Selenium Sulfide

seh-LEE-nee-um SUL-fide

Conditioning Agent 5/10 Safety Not CGAvoid Synthetic Vegan

What Is Selenium Sulfide?

An antifungal agent used in medicated shampoos to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It works by slowing the growth of skin cells on the scalp and killing fungi.

Source: Synthetic mineral compound

Origin: Synthetic

Also known as: Selenium Disulfide

What Does Selenium Sulfide Do to Your Hair?

Reduces scalp cell turnover rate and kills Malassezia fungi to control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Also helps reduce excess scalp oiliness. Typically used as a treatment rather than daily shampoo.

Best For

Severe dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, oily scalp, tinea versicolor

Not Recommended For

Color-treated hair (will discolor), blonde hair, chemically treated hair, dry hair

Concentration Matters

1-2.5% in medicated shampoos

Hair Type Compatibility

1A Straight Fine
1B Straight Medium
1C Straight Coarse
2A Wavy Fine
2B Wavy Medium
2C Wavy Coarse
3A Curly Loose
3B Curly Tight
3C Curly Corkscrew
4A Coily S-Shaped
4B Coily Z-Shaped
4C Coily Tight
Color-treated: Safe Color-treated: Use caution

Method Compatibility

Curly Girl (CG) Method: Avoid
CG Avoid

Safety & Regulation

5/10
AvoidCautionSafe

Effective but can be harsh. May discolor blonde, gray, or chemically treated hair. Can cause scalp irritation, dryness, and hair loss with overuse. Should not be used on broken or inflamed skin.

FDA Status: Approved

FDA approves as OTC anti-dandruff active at 1% (OTC) and 2.5% (prescription).

EWG Score: 5/10

HairAide Verdict

A strong anti-dandruff treatment best reserved for moderate to severe cases. Use with caution on colored or chemically treated hair. Not for everyday use, and always follow with a good conditioner.

Products That Contain Selenium Sulfide

Medicated anti-dandruff shampoos, prescription scalp treatments

Alternatives to Selenium Sulfide

If you want to avoid Selenium Sulfide, look for products with these ingredients instead:

Zinc Pyrithione, Ketoconazole, Piroctone Olamine

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Selenium Sulfide safe for hair?

Selenium Sulfide has a safety rating of 5/10. It's generally acceptable but may cause issues for some hair types. Effective but can be harsh. May discolor blonde, gray, or chemically treated hair. Can cause scalp irritation, dryness, and hair loss with overuse. Should not be used on broken or inflamed skin.

Is Selenium Sulfide bad for curly hair?

Selenium Sulfide is not CG-method approved. Curly hair types may want to avoid this ingredient or use products containing it sparingly.

Is Selenium Sulfide CG-method approved?

No, Selenium Sulfide is not approved for the Curly Girl method.

What can I use instead of Selenium Sulfide?

Some alternatives to Selenium Sulfide include: Zinc Pyrithione, Ketoconazole, Piroctone Olamine

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