Selenium sulfide is an antifungal ingredient that can help manage scalp conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The ingredient may indirectly support stronger, healthier hair.
Selenium sulfide
*image for illustrative purpose only
Selenium sulfide
*image for illustrative purpose only
Selenium sulfide is an antifungal ingredient commonly used in hair and scalp treatments to help manage issues such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea versicolor, and oily scalp.
It works by reducing the growth of Malassezia fungi, taming inflammation and oiliness, and helping to soften and shed dead skin cells, which helps prevent buildup on the scalp. This in turn reduces flaking, scaling, and itching. Overall, the ingredient promotes a healthy scalp, which may indirectly reduce hair shedding caused by inflammation and poor scalp health.
Selenium sulfide 1% concentration is available in over-the-counter products, like shampoo. For more severe cases, a stronger 2.5% concentration is available via prescription from a healthcare provider. Proper use of selenium sulfide is important in order to minimize potential side effects, such as irritation, dryness, or hair discoloration.
Selenium sulfide 1% is used:
For the relief of flaking, and itching associated with dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis, and to help prevent their recurrence
Antifungal
As a doctor before use if:
If condition covers a large area of the body
The cost of products containing selenium sulfide depends mostly on the brand, amount, concentration, form, and where you purchase. But, these products tend to be relatively inexpensive. Over-the-counter products with 1% selenium sulfide may cost anywhere from about $5 to $40 at pharmacies and online retailers.
You can buy 1% selenium sulfide products over the counter at many pharmacies and online retailers including Amazon. Stronger formulations require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Keep out of reach of children
For external use only
Avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water
For color-treated or permed hair, rinse thoroughly
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away
There are other topical treatments available to help manage conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Some treatments may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in an alternative to selenium sulfide, consider connecting with a healthcare provider to help you evaluate your options.
Other active ingredients in products like shampoos for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis include:
Chloroxine
Coal tar
Pyrithione zinc, the active ingredient in Hims’ Dandruff Detox Shampoo
Other active ingredients in men’s hair loss shampoos and hair-care products include:
Biotin
Natural oils, including jojoba, peppermint, and rosemary
Pumpkin seed oil
Saw palmetto, the key ingredient in Hims’ Thick Fix Thickening Shampoo
Yes. Selenium sulfide is not absorbed through intact skin, so using anti-dandruff shampoos that contain the ingredient is generally considered safe.
As a shampoo, selenium sulfide is usually used twice per week for the first two weeks and then once per week for up to four additional weeks, depending on your response. If you’ve been prescribed selenium sulfide shampoo, always follow your healthcare provider’s directions and avoid using the product more or less often than directed.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that compared the two active ingredients found both ketoconazole 2% shampoo and selenium sulfide 2.5% shampoo to be effective in treating moderate to severe dandruff. But the ketoconazole shampoo was better tolerated by the participants.
Selenium sulfide doesn’t directly treat hair loss, but it is an effective treatment for scalp conditions like dandruff that can contribute to excess hair shedding.
*This information is from the Meijer Medicated Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff® label. See the full label for more complete information. Selenium sulfide may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient selenium sulfide.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Selenium: public health statement. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp92-c1.pdf
Danby FW, et al. (1993). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ketoconazole 2% shampoo versus selenium sulfide 2.5% shampoo in the treatment of moderate to severe dandruff. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/019096229370282X
National Library of Medicine. (2017). Selenium sulfide: MedlinePlus drug information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682258.html