Ingredient · dataset v56
Zinc Pyrithione and fungal acne
Antifungal · known to help
Why it's known to help
A zinc complex built to stop Malassezia yeast from multiplying: on lab plates it blocks Malassezia at the low doses dandruff shampoos use.
One of the longest-used dandruff actives. The ingredient works against the yeast rather than feeding it; contact time on the label matters.
Evidence strength
Strength 3/3
Function
Antifungal
Also listed as
Pyrithione Zinc, Zinc 2-Pyridinethiol 1-Oxide, ZPT
Checked products with this ingredient (5)
Product types: Antifungal treatments, Shampoos
Antifungal treatments (3)
- DHS (Person & Covey) DHS Zinc Shampoo (Pyrithione Zinc 2%)
- Vanicream Dandruff Shampoo (Pyrithione Zinc 2%)
- Noble Formula Argan Oil 2% ZnP Bar Soap (Vegan)
Shampoos (2)
Related antifungal
- Benzoyl Peroxide — Antifungal · known to help
- Bifonazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Ciclopirox — Antifungal · known to help
- Climbazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Clotrimazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Econazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Ketoconazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil — Antifungal · known to help
Sources
- Park et al. 2018 — zinc pyrithione vs M. restricta mechanism (Sci Rep)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Zinc Pyrithione help with fungal acne?
It is known to help: A zinc complex built to stop this yeast from multiplying: on lab plates it blocks Malassezia at the low doses dandruff shampoos use. It is commonly used against Malassezia — that is not a claim that any product treats or cures anything.
Does Zinc Pyrithione feed Malassezia?
No: Zinc Pyrithione is known to help against Malassezia, not feed it. That is not a claim that any product treats or cures anything.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Zinc Pyrithione →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.