If you are using shampoo on your face for seborrheic dermatitis or fungal acne, definitely keep reading this post. Dermadoctor calm cool and corrected tranquility zinc pyrithione cleanser might be a much gentler option for your skin.
Table of Contents
My skin
I have dealt with rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis for over a decade. I mainly focus on gentle skincare and a few effective products. A simple and consistent skincare routine has helped me a lot to manage my skin. Azelaic acid, sunscreen, and a treatment cleanser (with zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, etc.) are an important part of my routine.
The brand
Dermadoctor brand was founded by a dermatologist, Dr. Audrey Kunin. This brand has several products meant for acne, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and dandruff. The brand is cruelty-free.
Their cream from Calm Cool and Corrected range was the first product I tried but I didn’t have much luck with that. But I was surprised by their cleanser from this range.
Claims
What the brand says:
“Comfort irritable skin with this hypoallergenic, milky, non-drying, & non-irritating medicated daily cleanser. Controls and helps prevent symptoms of redness, flaking, irritation, and itching.
Gently lifts away and removes impurities while leaving the complexion feeling refreshed and tranquil.
Controls:
Redness
Flaking
Irritation
Itching”
Full ingredient list
Pyrithione Zinc 2%
Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyquaternium-7, Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben
Notable ingredients
Zinc pyrithione
This cleanser is based on zinc pyrithione at 2% concentration (the highest you can get in a wash-off product). Zinc pyrithione is an antimicrobial, and can target both bacteria and fungi.
In most formulations, it is in the form of small particles that can get deposited on the skin (provided there is enough contact time period). This results in a sustained release of this ingredient even after the product is washed off the skin surface.
This ingredient is particularly useful for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Our skin has its own normal flora and a fungus, Malassezia is part of it. Both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are associated with an increase in Malassezia and an individual’s sensitivity to it. This results in increased turnover of cells, flakiness, and inflammation.
Our friend, zinc pyrithione, can target Malassezia and decrease its overburden, improving signs and symptoms of these conditions.
There are multiple studies that show that zinc pyrithione is an effective ingredient.
Many anti-dandruff ingredients are too harsh or leave a smell. This in comparison doesn’t have that issue.
Sodium laureth sulfate
This is a surfactant often seen in face washes and shampoos. Now SLES or sodium laureth sulfate is gentler as compared to SLS or sodium lauryl sulfate.
Cocamidopropyl betaine
This is another surfactant found in many cleansers. Some people are allergic to it.
Parabens
This cleanser has parabens as preservatives. If you are looking for a paraben-free product, this might not be for you.
Packaging
This comes in white tube packaging and is very user-friendly. It comes with a seal on top. You can easily control the amount you want to use.
A few years back, it used to come in pump packaging with thick glass. The pump never really worked well. The formulation is thick so it was hard to get the product out. Also, I was always scared that I might drop this thick glass bottle on my feet in the shower.
It is such a relief they have changed the packaging.
Texture
It comes out as white lotion. It foams really well, not as well as many traditional shampoos but still I can easily use it on my scalp and face. It does not smell of anything (this is fragrance-free).
How to use it?
The brand recommends:
“Apply to wet skin. Create a rich lather using warm water and massage gently. Rinse well. For best results use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor.”
How I used it
This is a treatment cleanser for me. I have used this both on my face and scalp.
Most of the time, I would rub it between my hands, and then apply the lather on my scalp. I also put lather on my face. I let it sit on my scalp and face for 2-5 minutes before washing it off.
If I plan to use it just on my face, I usually like using it in the mornings when I don’t have layers of sunscreen on my face.
Results
It cleans my scalp and hair really well. It is also gentle on my facial skin as compared to many other zinc pyrithione cleansers. It does dry out my skin a little especially in winter, so make sure to moisturize.
But this works for me. It decreases the dandruff flakes and also helps with my rosacea bumps and keeps my seborrheic dermatitis under control.
I would say one thing though, that rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis are chronic conditions that cannot be cured.
In addition, just using a face cleanser is not going to help the flares completely. You have to make some changes in your skincare routine and lifestyle as well.
Comparison to Head and Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo
Years back, I used Head and shoulders shampoo on my face. We didn’t have many options back then and also there were some products that I didn’t even know existed.
Head and shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo is a decent option, however, it can be very drying for facial skin. In addition, if you have a sensitive scalp, it might not be the best option.
Head and shoulders shampoo has methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone which can be problematic for some people as these can cause allergic reactions.
In addition, it has 1% zinc pyrithione whereas there are some options with 2% zinc pyrithione like Dermadoctor Calm Cool and Corrected cleanser which might be more effective.
Value for money
It costs $32 for 7.1 oz or 210 ml. This is expensive as compared to many other zinc pyrithione shampoos which you can get in half the price. But it is gentler on the skin. So usually I prefer keeping this for my face and using some other shampoo for my hair.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 2% zinc pyrithione
- Effective
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains sulfates
- Can be drying
- Expensive
Will I buy it again
Yes, I have bought this multiple times.
Where to buy
Alternatives
1. Vanicream dandruff shampoo
This is a great alternative to this cleanser. You get almost the same amount for around $15. It also has 2% zinc pyrithione. In addition, it is free of sulfates. So it can be a great alternative if you want a sulfate-free option. View on [Amazon] [Walmart]
2. Vanicream Z-bar medicated cleansing bar
This is a bar soap based on zinc pyrithione. It can be more drying for the face but can be a good option if you want to use it on other parts of the body or hairy areas.
3. Noble formula 2% pyrithione zinc (ZnP) bar soap
This bar soap with 2% zinc pyrithione is another gentle option. It is less drying than Vanicream Z bar and Dermaharmony zinc soap. However, it forms a thin foam and I find it hard to use it on my scalp. It’s good for use on the face or body though. View on [Amazon]
4. Dermaharmony 2% zinc pyrithione bar soap
This brand has several formulations with zinc pyrithione. I like their bar soap with 2% zinc pyrithione. It foams well and can be used on both the scalp and face. It can be more drying than the other alternatives mentioned here. Read my full review on Dermaharmony Zinc pyrithione soap here. View on [Dermaharmony] [Amazon]
Summary and score
This cleanser is based on 2% zinc pyrithione which can effectively decrease the burden of Malassezia and improve dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The formulation is gentle and can be perfect for sensitive or facial skin.
Review Rating: 4.6/5
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.