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Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Versus Nizoral 2% Ketoconazole Shampoo

Shampoo
Shampoo
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on October 01, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe shampoos. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Free From

They both do not contain any oils, parabens or silicones

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Benzyl Alcohol Perfuming, Preservative, Solvent
Alcohol IconFragrance IconPreservative IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AlcoholAlcohol Icon FragranceFragrance Icon PreservativePreservative Icon 6 Concerns

Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.

Very Disliked Full details ->
BHA Antioxidant, Masking
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

This BHA stands for butylated hydroxyanisole. If you are looking for the beta-hydroxy acid, aka as Salicylic Acid, click here.

Blue 1 Lake Cosmetic Colorant

We don't have a description for Blue 1 Lake.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 4 Benefits 2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->
Cocamide Mea Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Cocamide Mea.

Unknown Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Glycol Distearate Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Hydrochloric Acid Buffering

We don't have a description for Hydrochloric Acid.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Emulsion Stabilising

This ingredient is a semi-synthetic polymer created from cellulose. In case you need a refresher, cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.

Unknown Full details ->
Polyquaternium-7

Polyquaternium-7 is a light to clear colored liquid. It is commonly found in haircare products for its film-forming and anti-static properties.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Chloride Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate Cleansing

We don't have a description for Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming
Sulfate IconCan worsen Dry Skin Icon
SulfateSulfate Icon Can worsen Dry SkinCan worsen Dry Skin Icon

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying ingredient. It is created from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. SLES is not the same as sodium lauryl sulfate. It is much milder and less likely to irritate.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Tetrasodium EDTA

Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.

Disliked Full details ->
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

2% Ketoconazole Shampoo
Itraconazole Antimicrobial

We don't have a description for Itraconazole.

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate Cleansing, Foaming

We don't have a description for Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate.

Disliked Full details ->
Hc Red No. 3

We don't have a description for Hc Red No. 3.

Unknown Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Hydrochloric Acid Buffering

We don't have a description for Hydrochloric Acid.

Imidazolidinyl Urea Preservative
Preservative IconMay cause irritation IconNot safe for Fungal Acne IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon 3 Concerns

Imidazolidinyl Urea is a preservative and isn't fungal acne safe. It can cause irritation and worsen eczema.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Collagen Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon
Helps with Anti-AgingHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Collagen can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Unknown Full details ->
Methyl Glucose Dioleate Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Methyl Glucose Dioleate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Chloride Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming
0 / 0 Sulfate IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation Icon
SulfateSulfate Icon 3 Concerns

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a sulfate with surfactant properties.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Masking, Perfuming
Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum
Buffering
Liked

We don't have a description for Hydrochloric Acid.

Masking
Very Disliked

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride
Buffering
Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
3
1
8
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
2% Ketoconazole Shampoo
3
1
5
3
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

174 Routines
32% use in am
68% use in pm
72% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
33 Routines
33% use in am
67% use in pm
76% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 16 ingredients

4.1 /5
from 7 ratings
Dearchoyce's avatar

Dearchoyce

10 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

This product was the start of my skincare routine. It helped to remove all the fungal acne I was experiencing on my forehead and cheeks. After this...

This product was the start of my skincare routine. It helped to remove all the fungal acne I was experiencing on my forehead and cheeks. After this I was able to start my journey on finding products just to maintain my skin. Loved it!

BubbIes's avatar

BubbIes

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

This can be a lifesaver for those with fungal acne, but I personally use it for my scalp/hair only. It doesn’t have great ingredients and I find it...

This can be a lifesaver for those with fungal acne, but I personally use it for my scalp/hair only. It doesn’t have great ingredients and I find it to be pretty drying and irritating. It IS effective though.

Nizoral 2% Ketoconazole Shampoo 12 ingredients

2.5 /5
from 2 ratings
XenithRae's avatar

XenithRae

6 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

Horrible. if I could rate 0, I would. I have seb derm and this made it so much worse, likely the horrible fragrance that is beyond strong, it's...

Horrible. if I could rate 0, I would. I have seb derm and this made it so much worse, likely the horrible fragrance that is beyond strong, it's nauseating. And also alcohols, and a vibrant bright pink dye. is dye even necessary?? for a product aimed at sensitive, skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, it has alot of horrible ingredients.

freechurro's avatar

-‘🕯️’-

9 days ago · Combination Skin
Review

This worked GREAT for my psoriasis I had on my scalp, everyone i’ve started using it my dry scalp has not reappeared. I also heard you could use...

This worked GREAT for my psoriasis I had on my scalp, everyone i’ve started using it my dry scalp has not reappeared. I also heard you could use this as a mask for fungal acne, unfortunately, it didn’t help get rid of mine at all.😭 It appeared to help the first couple times i’ve used it, but by the second or third day of using it as a mask it makes my fungal acne much worse. I’ve heard other people using it and there fungal acne going away completely, so idk if i’m doing it wrong or what. I’ve also noticed the ingredients aren’t completely fungal acne safe so i’m not surprised. If anyone has recommendations on how to get rid of my fungal acne lmk pleaseeeee! 😭🥲Otherwise this was great for scalp psoriasis!🩷