Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo for Itchy Dry Scalp || Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews

SELSUN BLUE DANDRUFF SHAMPOO FOR ITCHY DRY SCALP

last updated: 10/01/09 brand: Selsun Blue by Chattem

SCORE

moderate hazard (out of 10)

79%

data gap

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71% of dandruff/scalp treatments have lower concerns
68% of shampoos have lower concerns

COMPANY POLICIES

Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Non-signer: This company has not signed the Compact.

Animal Testing Policy
This company's animal testing policy is unknown.

Given the incomplete information made available by companies and the government, EWG provides additional information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature. The chart below indicates that research studies have found that exposure to one or more ingredients in this product -- not the product itself -- caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility -- information not available in Skin Deep.

Ingredients in this product are linked to:
	Cancer
	Developmental/reproductive toxicity
	Violations, restrictions & warnings
	Allergies/immunotoxicity
	Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Miscellaneous, Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards

Ingredients from packaging: Active Ingredients: Pyrithione Zinc (1%)(Anti-Dandruff). Inactive Ingredients: Water, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Cocamide MEA, Cetyl Alcohol, Frangrance, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Acetamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride, Linoleamidopropyl PG Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, PEG 3 Dioleoylamidoethylmonium Methosulfate, Dimethiconol, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Amodimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate, Laureth 9, DMDM Hydantoin, Benzyl Alcohol, C11 15 Pareth 7, Trideceth 12, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethlcellulose, FD&C Blue 1 (245-063).

Directions from packaging: Wet hair thoroughly. Massage onto scalp. Rinse. Repeat if desired. For best results use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor.

Warnings from packaging: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water. Stop use and ask a doctor if condition worsens or does not improve after regular use of this product as directed. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

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ingredients

	score	data gap	concerns
DMDM HYDANTOIN	7	71%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns (FORMALDEHYDE)
FRAGRANCE FRANGRANCE	8	100%	Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Miscellaneous
PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE	6	76%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
BENZYL ALCOHOL	6	64%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Neurotoxicity, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Occupational hazards
ZINC PYRITHIONE PYRITHIONE ZINC (1%)(ANTI-DANDRUFF)	5	66%	Violations, restrictions & warnings, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE	4	81%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)
COCAMIDE MEA	2	75%	Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES)
PROPYLENE GLYCOL	4	60%	Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption
LAURETH-9	3	100%	Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE	3	87%	Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE)
DIMETHICONE	2	74%	Violations, restrictions & warnings
CITRIC ACID	2	72%	Violations, restrictions & warnings
PANTHENOL	2	88%	Multiple, additive exposure sources
SODIUM DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE	2	85%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
FD&C BLUE 1	1	83%	none identified
GLYCERIN	2	74%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards
GLYCOL DISTEARATE	1	93%	Multiple, additive exposure sources
C11-15 PARETH-7	1	88%	none identified
HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE	1	88%	none identified
TRIDECETH-12	1	88%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
CETYL ALCOHOL	1	87%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE HYDROXYETHLCELLULOSE	1	82%	none identified
AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE	1	73%	Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE	1	72%	none identified
ACETAMIDOPROPYL TRIMONIUM CHLORIDE	0	100%	none identified
DIMETHICONOL	0	100%	none identified
LAURYL GLUCOSIDE	0	100%	none identified
LINOLEAMIDOPROPYL PG-DIMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE	0	100%	none identified
SODIUM LAURYL GLYCOL CARBOXYLATE SODIUM LAURYL GLUCOSE CARBOXYLATE	0	100%	none identified
AMODIMETHICONE	0	99%	none identified
SODIUM CHLORIDE	0	0%	innocuous
WATER	0	0%	innocuous

Cancer*

*This table includes all possible cancer concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more in vitro tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, BENZYL ALCOHOL
Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen		FD&C BLUE 1

Developmental/reproductive toxicity*

*This table includes all possible developmental/reproductive toxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at high doses		HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, BENZYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show reproductive effects at moderate doses		ZINC PYRITHIONE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN,
One or more animal studies show any effects at moderate doses		ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL

Violations, restrictions & warnings*

*This table includes all possible violations, restrictions & warnings concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations - Safe for use in cosmetics with some qualifications		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE, COCAMIDE MEA, BENZYL ALCOHOL, AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL
Recommended restricted in cosmetics - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Product type restrictions or differences noted in safety assessment by industry panel		DIMETHICONE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL
Restricted in cosmetics (recommendations or requirements) - use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Japan - prohibited for use in some types of cosmetics		DMDM HYDANTOIN, DMDM HYDANTOIN, ZINC PYRITHIONE, CITRIC ACID
Violation of industry recommendations - Restricted in cosmetics; use, concentration, or manufacturing restrictions - Not safe for use on injured or damaged skin	products for use on damaged skin	PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE

Neurotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible neurotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at high doses		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, GLYCERIN, FD&C BLUE 1
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses		ZINC PYRITHIONE
Strong evidence of human neurotoxicity		BENZYL ALCOHOL
Moderate evidence of human neurotoxicity		FRAGRANCE
One or more animal studies show brain and nervous system effects at moderate doses		SODIUM DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE

Endocrine disruption*

*This table includes all possible endocrine disruption concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show endocrine system disruption at high doses		GLYCERIN

Allergies/immunotoxicity*

*This table includes all possible allergies/immunotoxicity concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more human case studies show possible allergenic effects		BENZYL ALCOHOL
Known human immune system toxicant		FRAGRANCE
Human skin toxicant - strong evidence		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
Limited evidence of immune system toxicity		ZINC PYRITHIONE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Known human immune system toxicant		DMDM HYDANTOIN

Persistence and bioaccumulation*

*This table includes all possible persistence and bioaccumulation concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Not suspected to be persistent		TRIDECETH-12, CETYL ALCOHOL
Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife		ZINC PYRITHIONE

Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)*

*This table includes all possible organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show cardiovascular effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		CETYL ALCOHOL
Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful		AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE
One or more animal studies show metabolic effects at high doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, TRIDECETH-12, BENZYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PANTHENOL, HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE, C11-15 PARETH-7
One or more animal studies show classified as toxic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		FD&C BLUE 1
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at moderate doses (low dose studies may be unavailable for this ingredient)		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DMDM HYDANTOIN, CITRIC ACID, AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL
Limited evidence of sense organ toxicity		PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE
One or more animal studies show kidney or renal system effects at very low doses		GLYCERIN
One or more animal studies show broad systemic effects at low doses		ZINC PYRITHIONE, SODIUM DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE

Miscellaneous*

*This table includes all possible miscellaneous concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Ingredient not fully labeled - identity unknown		FRAGRANCE

Multiple, additive exposure sources*

*This table includes all possible multiple, additive exposure sources concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Designated as safe for general or specific, limited use in food		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SODIUM DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE, HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE, GLYCERIN, FD&C BLUE 1, DIMETHICONE, CITRIC ACID, ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CETYL ALCOHOL
Used in food or as an additive with limited or no toxicity information available		SODIUM DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE, PANTHENOL, GLYCOL DISTEARATE

Ecotoxicology*

*This table includes all possible ecotoxicology concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Suspected to be an environmental toxin		TRIDECETH-12, ZINC PYRITHIONE, CETYL ALCOHOL

Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)*

*This table includes all possible irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses		TRIDECETH-12, SODIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCERIN, CITRIC ACID
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses		SODIUM DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at moderate doses		C11-15 PARETH-7
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at very low doses		CETYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at low doses		BENZYL ALCOHOL
One or more animal studies show skin irritation at very low doses		AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE
Human any irritant - strong evidence	products for use around the eyes, on the skin, or may be aerosolized (airborne)	DMDM HYDANTOIN, AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE
Classified as skin irritant		PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Data gaps*

*This table includes all possible data gaps concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product		TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
Missing safety data noted by cosmetic industry review		ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) GEL
Safety assessment was based on related chemical		AMODIMETHICONE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Risk assessment method deficiencies and data gaps - Maximum reported "as used" concentration is basis of safety assessment by industry safety panel (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) - implicit safe concentration limit in product		DMDM HYDANTOIN, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, SODIUM DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE, AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, PANTHENOL, HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE, DIMETHICONE, AMODIMETHICONE
Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel		TRIDECETH-12, SODIUM LAURYL GLYCOL CARBOXYLATE, LAURETH-9, ZINC PYRITHIONE, PEG-3 DIOLEOYLAMIDOETHYLMONIUM METHOSULFATE, LINOLEAMIDOPROPYL PG-DIMONIUM CHLORIDE PHOSPHATE, LAURYL GLUCOSIDE, GLYCERIN, FRAGRANCE, DIMETHICONOL, CITRIC ACID, C11-15 PARETH-7, ACETAMIDOPROPYL TRIMONIUM CHLORIDE

Occupational hazards*

*This table includes all possible occupational hazards concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to low doses		BENZYL ALCOHOL
Allowed workplace exposures restricted to moderate doses		GLYCERIN

Biochemical or cellular level changes*

*This table includes all possible biochemical or cellular level changes concerns for the ingredients used by this manufacturer. Some categorizations depend on how the product is used or formulated.

type of concern	product conditions	ingredient(s)
One or more animal studies show blood sugar changes at high doses where the human health implications are not yet well understood		PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, GLYCERIN