Zinc pyrithione is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that can be used on the face to treat skin conditions such as fungal acne, tinea versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema. To use zinc pyrithione on the face, it’s important to choose a gentle formulation.
Pyrithione zinc is one of the most common ingredients found in over-the-counter dandruff shampoos. But can we use pyrithione zinc on the face?
Are there any products suitable for the face and how can they benefit us?
Table of Contents
What is pyrithione zinc?
Pyrithione zinc aka zinc pyrithione is a complex of zinc and pyrithione. It is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that can prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria.
It has been used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis for many years. You can commonly spot this ingredient in many dandruff shampoos.
It is gentle and doesn’t leave residue or a lingering smell which is an issue with some anti-dandruff ingredients like coal tar and selenium sulfide.
How does it work?
The widespread use of zinc pyrithione is due to its antifungal properties. It can interfere with the utilization of nutrients by Malassezia.
Malassezia is a fungus that is part of the normal flora of our skin. In some people, this can overgrow leading to skin conditions like tinea versicolor, Malassezia folliculitis ((fungal acne), dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis.
By preventing the growth of Malassezia, zinc pyrithione can improve these skin conditions.
Benefits
Zinc pyrithione is not only beneficial for our scalp but also for our facial skin. It can help in managing the following skin conditions:
1. Seborrheic dermatitis
It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that leads to redness, flakiness, and itchiness. It can commonly affect oily areas of the face like between eyebrows, nose, or nasolabial folds.
Zinc pyrithione can improve this skin condition by targeting Malassezia which is considered as one of the main factors behind it.
2. Tinea versicolor
Tinea versicolor or pityriasis versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin. It occurs due to Malassezia overgrowth.
It can result in dark or light areas with scaliness. Zinc pyrithione can help in improving this condition.
3. Malassezia folliculitis
Malassezia folliculitis aka fungal acne occurs due to overgrowth of Malassezia. It can result in small itchy bumps on the skin. Zinc pyrithione can help in controlling fungal acne.
Read more: Pyrithione Zinc for Acne: Is it Effective?
4. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition resulting in raised red patches covered with silvery scales. There are multiple studies that suggest that topical zinc pyrithione can improve psoriasis.
In a 2011 study, the use of 0.25% zinc pyrithione cream significantly improved psoriasis.
5. Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can lead to dry skin, itchiness, redness, or oozing.
Pyrithione zinc may be beneficial for eczema as suggested by research studies. Its antibacterial properties may help in improving the skin microbiome which is often affected in eczema.
How to use
Zinc pyrithione can be found in several forms in skincare products – shampoos, cleansers, or creams. You may also find it compounded along with other prescription topicals.
- In wash-off products, it can be used at a concentration of 0.3% to 2.0%.
- In leave-on products, it can be used at a concentration of 0.1% to 0.25%.
For leave-on products, you can use the product as per the directions.
For wash-off products, it’s important to follow a few general guidelines:
- Wash your hands and take the cleanser.
- Lather the cleanser in your hands and apply the foam to your face.
- Let the foam sit on your face for a few minutes (2-5 minutes as tolerated).
- Rinse it well.
It’s important to let the foam sit on your skin. Zinc pyrithione is in the form of small microparticles in the formulation. If you just apply the foam and wash it off, it won’t be effective.
When you increase the contact time between the foam and your skin, it gives it time to get deposited on the skin and hair follicles. So, even after washing off the product, the small particles stay on the surface and keep fighting fungus.
Product picks
1. Face wash or cleanser
There are a few zinc pyrithione cleansers that can be used on the face. Some of these are labeled as body cleansers and can be used elsewhere on the body too.
In addition, there are a few zinc pyrithione bar soaps that can also be used on the face. However, they can be drying.
Zinc pyrithione soap, cleanser, or body wash
- Dermadoctor Calm Cool & Corrected cleanser (Review here)– 2 % Zinc pyrithione (contains sulfates, no fragrance) [currently not available]
- Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash – 0.95% Zinc pyrithione (free of fragrance and sulfates) [Amazon] [Walmart]
Zinc pyrithione Bar (ZnP) soaps for face
- Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Bar Soap [Amazon]
- DermaHarmony 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) Bar Soap – Review here [Amazon]
2. Shampoo
There are several shampoos with zinc pyrithione. However, many of these contain harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Someone dealing with chronic inflammatory skin conditions already has some level of skin barrier dysfunction. So, be careful when using shampoo on your face.
There is a shampoo by Vanicream which is free of fragrance and sulfates. It may be a good alternative to many other shampoos.
- Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 2% Zinc pyrithione (free of fragrance and sulfates) [Amazon] [Target]
3. Face cream
Zinc pyrithione can be found in very few over-the-counter creams. If the cleansers or bar soap are too harsh for your skin, these might be an alternative.
- DermaHarmony Seborrheic Dermatitis Cream – 0.25% zinc pyrithione [Amazon] [DermaHarmony]
- Noble Formula Maximum Strength Cream – Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) 0.25% [Amazon] [Noble formula]
Side effects
Zinc pyrithione is generally well tolerated. In some people, it may lead to side effects like:
- Irritation
- Burning
- Dryness
- Blistering
There are few case reports of allergic contact dermatitis with zinc pyrithione.
If you have very sensitive skin or have an active inflammatory skin condition, it’s best to talk to your doctor before trying over-the-counter products.
If you are pregnant, discuss the use of this ingredient with your physician.
Summary
Zinc pyrithione is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that can be used on the face and has been found useful in treating several skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis, tinea versicolor, eczema, psoriasis, and fungal acne.
Facial skin is much more sensitive as compared to the scalp and the rest of the body. So, choose a gentle zinc pyrithione-based formulation for your face.
References
- Schwartz JR. Zinc Pyrithione: A Topical Antimicrobial With Complex Pharmaceutics. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Feb;15(2):140-4. PMID: 26885780.
- Warner RR, Schwartz JR, Boissy Y, Dawson TL Jr. Dandruff has an altered stratum corneum ultrastructure that is improved with zinc pyrithione shampoo. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Dec;45(6):897-903. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2001.117849. PMID: 11712036.
- Sadeghian G, Ziaei H, Nilforoushzadeh MA. Treatment of localized psoriasis with a topical formulation of zinc pyrithione. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2011;20(4):187-90. PMID: 22367374.
- Mangion SE, Holmes AM, Roberts MS. Targeted Delivery of Zinc Pyrithione to Skin Epithelia. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Sep 8;22(18):9730. doi: 10.3390/ijms22189730. PMID: 34575891; PMCID: PMC8465279.
- Xu Z, Liu X, Niu Y, Shen C, Heminger K, Moulton L, Yu A, Allen T, Zhang L, Yue F, Liu J, Xu Y, Zhao H, Li L, Cambron T, Xu J, Smith E, Wei K. Skin benefits of moisturising body wash formulas for children with atopic dermatitis: A randomised controlled clinical study in China. Australas J Dermatol. 2020 Feb;61(1):e54-e59. doi: 10.1111/ajd.13153. Epub 2019 Sep 11. PMID: 31512226.
- Rowlands CG, Danby FW. Histopathology of psoriasis treated with zinc pyrithione. Am J Dermatopathol. 2000 Jun;22(3):272-6. doi: 10.1097/00000372-200006000-00013. PMID: 10871074.
- Sadeghian G, Ziaei H, Nilforoushzadeh MA. Treatment of localized psoriasis with a topical formulation of zinc pyrithione. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2011;20(4):187-90. PMID: 22367374.
- Rubenstein RM, Malerich SA. Malassezia (pityrosporum) folliculitis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 Mar;7(3):37-41. PMID: 24688625; PMCID: PMC3970831.
Disclaimer: The article is only for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice.