Is Head & Shoulder Classic Clean shampoo suitable for sensitive or dry scalps?

The formula includes harsh surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and fragrance components that can irritate sensitive skin, but conditioning agents like dimethicone and cocamidopropyl betaine provide some moisture, so it may be tolerated by mildly dry scalps but could be too aggressive for very sensitive or eczema-prone users.

What does zinc pyrithione do in this shampoo, and why is it effective against dandruff?

Zinc pyrithione is an antifungal and antibacterial agent that reduces the growth of Malassezia yeast, the primary cause of dandruff, helping to decrease flaking and itching while supporting a healthier scalp environment.

PROCTER & GAMBLE NORGE AS

Head & Shoulder Shampoo Classic Clean 90ml

Q: Does this shampoo contain any ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or are considered controversial?

Yes; it includes fragrance allergens (hexyl cinnamal, linalool), synthetic colorants (CI 42090, CI 17200), and preservatives methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, all of which have been linked to skin sensitisation, along with sodium lauryl sulfate, a surfactant known for its irritation potential.

Beauty

Product Insights

Head & Shoulder Classic Clean shampoo is a 90 ml anti-dandruff formulation that combines zinc pyrithione with cleansing agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, delivering effective scalp treatment and a fresh scent. The addition of dimethicone and cocamidopropyl betaine helps condition hair, while the product is labeled gluten-free. However, it contains several potential irritants, including sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance allergens like hexyl cinnamal and linalool, colorants CI 42090 and CI 17200, and preservatives methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, which may trigger sensitivity in some users.

Comparative Analysis

Positioned as an affordable, mainstream anti-dandruff shampoo, it targets consumers seeking strong cleansing power and scalp relief, differentiating itself with zinc pyrithione for dandruff control while competing against higher-priced specialty formulas.

Ingredients

Aqua, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycol Distearate, Zinc Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Zinc Pyrithione, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethicone, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydrochloric Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Sodium Hydroxide, Magnesium Carbonate Hydroxide, Magnesium Nitrate, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, CI 42090, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 17200

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