Is Zinc pyrithione Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Zinc pyrithione is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Zinc Pyrithione. CAS 13463-41-7.
Is Zinc pyrithione banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | anti-dandruff shampoo, anti-acne products |
| CAS number | 13463-41-7 |
What is Zinc pyrithione?
Zinc pyrithione is an antifungal and antibacterial active in dandruff shampoos.
Why is Zinc pyrithione used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Is Zinc pyrithione dangerous? Documented risks
Reclassified as a reproductive toxicant in the EU and banned as a cosmetic preservative in 2022; still a key US OTC dandruff active.
Products that may contain Zinc pyrithione
- Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean ShampooPantene
- Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect ShampooPantene
- Head & Shoulders Classic Clean ShampooHead & Shoulders
- Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care ShampooHead & Shoulders
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel CleanserLa Roche-Posay
- Head & Shoulders Classic Clean 2-in-1 Shampoo + ConditionerHead & Shoulders
- Dove Men+Care Thick & Strong 2-in-1 ShampooDove
- Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky ShampooHead & Shoulders
How to avoid Zinc pyrithione: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Zinc pyrithione
Is Zinc pyrithione banned in the EU?
Zinc pyrithione is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Zinc pyrithione in US cosmetics?
Yes — Zinc pyrithione can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Zinc pyrithione?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Zinc pyrithione automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Zinc pyrithione?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Zinc pyrithione.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Zinc pyrithione or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.