i would like more info on this product. i just got some but am afraid
to use it!!! are there any relationships beteween this and hair loss
or is the zinc going to be to strong and dry out my hair??? what is
pyrthonic zinc and what will it do to my hair??? i used the head and
shaoulders before and it killed my hAIR! i dontnknow iif its because
of how drying it was or waht! but please get me all the info you can
and more detales on each chemicas! i found i shampo i liked" grham
webb super silk" but i get so much build up from the rogaine and i
need somthing to take of thatn"denorex"! thanks!!

---

Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 28 Jan 2003 11:58 PST

Hi Johnny,

Did you want me to look into all three of the Denorex products for
you, or just the Advanced formula in a bit more detail?  From my
reading yesterday, I didn't find anything that definitively linked
Denorex to hair loss - just the fact that there *may* be trace amounts
of an ingredient that can cause hair loss in high concentration.  (The
tiny bit that might be found in Denorex isn't a high concentration,
and is probably not a cause for concern.  They do have to list it on
their labels, though, for full disclosure.)  The zinc ought to be just
fine - I'll look for some in depth explanations for you, though!

I will be looking into this throughout the day for you, but likely
won't have an answer posted until sometime this evening, as I have a
tutoring commitment this afternoon that will keep me away from my desk
for several hours.  (Fourth grade math!  Fun!)

--Missy

---

Clarification of Question by anonymous777-ga on 28 Jan 2003 13:34 PST

just advanced formula. i need as much info on each individual chemical
that 60.00$ will buy! check mostly into pathenge......  i cant spell
it zinc! thanks

---

Clarification of Question by anonymous777-ga on 28 Jan 2003 16:26 PST

how is it going????

---

Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 28 Jan 2003 16:28 PST

Hi!

I just returned about 15 minutes ago.  I should have a complete answer
for you between 9 and 10PM EST.

--Missy

Hi Johnny!

Here's the ingredient list for Denorex Advanced Formula dandruff
shampoo again:

***Denorex Advanced Formula*** 
 
Active Ingredients: Pyrithione Zinc 2% 
 
Inactive Ingredients: Citric Acid, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl
Betaine, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 5, Fragrance, Glycol
Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Menthol,
Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5),
Polyquaternium-10, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water, Sodium Laureth
Sulfate, Vitamin E, May Contain Sodium Hydroxide

I'll recap the purpose of each ingredient for you before we proceed
with a discussion of the Pyrithione Zinc, Denorex Advanced Formula's
active ingredient.

**Citric Acid -  - a stabilizer and alpha-hydroxy acid, derived from
the
fermentaion of cane sugar.  Also used as an astringent to help tighten
pores.  This is what makes your scalp feel tingly.
 
Citric Acid 
http://www.chemistrystore.com/Citric_Acid.htm   

**Cocamide MEA - a surfactant derived from coconut.  Makes shampoo
foamy

Specialty Surfactants 
http://www.alzointernational.com/surfactants.htm 
 
"Cocamide MEA (from coconut)" 
 
Skin and Hair Care 
http://www.greatplainsgifts.com/Skin_zg_Hair_Care.html 

**Cocamidopropyl Betaine - a surfactant.  A foaming agent and foam
liquid stabilizer.
 
Cocamidopropyl Betaine 
http://www.chemistrystore.com/cocamidopropyl_betaine.htm 
 
Cocamidopropyl Betaine appears to be linked to some cases of "shampoo
dermatitis", a condition in which the scalp becomes dry and irritated:
 
"The dermatitis cleared up after she changed to another shampoo. We
diagnosed her condition as an allergic contact dermatitis from
cocoamidopropyl betaine and lauryl dimethyl aminoacetic acid betaine."
 
Case report:  Shampoo dermatitis due to cocamidopropyl betaine and
lauryl dimethyl aminoacetic acid betaine
http://www.med.nagoya-u.ac.jp/Environderm/edj/vol7/71-1600.htm 

**FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 5 - Food grade dyes.  No purpose
but to give your shampoo color.

**Fragrance - unspecified.  No purpose but to make your shampoo smell
nice.

**Glycol Stearate - related to Glycol Stearate.  Emollient and
emulsifiers known for "pearling" quality, and are added to shampoo to
impart a pearlescent effect.
 
"Glycol Stearate - The monoester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid.
An emollient and an emulsifier used in lotions and shampoos to achieve
a pearling effect."
 
Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary 
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/07_glossary_g.html

**Magnesium Aluminum Silicate - in a previous answer, I made a mistake
in transcribing my notes.  This is not the equivalent of baking soda. 
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a thickening agent, used in shampoos,
cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.  It is not, as a commenter suggested,
used as an abrasive.

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
http://www.wcdinc.com/plisting.html?t=cl&grp=9

**Menthol - a peppermint derivative, known for it's anti-itching
properties.
 
"Menthol (oil of peppermint) 
A natural cooling agent, derived from mint oils; anti-inflammatory and
anti-itching to the skin. Imparts a cool, fresh and clean feeling to
the skin."
 
Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary 
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/13_glossary_m.html

**Methylchloroisothiazolinone - a preservatives.  Keeps your shampoo
from separating and growing bacteria.
 
"Methylchloroisthiazolinone 
A preservative used in personal care products." 
 
Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary 
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/13_glossary_m.html

**Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) - a "pro-vitamin", used as a moisturizing
agent.

"D-Panthenol is the most used pro-vitamin in the cosmetics industry. 
Because of its physical properties it is easily incorporated into all
normal cosmetic formulations. It is penetrates the skin, hair and
nails and generally fulfills all the expectations of both the producer
and consumer."
 
Panthenol 
http://www.roche.com/vitamins/pdf/dpanth.pdf 

**Polyquaternium-10 - a conditioning agent

**Propylene Glycol - a humectant - promotes moisture retention

"Propylene Glycol - Combination of glycerin and water, an organic
humectant similar to Butylene Glycol used in cosmetics. Clear,
colorless liquids that are among the most common moisture-carrying
vehicles in skin care. It delivers superb permeation through the skin
and excellent humectant properties (softens and moisturizes the
skin)."

Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/16_glossary_p.html

**Purified Water -  the prime ingredient in most, if not all, shampoos
and
conditioners.  This keeps the other ingredients from gelling or
becoming too thick, and serves to keep the shampoo smooth and liquid.

**Sodium Laureth Sulfate - a detergent and water softening agent.  A
surfactant.  Milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, often used in baby
shampoo.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate 
http://www.totalskincare.com/library/totalskincare_s_sodium-laureth-sulfate.html

**Vitamin E - for moisturizing and conditioning

**May Contain Sodium Hydroxide - there may be trace
(insignificant)amounts of this substance in the shampoo.  Though this
substance is linked to hair loss in *high* concentration, the amounts
present in this shampoo are negligible.  Unless you're separating your
ingredients out and collecting concentrated Sodium Hydroxide, this
shouldn't be cause for concern.  The manufacturer is obligated to put
the possibility of the presence of this substance on the label,
however miniscule the amount may be.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Now let's have a look at the active ingredient - the medicine in this
formula - Pyrithione Zinc.

As noted yesterday, Pyrithione Zinc is the medication commonly used to
treat sebborheic dermatitis, a condition in which dead skin cells
combine with the oils produced by the skin, and build up on the
affected areas.  Dandruff and "cradle cap" (a common infant's
affliction) are forms of sebborheic dermatitis.

Pyrithione Zinc is a zinc derivative.  It works by binding with the
dead skin cells, loosening them, and drawing them away from the
affected areas:
"Pyrithione Zinc

Pyrithione zinc was originally formulated because of its antimicrobial
property.26 The pyrithione moiety is the active portion of the
molecule.11 Pyrithione zinc is effective in treating dandruff and
seborrhea.2

Pyrithione zinc binds strongly to hair and external skin layers. The
extent of binding determines clinical efficacy.

It is approved for use in concentrations of 0.3% to 2% in OTC products
that are intended to be applied and washed off after a brief exposure
for treating dandruff, and 0.95% to 2% for treating seborrheic
dermatitis. Concentrations of 0.1% to 0.25% are approved for use in
products intended to be applied and then left on the scalp or skin for
treating both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis."

SELF-TREATMENT OF DANDRUFF AND SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS WITH OTC PRODUCTS
(very informative!)
http://www.powerpak.com/CE/dandruff/pharmacy/lesson.cfm
 
Pyrithione zinc 
http://www.totalskincare.com/library/totalskincare_p_pyrithione-zinc.html
 
"Pyrithione zinc is used for the relief of skin itching, redness,
scaling, flaking and general discomfort brought on by dry skin
associated with psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or other
acute skin disorders. Dandruff and cradle cap are both forms of
seborrheic dermatitis."
 
X-Seb 
http://www.mythos.com/pharmacy/Index_DrugName.aspx?L=X&P=1 

[ The product noted above, X-Seb, is commonly prescribed to treat
infant "cradle cap", sometimes called "baby dandruff". ]

The American Academy of Dermatology mentions Pyrithione Zinc as a
non-prescription method of treating seborrheic dermatitis, and
cautions against using stronger preparations without a dermatologist's
supervision:

"Nonprescription shampoos containing tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium
sulfide, sulfur and/or salicylic acid  may be recommended by a
dermatologist or a prescription shampoo may be given. However,
patients should follow their dermatologist’s advice, excessive use of
stronger preparations can cause side effects."

Seborrheic Dermatitis
http://www.aad.org/pamphlets/seborrhe.html

Heather Fewell, a "guide" at About.com, recommends using shampoos
containing Zinc Pyrithione only 2 or 3 times a week once the flaking
is under control:

"All of these shampoos have a medicated smell. The way to use them is
to shampoo and leave on for at least 10 minutes then rinse off. The
shampoos can be used on the face and other parts of the body as a
lotion with the same instructions as long as precaution is used around
the eyes. Do this daily until the redness and flaking is controlled
then use 2-3 times a week as needed to keep symptoms from returning."

Seborrheic Dermatitis - Seborrhea - Help for the "flakies"
http://dermatology.about.com/library/weekly/aa030802a.htm

Pyrithione Zinc has been certified by the FDA as safe for use for
treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis in specified
concentrations and applications:

"Pyrithione zinc, 0.3 to 2 percent when formulated to be applied and
then washed off after brief exposure.
(3) Pyrithione zinc, 0.1 to 0.25 percent when formulated to be applied
and left on the skin or scalp."

[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 21, Volume 5, Parts 300 to 499]
[Revised as of April 1, 1997]
[CITE: 21CFR358]
[Page 287-289]
TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS
CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES--Continued
PART 358--MISCELLANEOUS EXTERNAL DRUG PRODUCTS FOR OVER-THE-COUNTER
HUMAN USE--Table of Contents
Subpart H--Drug Products for the Control of Dandruff, Seborrheic
Dermatitis, and Psoriasis
Source:  56 FR 63568, Dec. 4, 1991, unless otherwise noted.
http://www.pinch.com/skin/docs/fda/cfr-21-310-358-H.txt 

An article in the Dermatology Times suggests that use of products with
Pyrithione Zinc does not accelerate hair loss, and might even slow it
down:

"Regular use of a commercially available antidandruff shampoo
containing 1 percent pyrithione zinc (PTZ) does not adversely affect
hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia and may in fact slow its
progression or result in improvement, according to the results of a
prospective, randomized, controlled investigation."

OTC antidandruff shampoo shown not to adversely affect hair loss in
men with androgenetic alopecia - Dermatology Times
http://www.dermatologytimes.com/dermatologytimes/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=18433

According to Dr Richard Lee, MD, at HairLossHelp.com, use of
Pyrithione Zinc is recommended for treating dandruff in men with hair
loss.  He also recommends the use of a very mild home remedy that is
not only gentle to your hair and scalp, it's also very easy on your
wallet: apple cider vinegar!

"Apple cider vinegar, used as the final hair rinse after a shampoo,
has proven very effective in balancing the pH levels of the scalp and
controlling dandruff for many patients.

Here’s one of the recommended ways to use the apple cider vinegar:
Apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to the scalp. After the
vinegar has had a chance to soak into the scalp for a few minutes,
shampoo with a very mild shampoo. Or, you can use the apple cider (1
part of apple cider vinegar to 3 parts of warm water) as a final rinse
after shampooing."

Ask an Expert:  Dandruff Cure?
http://www.hairlosshelp.com/qna/Detail.Cfm?FAQID=4003&ExpertID=8

Use of apple cider vinegar is very gentle, controls dandruff, and also
helps get rid of build up without stripping and drying your hair.  You
might consider giving this remedy a try!

Either way, you shouldn't worry about using the Denorex shampoo - just
be certain to follow the package instructions carefully.  Too much of
*anything* is going to make your scalp unhappy, so don't overdo it. 
Using it more than a couple times a week is probably not necessary.

As ever, it's been a pleasure working for you!  Your queries are
certainly educational!  If you need further assistance, just ask for
clarification and I'll be glad to help.


--Missy

Search terms:  Listed ingredients, as well as [ "Pyrithione Zinc" FDA
] and [ "Pyrithione Zinc" "hair loss" ]

---

Request for Answer Clarification by anonymous777-ga on 28 Jan 2003 19:01 PST

can u recap all harsh or drying ingrediets?? and what about the
abrasive,isnt that hard on ur scalpe??  if its so mild and harmless
why cant i use it evry day??? does zinc have a drying effect????

---

Clarification of Answer by missy-ga on 28 Jan 2003 19:33 PST

Hi again!

The ingredients in the Denorex shampoo which have been noted to be
drying are Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which has been linked to some
instances of "shampoo dermatitis" and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a
surfactant.  Vitrually all surfactants used in shampoos have a
somewhat drying effect, but this can be countered with the inclusion
of moisturizing and conditioning agents.  Such moisturizing and
conditioning agents are present in the Denorex shampoo.

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, which was mistaken by a commenter on the
previous question for an abrasive, is simply a thickening agent and is
neither an abrasive nor harmful to your hair or scalp.

In my research, I've found no indications that zinc would have a
drying effect.  The Denorex Advanced Formula shampoo is listed in
several places as "non-drying".  Searching on [ "Pyrithione zinc"
drying ] turns up many references to the substance being effective for
easing itching and flaking, but no mention of it being drying.

Advanced Formula Denorex has been noted to be safe and mild enough for
daily use.  It's often recommended that dandruff shampoos be used only
two or three times a week to allow the consumer to alternate with
other favored shampoos (such as a moisturizing shampoo or a color
enhancing shampoo).

It isn't that it isn't safe or mild enough to use once daily, it's
simply that daily use isn't really *necessary* to keep the dandruff in
check.


--Missy

---

Request for Answer Clarification by anonymous777-ga on 29 Jan 2003 13:00 PST

is it as mild as the super silk shampoo by graham webb???

---

Clarification of Answer by missy-ga on 29 Jan 2003 13:20 PST

Hi Johnny!

Looking at the ingredient list, it's hard to say.  The Graham Webb
shampoo's primary ingredient after water is Sodium Laureth Sulfate,
which is noted to be somewhat drying.  Denorex's primary surfactant is
Cocamide MEA, which is also kown to be somewhat drying.

I haven't found any comparisons of the two surfactants which would
indicate that one was more drying than the other.  Both appear in
products that are advertised as "mild", including baby products (which
one definitely wants to be as mild as possible!).

Based on the fact that both surfactants are widely used in "mild"
products, I would say that yes, the Denorex is as mild as the Graham
Webb Super Silk.

--Missy