Selsun Blue Shampoo is sold over-the-counter as a treatment for dry, flaky scalp associated with dandruff. This is a common condition and called seborrhea dermatitis. When it affects the scalp it is called dandruff. Selsun Blue is sold in a number of different formulations. Some have added moisturizers and conditioners. There is an original Selsun Blue and a Salon version as well.
Selenium Sulfide
Selenium Sulfide is the active ingredient in the original Selsun Blue Shampoo. It is an orange-yellow powder that is used as an anti-fungal agent in shampoos to treat tinea versicolor which can contribute to dandruff, according to The National Institutes of Health. The concentration of selenium sulfide in Selsun Blue is one percent. Selenium sulfide can irritate the eyes and skin according to Medline Plus.
Pyrithione Zinc
Pyrithione Zinc is the active ingredient in some formulations of Selsun Blue Shampoo instead of selenium sulfide. You can find the active ingredient on the front and back label of each bottle of Selsun Blue Shampoo. Pyrithione zinc is an antiseborheic which works by slowing down the production of skin cells, thereby reducing flakiness, according to Drugs.com. The concentration of pyrithione zinc is one percent.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid is an ingredient that balances the acidity of the shampoo, thereby reducing skin irritation.
Cocamide DEA
Cocamide DEA is a viscosity booster, foam booster and stabilizer used in shampoos and liquid soaps. It is a skin irritant and has been found to be a known human immune system toxicant, according to the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Database.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a synthetic surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamin. It is used in shampoos as a medium-grade surfactant to help oils and water-based ingredients mix. It is not likely to cause irritation to eyes and mucous membranes.
DMDM Hydantoin
This chemical is an organic compound that is highly irritating to the eyes and skin, according to the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Safety Database. It is used as a preservative in shampoos.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is a viscosifying control agent, stabilizer, dispersant, lubricant and binder in shampoos.
Menthol
Menthol is a naturally occurring compound in mint plants. It stimulates the scalp's cold receptors and therefore has a cooling effect.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a naturally occurring mineral in clay that is purified and used as a thickener in cosmetics. It is a weak skin irritant and considered safe for use in shampoos.
D&C Red 33 and FD&C Blue 1
These are dye agents that are used to color the shampoo. They are both derived from coal tars.
Triethanolamine Dodecyl Sulfate
Triethanolamine Dodecyl Sulfate is a surfactant and foaming agent that is added to shampoos to increase the lather.
Sodium Chloride
Sodium Chloride is a salt that is used as a preservative. It is the same as table salt,or Na Cl.
Member Comments