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Updated on February 22, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe shampoos. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils or parabens

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

Vanicream Dandruff Shampoo
Vanicream Dandruff Shampoo
Shampoo
American Brand United States
Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo

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

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Dandruff Shampoo
Zinc Pyrithione Antiseborrhoeic, Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Zinc Pyrithione is a preservative. It inhibits the multiplying of fungal and bacterial cells.

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.

Lauryl Glucoside Cleansing

Lauryl Glucoside sugar- and lipid-based cleansing agent. It is created from glucose and lauryl alcohol.

Coco-Glucoside Cleansing, Foaming

Coco-Glucoside is a surfactant, or a cleansing ingredient. It is made from glucose and coconut oil.

Disliked Full details ->
Acrylates Copolymer

Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.

Disliked Full details ->
Panthenol Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps reduce irritation Icon
Helps reduce irritationHelps reduce irritation Icon

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Pentylene Glycol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Sucrose Cocoate Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sucrose Cocoate is created from the sucrose esters of coconut acid. Coconut acid is comprised of the fatty acids of coconut oil.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate Cleansing

We don't have a description for Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate.

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a cleansing agent. It can be naturally derived or synthetically-created.

Behenyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Fatty Alcohol Icon
Fatty AlcoholFatty Alcohol Icon

A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.

Disliked Full details ->
Sucrose Stearate Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0

Sucrose Stearate is derived from stearic acid and sucrose (sugar). It is an emollient and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Cetyl Palmitate Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl Palmitate is a wax-like substance.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Cleansing

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleanser and surfactant. It is the sodium salt of the Cocoyl Glutamic Acid and comes from coconut oil. As a surfactant, it helps lift dirt and oil to be washed away.

1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

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.

Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

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 ->
Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo
Zinc Pyrithione Antiseborrhoeic, Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Zinc Pyrithione is a preservative. It inhibits the multiplying of fungal and bacterial cells.

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.

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 ->
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 ->
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 ->
Zinc Carbonate

We don't have a description for Zinc Carbonate.

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 Xylenesulfonate

We don't have a description for Sodium Xylenesulfonate.

Unknown Full details ->
Cocamidopropyl Betaine Cleansing
May worsen Eczema Icon
May worsen EczemaMay worsen Eczema Icon

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. Dimethylaminopropylamine is a diamine, an amine with two amino groups.

Disliked 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 ->
Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
1 / 0 Silicon Icon
SiliconSilicon Icon

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Benzoate Masking, Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Disliked Full details ->
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is derived from guar gum.

Magnesium Carbonate Hydroxide Buffering

We don't have a description for Magnesium Carbonate Hydroxide.

Unknown Full details ->
Methylchloroisothiazolinone Preservative
Preservative IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon 2 Concerns

MCI is a preservative and known skin-irritant. It has anti-bacteria anti-fungal properties.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Methylisothiazolinone Preservative
Preservative IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon 2 Concerns

MI is a preservative and known skin irritant. In the past, MI was used for its ability to prevent bacteria, yeast, and fungi growth in low doses.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Blue 1 Lake Cosmetic Colorant

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

Very Disliked Full details ->
CI 17200 Cosmetic Colorant
1 / 2

Ci 17200 is a synthetic reddish-purple dye.

1 Com. / 2 Irr.
Unknown Full details ->

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Antiseborrhoeic, Preservative
Loved

Zinc Pyrithione is a preservative. It inhibits the multiplying of fungal and bacterial cells.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in Malassezia treatments. In the US, this ingredient is most common in anti-dandruff shampoos. However, the European Union has prohibited the use of this ingredient starting in 2022.

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
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

Ingredient Ratings

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

Dandruff Shampoo
5
7
7
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo
3
11
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

5 Routines
40% use in am
60% use in pm
80% use every day
31 Routines
29% use in am
71% use in pm
77% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Vanicream Dandruff Shampoo 19 ingredients

Dandruff Shampoo hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo 18 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Cleansing (2) Frizz (1)
Mac_R's avatar

Mac_R

3 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

Anyone else hear using this on your face is good for fungal acne? I was skeptical but I tried it, and after two uses (few days apart) it was a...

Anyone else hear using this on your face is good for fungal acne? I was skeptical but I tried it, and after two uses (few days apart) it was a miracle. Even my Salicilic acid face wash didn't do this. I now use one a week just when in the shower and the texture on my skin is amazing. Drying though, treat your skin like a baby after lol. Lots of Moisturizing products 😅

gofofnglv's avatar

gofofnglv

4 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

Works well in treating my dandruff and other fungal infections. Doesn’t break me out either when I use it on my face. It is a little stripping on...

Works well in treating my dandruff and other fungal infections. Doesn’t break me out either when I use it on my face. It is a little stripping on my hair though.