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Answer: Yes — Zinc pyrithione is banned in 1 country/region including European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: medium. Commonly found in: anti-dandruff shampoo, anti-acne products.
TL;DR: Zinc pyrithione is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Zinc Pyrithione. CAS 13463-41-7.
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | anti-dandruff shampoo, anti-acne products |
| CAS number | 13463-41-7 |
Zinc pyrithione is an antifungal and antibacterial active in dandruff shampoos.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Reclassified as a reproductive toxicant in the EU and banned as a cosmetic preservative in 2022; still a key US OTC dandruff active.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Zinc pyrithionewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Zinc pyrithione is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
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.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Zinc pyrithione automatically.
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 →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.