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Zinc pyrithione
Banned in European Union and United Kingdom; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
Classified in the EU as toxic to reproduction (CMR), which led to bans on its use in cosmetics.
What to look for on the label
Zinc pyrithione, pyrithione zinc (common in anti-dandruff shampoos).
Country by country
Around the worldBanned in European Union and United Kingdom; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: Classified in the EU as toxic to reproduction (CMR), which led to bans on its use in cosmetics.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | bannedAnnex II/1670 (Reg 2021/1902) from 1 Mar 2022; Annex III/101 and V/8 deleted. |
| United Kingdom | bannedAnnex II/1669 from 15 Oct 2022 (SI 2022/659); Annex III/V entries removed. |
| United States | no specific ruleAs an OTC anti-dandruff drug: 0.3-2% rinse-off, 0.1-0.25% leave-on (21 CFR 358.710). |
| Canada | not confirmed |
| Japan | restrictedMax 0.1% rinse-off; 0.01% leave-on and on mucosa. |
Sources: EU Reg 2021/1902 (Publications Office) · UK SI 2022/659 · eCFR 21 CFR 358.710 · MHLW Standards for Cosmetics (English). Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
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Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags zinc pyrithione and anything else worth knowing.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.