Zinc pyrithione soap can be beneficial for managing seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and other fungal skin conditions due to the broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties of zinc pyrithione (ZnP). Read my detailed review of DermaHarmony Zinc Soap, which contains 2% zinc pyrithione.
My skin
Some ingredients have helped my skin a lot in dealing with rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc pyrithione is such an ingredient. It is gentle on my rosacea-prone skin but tough on my seborrheic dermatitis. This ingredient has also proved very effective for my dandruff.
The brand
DermaHarmony is a Maine-based brand that was started in 1997. Their products are free of colors, parabens, or PEG and are not tested on animals (cruelty-free). Also, their products are made in the USA.
They have several bar soaps and liquid soaps based on different ingredients like zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and sulfur.
Claims
What the brand says:
“2% Pyrithione Zinc Body and Facial Soap is ideal for seborrheic dermatitis—particularly on the face—and dandruff. The soap is an excellent cleanser for any type of skin or condition. Our soap is safe for daily use by adults and children. We’ve kept the ingredients as natural as possible.”
Ingredients
Pyrithione Zinc 2%
Saponified Oils (from palm and coconut), Water, Glycerin (from vegetable oil), Pyrithione Zinc, Titanium Dioxide (a natural mineral), Oatmeal, Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Table Salt, Salt of Pentetic Acid.
This soap has a high ph. This is what the official website says:
“Our zinc bar soap consistently tests at a pH of 8.25. We quote a range of 9 to 9.5 pH.”
Notable ingredients
Zinc pyrithione
This bar soap is based on zinc pyrithione at 2% concentration which is an antimicrobial. This ingredient is effective for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Both these conditions have several common associated factors. One of them is Malassezia, a fungus normally present on our skin.
In these skin conditions, there is an increase or overgrowth of Malassezia. Zinc pyrithione can help decrease Malassezia and give symptomatic relief from scaliness, itching, and inflammation.
For it to be effective, it is important to leave it on the skin for 2-5 mins so that the particles can get deposited on the skin and in the hair follicles where Malassezia lives.
This ingredient is gentle on the skin and doesn’t have any smell.
There are several studies where formulations based on zinc pyrithione were effective for seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff.
Packaging
It comes in a white and blue plastic wrapper pack. It’s a 4 oz bar. The brand also has a 1% zinc pyrithione bar and several other variations like one with peppermint so make sure to check the details and see which one you want to buy.
Texture
The white bar foams well but the foam is not as dense as many other bar soaps or cleansers. That is the reason I find it hard to use it on my scalp. It doesn’t have any smell to it.
How to use it?
The brand recommends:
“For best results use daily or as directed by your doctor. Work up a lather using warm water and gently massage into affected areas. Leave in contact with the skin for at least 30 seconds. Rinse well.”
How I used it:
For my face and body, I make a lather between my hands and leave that lather on the skin for 2-5 minutes and then rinse off. I have used it on my scalp as well. But I find it hard to use when my hair is longer.
Results
It is an effective cleanser and helps with the flakiness and itchiness of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. However, it can dry out skin and hair if used too often (I guess due to the high pH). I also find it effective for body acne.
It will take a few washes before seeing results. Also, make sure to use a thick moisturizer after using this soap to undo the drying effects of the soap.
I would recommend using other alternatives on the face rather than this as it can be very drying for the face.
Value for money
This 4 oz bar is usually at $8.29. The bar lasts a long time so it’s pretty affordable.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 2% zinc pyrithione
- Effective
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Has a high pH
- Can be very drying
Will I buy it again
Yes, I will definitely keep this in my routine. However, there are gentler options for facial skin so I prefer using them instead of this on my face.
Where to buy
Check for price and availability:
Alternatives
1. Dermadoctor Calm Cool and Corrected Cleanser
This is a liquid cleanser that has 2% zinc pyrithione. This is less drying as compared to the Dermaharmony ZnP bar. However, it has sodium laureth sulfate so this is not a sulfate-free option if that’s something you are looking into. Read my full review on Dermadoctor cleanser with 2% zinc pyrithione here.
2. Vanicream Dandruff shampoo
This is another alternative to this bar soap. It is a shampoo with 2% zinc pyrithione. This is affordable as compared to Dermadoctor Cleanser. In addition, it is free of sulfates. View on [Amazon] [Walmart] [Lovely Skin]
3. Vanicream Z-Bar Medicated Cleansing Bar
This is a bar soap with 2% zinc pyrithione. It is less drying than Dermaharmony ZnP bar soap. Also, I find this bar soap easier to use on my scalp. View on [Amazon] [Walgreens]
4. Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) Argan oil Bar Soap
This is another bar soap with 2% zinc pyrithione. It forms thin foam/lather. It can be a great option for the face and body but I have not been able to use this on my scalp. View on [Amazon]
Summary and Score
DermaHarmony Zinc Therapy Soap contains 2% zinc pyrithione. This 2% ZnP bar soap is beneficial for managing dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. However, it can be quite drying for the facial skin, so using a good moisturizer is essential. The soap is also free from added fragrances.
Review Rating: 4.0/5
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.