The Lab
Specimen No. 0205
CautionSyntheticcosmetic preservativeantidandruff

Zinc Pyrithione

CAS 13463-41-7 · ZPT · Pyrithione Zinc · Zinc Omadine

An effective antifungal antidandruff active that the EU classified as toxic to reproduction and banned from cosmetics in 2022, while it remains a permitted over-the-counter active in the US.

high confidence
Researched July 7, 2026

Concerns

  • The EU classified zinc pyrithione as a CMR category 1B substance (toxic for reproduction) and, under Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/1902, prohibited it in cosmetic products placed on the EU market from 1 March 2022
  • Reproductive and developmental toxicity of zinc pyrithione has previously been reported in pregnant rats, although a dedicated assay found no significant estrogenic activity (Yoon 2017, PMID 28183164)
  • It shows aquatic toxicity: predicted no-effect concentrations for early developmental stages of a marine organism fell below predicted environmental concentrations in some polluted areas (Bellas 2005, PMID 16522542)

Regulatory flags

  • IARC Class: NL
  • EDC Status: Repr. 1B (EU CLP); no estrogenic activity found in vitro
  • Regulatory: EU: banned in cosmetics from 1 Mar 2022 (CMR Repr 1B); US: OTC antidandruff monograph permitted
  • Evidence Grade: B

Commonly found in

Anti-dandruff shampooMedicated soapSeborrheic-dermatitis treatment

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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