missy( nizoral and denorex selsun Best answer on the web
Posted in: darrelrussell.com edit
07 Jan 2009
Let’s have a look at Neutrogena’s T-Gel Shampoo:
Active Ingredients: 2% Neutar Solubilized Coal Tar Extract (0.5% Coal Tar)
Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide DEA, Laureth-4, Fragrance, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA
Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo, Original
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=14489&catid=10349
Neutrogena T-Gel shampoo has long been touted as a safe, gentle treatment for dandruff and other scalp ailments. In fact, over the years, Neutrogena has become synonymous with “gentle” – their soaps and shampoos are highly recommended for acne and allergy sufferers, and are even used in nursing homes in the care of the elderly (who tend to suffer from very dry skin).
Because T-Gel is a medicated shampoo, it does come with some precautions, notably:
“Use caution in exposing skin to sunlight after applying this product . It may increase your tendency to sunburn for up to 24 hours after application. Do not use for prolonged periods without consulting a physician. Do not use this product with other forms of psoriasis therapy such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs unless directed to do so by a physician.”
Of the ingredients listed, we’ve already discussed the following:
Purified Water
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cocamide DEA
Fragrance
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Methylparaben
Propylparaben
Sodium Chloride
Citric Acid
Tetrasodium EDTA
Descriptions of the above ingredients can be found on the other answers, but I will be happy to re-explain any of them you’d like. Just ask!
That leaves us with:
**Coal Tar Extract – a coal derivative, used to treat dandruff and other skin ailments.
According to MedLine Plus Drug Information:
“Coal tar is used to treat eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other skin disorders.
[…]
Proper Use of This Medicine
Use this medicine only as directed
After applying coal tar, protect the treated area from direct sunlight and do not use a sunlamp for 72 hours, unless otherwise directed by your doctor, since a severe reaction may occur. Also, make sure you have removed all the coal tar medicine from your skin before you go back into direct sunlight or use a sunlamp.
Do not apply this medicine to infected, blistered, raw, or oozing areas of the skin”
[…]
For shampoo dosage form:
Adults—Use once a day to once a week or as directed by your doctor.”
Coal Tar (Topical)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202158.html
Coal tar is one of only five ingredients certified by the FDA as safe and effective for use in controlling dandruff and other skin ailments:
FDA Consumer 10/01/1994
OTC OPTIONS: CONTROLLING DANDRUFF
http://www.pinch.com/skin/docs/FDA-OTC-Dandruff-options
**Laureth-4 – an “ethyloxylated alcohol”, derived from coconut. Laureth 4 is a surfactant and “dispersant” (allows product to flow smoothly)
Laureth 4
http://www.trinature.com/glossary/gbody.jsp?ingredientID=298
**Imidazolidinyl Urea – also spelled “Inaidazolidinyl” - an anti-microbial
“Inaidazolidinyl Urea - A by-product of human metabolism used as an anti microbial agent.”
Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/09_glossary_i.html
As with the other shampoos compared, there are some ingredients which may cause drying: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide DEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine. They are, however, listed as mild or “low irritant”, and are less drying than other common surfactants (such as the *Lauryl Sulfates). Most shampoos on the market today contain at least one of these surfactants, some contain several. As long as you use your shampoos according to package directions, the drying effect should be minimal (if any).
Neutrogena’s active ingredient has been listed in several references as effective for treating dandruff, is certified by the FDA, and appears to have very minimal side effects – namely some UV sensitivity. (This is easily remedied by wearing a hat outdoors.) T-Gel comes highly recommended from sites such as HairLossHelp.com and The Bald Truth as a mild, safe solution for dandruff control.
Like Denorex, Neutrogena T-Gel bills itself as mild enough for daily use. I’ve found nothing in my research that would indicate otherwise. Both are mild, and the active ingredients cause minimal to no side effects.
The Bald Truth, a site dedicated to dealing with hair loss, recommends that medicated shampoos be used no more than three times a week, which is consistent with most package instructions, and alternated with a moisturizing shampoo:
“Note: After initial use, The Bald Truth recommends a maintenence regimen. The use of either medicated shampoo should not be used more than 3x per week, but should be used consistently to maintain results.”
Click “Shampoo Rotation” link
http://www.thebaldtruth.com/products/neutrogena.htm
This is apparently to allow you the chance to give your scalp a break from the medication, and allow you to use your favorite moisturizing or conditioning shampoo in rotation.
I hope this helps! If you need further assistance, just ask!
--Missy
Search terms: listed ingredients
I have an answer for you, and has the research today ever been eye-opening!
Let's start with the ingredient lists:
**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
A detailed description of these ingredients and their uses can be found on a previous answer:
Denorex
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=149589
***Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo***
Active Ingredients: Contains: Ketoconazole (1 %)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide MEA, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Glycol Distearate, Acrylic Acid Polymer (Carbomer 1342), Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Quaternium-15, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrochloric Acid, FD&C Blue No. 1
Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=38160
***Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo, Moisturizing Treatment***
Active Ingredients: Per container: Selenium Sulfide Lotion 1% (Antidandruff)
Inactive Ingredients: Aloe, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Citric Acid, Cocamide DEA, Ditallow Phthalic Acid Amide (hydrogenated), Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, FD&C Blue #1, Fragrance, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Purified Water, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate, Titanium Dioxide
Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo, Moisturizing Treatment
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=14797
In previous product evaluations, we discussed the following ingredients:
Water
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cocamide MEA
Glycol Distearate
Fragrance
Sodium Chloride
Tetrasodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-7
Sodium Hydroxide
FD&C Blue No. 1
Aloe
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Citric Acid
Cocamide DEA
Dimethicone
DMDM Hydantoin
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
For details of each of these ingredients, please refer to the previous discussions:
Compare Chemicals In Shampoos
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=146590
Tea Tree
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=147124
American Crew
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=147473
Conditioners
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=148053
Chemicals
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=149134
Denorex
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=149589
You can use the Edit-->Find In Page function in the menu bar of your browser to locate any substance quickly. Most of them are addressed on the first answer. Of course, if you’d like me to re-explain any of them, just ask and I’ll be happy to do so.
Following are the ingredients which have not previously been investigated:
** Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo**
**Ketoconazole (1 %) – a medication, used in this instance to help control dandruff. Comes with several precautions.
“Ketoconazole is used to treat skin infections such as jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm; and fungal infections of the fingernails, toenails, mouth (thrush), lungs, vagina, and blood.
[…]
The shampoo is used two times a week, about every 3 days, for 4 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ketoconazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.”
The Official Ketoconazole Site
http://www.ketoconazole.com
“Warnings: Adverse effects reported in patients receiving topical 2% ketoconazole as a shampoo to the scalp include skin irritation, abnormal hair texture, scalp pustules, dry skin, pruritis (itching), and oiliness or dryness of the hair or scalp. There have been reports that use of 2% ketoconazole shampoo resulted in removal of the curl from permanently waved hair. Although there have been rare reports of increased hair loss, it has not been determined to be directly due to the use of topical 2% ketoconazole.”
ReGrowth Treatment Shampoo
http://www.minoxidil.com/Ketoconazole%20Treatment%20Shampoo.htm
See also:
Rx Med - Nizoral Shampoo
http://www.rxmed.com/b.main/b2.pharmaceutical/b2.1.monographs/CPS-%20Monographs/CPS-%20(General%20Monographs-%20N)/NIZORAL%20SHAMPOO.html
Doctor Fungus – Ketoconazole
http://www.doctorfungus.org/thedrugs/Ketoconazole.htm
Nizoral
http://www.thebaldtruth.com/products/nizoral.htm
**Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate – a coconut derivative. Very mild.
“Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate is a derivative of coconut oil and the amino acid, sarcosine. It is skin friendly and has the unusual ability of producing a very rich lather in the presence of oil- the more oil, the richer the lather!”
Cleaners
http://www.purist.com.au/ingredients_clean.htm
**Acrylic Acid Polymer (Carbomer 1342) - I have not been able to find a satisfactory explanation of what this substance is or why it is in this shampoo. I did, however, find a reference in a women’s hair loss forum:
“I have not heard of burning scalp, but if you have used Nizoral 1% you will notice thaat Acrylic acid Polymer is the 1st. inactive ingredent. It's also used as a floor polish and many other industrial uses AND is known as a skin and eye irritant”
Scalp Dyesthesia
http://www.hairsite6.com/f315doc6/_discfem315/00000004.htm
**Butylated Hydroxytoluene – also called BHT. A preservative.
“An antioxidant and preservative used to prevent oils from turning rancid.”
Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/02_glossary_b.html
**Quaternium-15 – a preservative and conditioning agent:
“Preservative used in cosmetics. Water soluble anti microbial agent that fights bacteria. A quaternary ammonium salt”
“Quaternary Ammonium Salts (QUATS)
Quats comprise a large number of substances that are used extensively as surfactants and antimicrobial agents. Compounds are quaternaries only if they contain at least one nitrogen atom linked to four (Latin: quater) alkyl or aryl groups. Many QUATS provide excellent conditioning and antistatic properties making them the ideal hair conditioners.”
Make Your Own Cosmetics Glossary
http://www.makingcosmetics.com/makingcosmetics/glossary/17_glossary_q.html
**Hydrochloric Acid – a corrosive acid. This is the same acid found in the stomach. Apparently, it’s used in this product as a solvent:
“hydrochloric acid
Also known as niliriaric acid, this corrosive chemical is present in gastric juice (in dilute form) and is used in cosmetics as an oxidant and solvent. It’s also used in nail bleach. Inhaling its fumes can irritate mucous membranes.”
Skin Care Guide
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/cosmetics_terms_guide/cosmetics_skin_care_terms_h.htm
I also found reference to the use of HCL in the preparation of hair for hairpieces:
“Once the hair arrives at the factory, it is treated in a hydrochloric acid bath to remove the cuticle. A word of warning - hydrochloric acid is extremely hazardous. Please do not put yourself at risk by experimenting with this chemical! But back to the problem. It’s not the remy hair; remy hair is relatively easy to process and the damage inflicted during de-cuticalization is slight.”
Non-Surgical Hair Restoration - What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You!
http://www.nationalhairjournal.com/ns.php?read=1&form%5Bid%5D=48
**Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo, Moisturizing Treatment**
**Selenium Sulfide Lotion 1% (Antidandruff) – an anti-seborrheic medication. It comes with several precautions:
“Before Using This Medicine:
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For selenium sulfide, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to selenium sulfide. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.
[…]
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.
[…]
Dosing—
The dose of selenium sulfide will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of selenium sulfide. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
* For lotion dosage form:
o For dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis:
+ Adults and children—If you are using the 1% lotion, use on the scalp two times a week. If you are using the 2.5% lotion, use on the scalp two times a week for two weeks, then use one time a week or less often.
[…]
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effect occurs: Less common or rare: Skin irritation
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome: More common: Unusual dryness or oiliness of hair or scalp
Less common: Increase in normal hair loss”
Selenium Sulfide – Medline Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202520.html
**Ditallow Phthalic Acid Amide (hydrogenated) – unknown. I cannot locate anything which explains this substance.
**Sodium Citrate – a salt used as a stabilizer and to reduce acidity
“Sodium citrate - This crystalline salt is used in cosmetics as a sequestrant and an alkalizer, and in foods as a buffering agent.”
Skin Care Guide
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/cosmetics_terms_guide/cosmetics_skin_care_terms_s.htm
**Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate – a conditioner and moisturizer, derived from lactose (milk sugar)
“Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate (a lactose based skin conditioner which duplicates skin's naturally occurring moisturizers)”
Massage Specialists
http://www.massagespecialists.com/products/default.asp
**Titanium Dioxide – used for coloring and opacity (makes the product opaque or not see-through)
“titanium dioxide
This white powder is used as a pigment in eye makeup, sunscreens and foundation makeup (both powdered and liquid). It’s also used as an opacifying agent, for its covering power, brilliance and reflectivity. An inorganic salt that’s also used in house paint, enamels, plastics, paper products and shoe whiteners, titanium dioxide shouldn’t be inhaled.”
Skin Care Guide
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/cosmetics_terms_guide/cosmetics_skin_care_terms_t.htm
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In comparing the three shampoos, I found myself quite alarmed by what I was reading about the ingredients in the Nizoral shampoo. Though very mild conditioning agents are present, such as Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate and Quaternium-15, the active ingredient, Ketoconazole, may produce "skin irritation, abnormal hair texture, scalp pustules, dry skin, pruritis (itching), and oiliness or dryness of the hair or scalp". Additionally, the inexplicable inclusion of Hydrochloric Acid and Acrylic Acid Polymer, both of which are definite irritants, is rather worrisome.
The possible side effects of the active ingredient and the inexplicable inclusion of corrosive substances, combined with the standard inclusion of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamide MEA, both of which are somewhat drying, lead me to believe that this product is probably not a good choice for you.
If you choose to use it, do so cautiously and exactly according to the package instructions.
The Selsun Blue, while it does have a questionable ingredient (Ditallow Phthalic Acid Amide, for which I could find no description), offers Aloe as its primary ingredient. Aloe is well known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Its active ingredient, Selenium Sulfide, may cause some side effects if used incorrectly; these side effects appear to be considerably less bothersome.
The formula does include surfactants known to be somewhat drying (Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide DEA), but they are in smaller proportions than the Aloe.
This formula is a better choice for you than the Nizoral, as long as it is used exactly as the package directs.
Of the three, however, I would be more inclined to go with the Denorex if you intend to use a dandruff shampoo daily, and are continuing to use Rogaine. In research over the past two days, I've found no interaction warnings for Pyrithione Zinc (Denorex's active ingredient) and no indication that it has any side effects. There have been no indications that it might cause drying of the hair or scalp, and no cautions that one should consult a doctor before using it. Further, the formula contains Panthenol, Polyquaternium-10, Propylene Glycol and Vitamin E, which are beneficial in helping maintain moisture in both hair and skin.
The Denorex Advanced formula appears to be the milder choice for daily use.
If I can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask for clarification. I'll be at my desk until about 2AM EST tonight, and back again around 3PM EST tomorrow.
--Missy
Search terms: Listed ingredients
I'm pulling the ingredient lists right now.
A once-over of the Nizoral usage instructions states that it should be used only a couple times a week, for 8 weeks:
"use every 3-4 days for up to 8 weeks if needed, or as directed by a doctor. Then use only as needed to control dandruff."
Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=38160
There are some chemicals listed that I haven't seen on any of the other products I've investigated for you, so this may take a bit of searching to make sure I have everything for you. Please bear with me while I dig these new ones up.
--Missy
The ingredients known to be somewhat drying or irritating in Selsun Blue are Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide DEA, and DMDM Hydantoin (which releases formaldehyde, which is known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
The T-Gel shampoo is made by Neutrogena, yes? I'll get right on that!
--Missy