the "niacin flush"; gentle enough for reactive, irritation-prone skin.
π³ Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Leaf Oil Low % Promising
A naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory essential oil long used to help calm acne-prone and flaky, itchy skin and reduce visible irritation.
- Research: Tea tree's terpinen components are documented to reduce acne-causing bacteria; one study also found it eased psoriasis symptoms.
- Note: Irritation typically occurs only with pure, undiluted oil β not at the low cosmetic levels used here.
π₯ Colloidal Silver β Promising
An antimicrobial ingredient included to help target the Malassezia yeast on skin and scalp as part of the serum's anti-flake, anti-itch approach.
- Role: Used for its antimicrobial properties alongside grapefruit seed extract and tea tree oil.
- Evidence: Cosmetic data is still limited compared with proven antifungals like ketoconazole.
π¬ Xylitol β Promising
A plant-derived humectant and prebiotic that hydrates skin and supports a healthy microbiome β and helps dissolve the biofilm that shields Malassezia from treatment.
- Research: Shown to reduce transepidermal water loss and improve the skin barrier's properties.
- Biofilm: Helps break down the protective biofilm, a key part of Dermazen's "disrupt-then-clear" strategy.
π¦ Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) β Proven
A powerful humectant naturally found in skin that binds large amounts of water, deeply hydrating and soothing without clogging pores.
- Function: Hydrates, soothes and supports the barrier; high-molecular-weight HA is anti-inflammatory.
- Oil-free hydration: Delivers moisture without any of the oils that trigger fungal breakouts.
πΏ MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) β Promising
An organic sulfur compound that stabilizes the formula and brings its own soothing, skin-conditioning properties to irritated areas.
- Research: Studied for anti-inflammatory benefits and supporting skin smoothness and texture.
- Role: A stable, water-friendly solvent that keeps the minimalist formula effective.
13 ingredients
Water, Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt), Xylitol, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Urea, Niacinamide, Colloidal Silver, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Limonene* (*naturally occurring in essential oils).
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
This is a PM leave-on treatment. Apply generously to clean, affected areas the night before washing (or at least 2 hours before). On the face it absorbs overnight; on the scalp, rinse with water or a Malassezia-safe shampoo in the morning.
π How to Use
Cleanse
Wash your skin or scalp with a gentle, Malassezia-safe cleanser so the serum can reach the affected area.
Apply Before Bed
Massage a generous amount into the moody scalp, face or body, covering all the flaky, itchy areas.
Let It Work
Leave on for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. On the face the soothing ingredients absorb fully.
Rinse or Wash (AM)
In the morning, rinse the scalp with water or wash with a Malassezia-safe shampoo, then style as usual.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or Malassezia-related flaking and itching
- You want a steroid-free option or react to medicated shampoos
- You need one product for scalp, face, hairline, ears, eyebrows or beard
- You want a leave-on treatment that won't feed the yeast or clog pores
β Consider alternatives if:
- You're sensitive to essential oils (tea tree, rosemary, limonene)
- You're pregnant/breastfeeding and prefer to avoid essential oils & colloidal silver without a doctor's OK
- You want an instant, one-application cure (this needs consistency over weeks)
- You dislike any tingling β highly inflamed skin may sting at first
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free and lightweight, so it won't add shine; niacinamide helps regulate excess sebum.
Urea, HA and aloe hydrate well, but very dry skin may want a Malassezia-safe moisturizer on top.
Calms flaky, oily zones like the nose creases and brows without over-drying the rest.
Synthetic-fragrance-free and soothing, but sea salt + essential oils can sting reactive skin β patch test or dilute 50%.
Malassezia-safe and low-comedogenic β ideal for fungal acne and breakout-prone skin.
π Results Timeline
Initial Soothing
Itching and irritation often start to ease within the first applications, with many users noticing relief after just a handful of uses.
Most report fast reliefFewer Flakes
With consistent nightly use, visible flaking and buildup begin to reduce on the scalp, face and hairline.
Visible within ~1 weekCalmer, Clearer Skin
In a third-party clinical trial of 27 participants using the serum overnight and rinsing daily, the majority reported a calmer, flake-free scalp after four weeks.
92% noticed a calmer scalpMaintenance
Reducing to 1β2 applications per week helps keep Malassezia in check and prevents rebound flare-ups.
89% would recommendβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Calms itching and flaking, often within days
- One product works on scalp, face, brows, ears, beard and body
- Steroid-free, synthetic-fragrance-free and Malassezia-safe
- Gentle enough for long-term daily use
- Lightweight, non-greasy and fast-absorbing
- Backed by a third-party clinical trial (92% calmer scalp)
- 60-day money-back guarantee
β Criticized
- Premium price (~$50) feels steep versus OTC options
- 4 oz bottle can run out faster than the paired shampoo
- Can sting highly inflamed skin (sea salt + tea tree)
- Contains essential oils β not ideal if you're EO-sensitive
- Needs consistent, ongoing use; not an instant fix
- Limited international shipping
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
A clinically proven antifungal that targets the same yeast β but it's a rinse-off shampoo for the scalp only, with no leave-on hydration or soothing actives for the face and body.
A leave-on, Malassezia-safe serum that overlaps on the oil-control and niacinamide angle, but it has no antifungal or biofilm-disrupting action for seb derm specifically.
A gentle, fragrance-free cleansing bar with an antifungal active for face and body β but it's a wash-off cleanser, not a hydrating overnight serum.
π Comparison with Competitors
Dermazen Calming Seborrheic Serum (Featured)
$49.95Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
~$15.99Vanicream Z-Bar (Pyrithione Zinc)
~$11.00The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
~$6.50π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
Approximately 12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat
Flip-cap bottle, 4 oz / 142 mL (also available in 8 oz)
4 oz exceeds the 3.4 oz (100 mL) carry-on limit β pack in checked luggage or decant into a travel bottle
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. The core actives β niacinamide, urea, hyaluronic acid and aloe β are generally considered low-risk during pregnancy. However, the formula also contains tea tree and rosemary essential oils plus colloidal silver, which aren't well studied in pregnancy and breastfeeding. We recommend checking with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using it.
Yes β it's specifically designed to be. The formula contains no oils, fatty acids or esters that feed Malassezia, and it actually includes ingredients (sea salt, grapefruit seed extract, tea tree oil, colloidal silver and xylitol) intended to target the yeast and its protective biofilm. It's verified Malassezia-safe.
Generally yes β it's a mild, water-based formula. To limit irritation, you can use this as your overnight leave-on treatment and apply strong actives at a different time, or alternate nights. Be aware that the sea salt and tea tree oil can sting if layered with potent exfoliants, so patch test and introduce one active at a time.
It performs best on oily, combination and acne/fungal-acne-prone skin, and is excellent for anyone with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, face, ears, brows or beard. Dry skin benefits too but may want a Malassezia-safe moisturizer on top. Very sensitive skin should patch test or dilute, as essential oils and sea salt can tingle.
Many people feel less itching within the first few applications, and flaking usually reduces within about a week of nightly use. In a third-party 4-week clinical trial, 92% of participants reported a calmer, flake-free scalp. Consistency is key β once calm, most users maintain results with 1β2 applications per week.
It's an overnight leave-on treatment. Cleanse first, then apply a generous amount to the affected areas before bed (or at least 2 hours before washing). On the face the soothing ingredients absorb overnight; on the scalp, rinse with water or wash with a Malassezia-safe shampoo in the morning, then follow with a Malassezia-safe moisturizer and SPF.
It has a very low comedogenic rating (about 1/5). The formula is oil-free and Malassezia-safe, so it won't clog pores or trigger fungal breakouts β in fact it's often used to help calm fungal acne and folliculitis.
Plan to use it within roughly 12 months of opening (PAO 12M). Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to keep the formula stable and effective.
Verdict: A standout for anyone battling stubborn dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Its oil-free, Malassezia-safe formula does something most products don't β it targets the yeast and its biofilm while still hydrating and calming with urea, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and aloe. It's pricier than drugstore antifungals and can sting very inflamed skin, and the essential oils mean pregnant or EO-sensitive users should take extra care. But with a 4.6/5 from 1,580+ reviews, a 92% clinical success rate over four weeks, and a 60-day money-back guarantee, it's an easy recommendation for face, scalp and body flare-ups.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting 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 |
Urea
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Buffering
|
Hydrating
Texture
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Colloidal Silver
Antimicrobial
|
|