Maintaining precise pH conditions in anti-dandruff formulations remains a critical challenge for formulators. At too low a pH (below 3.0), active ingredients like zinc pyrithione and dipotassium glycyrrhizate lose stability, while at higher pH ranges (above 5.5), the efficacy of fungistatic components diminishes significantly against Malassezia species. Measurement data confirms that optimal anti-dandruff activity occurs within narrow pH bands—typically between 3.5 and 5.0—where both ingredient stability and antimicrobial action reach equilibrium.

The challenge lies in creating buffer systems that maintain this optimal pH range while accommodating diverse active ingredients, surfactant systems, and conditioning agents without compromising formulation clarity or sensory attributes.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including organic zinc salt combinations, natural extract buffering systems, polyquaternium stabilization techniques, and acid blend preservative approaches. These and other approaches provide formulators with practical methods to maintain pH stability throughout product shelf life while maximizing the bioavailability of anti-dandruff actives.

1. Personal Care Compositions with Natural Anti-Dandruff Agents and Surfactant-Cationic Polymer Systems

COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO, 2024

Personal care compositions for alleviating, reducing, and/or eliminating dandruff that contain natural anti-dandruff agents like dipotassium glycyrrhizate. The compositions also have surfactant systems and cationic polymers for cleansing and conditioning. The dipotassium glycyrrhizate provides superior dandruff inhibition compared to zinc pyrithione. The compositions have pHs from 2.5 to 5 and can be used as shampoo.

2. Lotion Composition with White Willow Bark Extract, Sodium Shale Oil Sulfonate, Amodimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, and Urea for Scalp Microorganism Control and Sebum Regulation

ZHICHAO TANG, 2023

Antibacterial lotion for treating dandruff and scalp conditions through a novel combination of natural and synthetic ingredients. The lotion combines the antimicrobial properties of white willow bark extract, the anti-inflammatory properties of sodium shale oil sulfonate, and the moisturizing properties of amodimethicone with the antifungal properties of DMDM hydantoin and urea. This formulation effectively controls Malassezia, Staphylococcus, Candida, and other microorganisms while regulating sebum secretion, providing a balanced solution for scalp health.

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3. Shampoo with Composite Zinc Ingredient Comprising Organic Zinc Salts and Zinc Pyrithione

GUANGDONG CEDAR COSMETIC CO LTD, 2022

Compound zinc composition antidandruff shampoo that stabilizes zinc pyrithione to prevent discoloration and turbidity. The shampoo contains a composite zinc ingredient formed by combining at least one water-soluble organic zinc salt with zinc pyrithione. The organic zinc salts like zinc lactate, zinc gluconate, or PCA zinc provide free zinc and stabilize pyrithione, reducing discoloration. The composite zinc ingredient is prepared by dissolving surfactants, silicone oil, lactic acid, chelating agent, and thickener in water, then adding the composite zinc. This stabilized composite zinc antidandruff shampoo combines the antidandruff effects of pyrithione and zinc with moisturizing properties.

4. Conditioner Formulation with Highland Plant Extracts and Essential Oils Containing Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, and Dimethicone

HIGHLAND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, 2021

A natural anti-dandruff conditioner that harnesses the antimicrobial properties of highland plant extracts to prevent scalp irritation. The conditioner combines essential oils from plants like lemongrass, aloe vera, and camellia sinensis, with active ingredients like cetyl alcohol, behentrimonium chloride, and dimethicone. The formulation is specifically designed to address the root cause of dandruff, M. furfur, while providing moisturizing and nourishing benefits for the hair.

5. Shampoo Formulation with Zinc Lactate, Yeast Zinc, and Zinc Pyrithione for Scalp Barrier Support and Oil Regulation

SHANGHAI CESTBON COSMETICS GROUP CO LTD, 2021

Organic zinc compound shampoo that provides long-lasting oil control and anti-dandruff benefits while maintaining scalp moisture and barrier function. The formulation combines zinc lactate, yeast zinc, and zinc pyrithione to address both oil production and scalp health. The zinc components work synergistically to inhibit fungal growth, strengthen the scalp barrier, and reduce excessive oil secretion, while the surfactants and moisturizers enhance cleansing and hydration. The shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive scalps.

6. Scalp Cleansing Composition with Polyquaternium-52, Ethanol, and Dandruff-Relieving Component

AE KYUNG INDUSTRIAL CO LTD, 2021

Scalp cleansing composition to relieve dandruff that contains polyquaternium-52, ethanol, and a dandruff-relieving component. The composition improves dandruff care while containing lower amounts of irritating dandruff-relieving components. Polyquaternium-52 at 0.01-1% w/w provides delivery, ethanol at 0.1-1% w/w enhances use experience, and the dandruff-relieving component at 0.01-1% w/w reduces dandruff. This allows lower dandruff-relieving component amounts to reduce skin irritation compared to higher concentrations. Other ingredients like surfactants, viscosity modifiers, pH modifiers, conditioning agents, flavors, preservatives, and proteins can also be

7. Biocidal Composition with Zinc Pyrithione and C8-C18 Quaternary Ammonium Salt

JUBILANT LIFE SCIENCES LTD, 2020

A stable, transparent or opaque biocidal composition comprising zinc pyrithione alone or in combination with a c8-c quaternary ammonium salt 18, preferably cetylpyridinium chloride. The composition has enhanced bioavailability and improved antifungal activity, particularly in low concentrations, while maintaining transparency and stability over time. The quaternary ammonium salt enhances the antifungal efficacy of zinc pyrithione, particularly against Malassezia and dandruff-causing microorganisms, without compromising the formulation's transparency or stability.

8. Silicone-Free Shampoo Composition with Zinc Gluconate, Turmeric Extract, Ceramide, and Amino Acids

GUANGZHOU BOYA COSMETICS CO LTD, 2020

An oil control and anti-dandruff shampoo composition that provides effective scalp care without silicone and with improved conditioning properties compared to traditional silicone-free shampoos. The composition contains zinc gluconate, turmeric extract, ceramide, amino acids, and natural surfactants to control oil, prevent dandruff, and improve scalp health. It aims to address issues like excessive sebum production, dandruff, scalp irritation, and poor combing performance of some silicone-free shampoos.

9. Shampoo Composition with Specific Proportions of Natural Extracts and Surfactants

GUANGZHOU FAYASI FINE CHEMICALS CO LTD, 2020

Anti-dandruff and oil-control shampoo that effectively controls dandruff and scalp oil through a unique blend of natural ingredients. The formulation combines ginger, Sophora flavescens, kidney tea, and Cnidium monnieri extracts with surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine. The proprietary blend of zinc, dimethiconol, and zinc gluconate provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while the guar hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride enhances cleansing efficacy. The shampoo maintains a balanced pH and is formulated with ingredients like erythritol, benzyl alcohol, and sodium benzoate to prevent irritation and dryness.

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10. Preservative System with Levulinic, Benzoic, and Sorbic Acids Combined with Aromatic Alcohols for Broad pH Range Antimicrobial Efficacy

TROY CORP, 2019

A novel preservative system for personal care and cosmetic products that offers enhanced antimicrobial efficacy across a broader pH range compared to conventional preservatives. The system combines levulinic acid, benzoic acid, and sorbic acid with aromatic alcohols like phenoxyethanol and phenylpropanol. The preservative formulation achieves optimal antimicrobial activity at pH levels up to 7.0, making it particularly suitable for products that require broad-spectrum protection across a range of pH conditions.

11. Formulation Comprising Zinc Gluconate, Versatase, and Salicylic Acid in Deionized Water Solution

OGUZ SEYFI, 2019

A novel combination for treating dandruff, oily hair, and seborrheic dermatitis that addresses the underlying causes of these conditions. The formulation combines 0.85-1.5% zinc gluconate, 0.280.39% versatase, and 0.85-1.19% salicylic acid in a 25-45% deionized water solution. The combination provides effective anti-dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis treatment while addressing oily hair and scalp issues through its unique formulation of zinc gluconate and zinc pyrithione. The addition of versatase enhances salicylic acid penetration, while versatase's synergistic effect with zinc gluconate creates a potent combination for removing dead skin cells and controlling sebum secretion.

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12. Shampoo Formulation with Integrated Surfactants, Emollients, and Antioxidants for Balanced pH and Moisture Maintenance

HU XIAOLONG, 2019

A shampoo that simultaneously cleanses and protects the hair and scalp while addressing dandruff and itchiness. The formulation combines a gentle cleansing agent with anti-dandruff and anti-itch properties, along with moisturizing and repairing ingredients. The shampoo contains a balance of surfactants, emollients, and antioxidants that work together to clean and condition the hair while addressing scalp issues. The formulation maintains a balanced pH and moisture level, with a unique blend of ingredients that provides both cleansing and protective benefits.

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13. Personal Cleansing Composition with Zinc Pyrithione and Zinc Thione Stabilized by Soluble Zinc Salt in Acidic pH Environment

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO, 2018

Personal cleansing composition that maintains optimal levels of zinc pyrithione throughout its shelf life, even in acidic pH environments, through the incorporation of a soluble zinc salt. The composition comprises a surfactant, zinc pyrithione, zinc thione, and a pH-adjusting agent like citric acid, all within a pH range of 4.0 to 6.0. The zinc thione is specifically formulated to maintain its antimicrobial activity in low pH conditions, while the zinc salt enhances stability through accelerated aging. The formulation ensures consistent performance of the zinc pyrithione component throughout the product's shelf life.

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14. Shampoo Composition with Agarwood and Eucalyptus Extracts Incorporating Emulsifier, pH Regulator, and Surfactant

GUANGXI YUEXIANGTIAN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., 2018

Shampoo with anti-dandruff and anti-itch properties for treating scalp conditions. The shampoo contains extracts of agarwood and eucalyptus, hair conditioner, emulsifier, pH regulator, chelating agent, fragrance, skin conditioner, preservative, thickener, and surfactant. The agarwood extract has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, while the eucalyptus extract cools and stops bleeding. The other ingredients help cleanse, moisturize, and stabilize the shampoo.

15. Shampoo Composition with Turmeric, Surfactants, and Antimicrobial Agents for Scalp Treatment

CHENGDU ZHUOLANYA BUSINESS INFORMATION CONSULTING CO LTD, 2018

Turmeric shampoo for dandruff relief that effectively cleanses and soothes the scalp. The formula combines 13% sodium laureth sulfate, 3% sodium lauryl sulfate, and 3% coconut oil diethanolamide to create a gentle cleansing system. The shampoo contains 0.9% zinc pyrithione, 0.9% mercaptoglucoside, and 0.9% coconut monoethanolamide to address fungal and inflammatory factors contributing to dandruff. The unique blend of surfactants, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents provides a comprehensive cleansing and therapeutic effect, making it an effective solution for both dandruff and itch relief.

16. Cosmetic Composition with Amphoteric Polymer and Cationic Surfactant for Keratin Fiber Treatment

OREAL, 2018

Cosmetic composition for treating keratin fibers, particularly human keratin fibers such as hair, comprising at least one particular amphoteric polymer and an anti-dandruff agent. The composition includes a cationic surfactant and an anti-dandruff agent, with the amphoteric polymer comprising a repeat of only one unit of the formula (II).

17. Shampoo Formulation with Piroctone Olamine and Plant Extracts for Dandruff Removal

ZHU YAODENG, 2018

Net Run Shoulder shampoo formulation that effectively removes dandruff without harming health. The shampoo contains ingredients like surfactants for cleaning, thickeners for texture, conditioning agents for hair care, flavoring, pH regulators, and additives. It lacks harmful chemicals. The formulation removes dandruff using ingredients like piroctone olamine salt, while nourishing the scalp and hair with plant extracts.

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18. Shampoo Formulation with Grapefruit Extract and Quaternium-80 for Scalp Treatment

MEIZHOU JUMBO GOLDEN POMELO INDUSTRY CO LTD, 2018

A shampoo that effectively removes itchiness and dandruff while addressing the underlying scalp issues of fungal infections. The formulation combines grapefruit extract with ingredients like quaternium-80, polydimethylsiloxane alcohol, and CI 16035 to create a unique blend that not only cleanses the hair and scalp but also targets the root cause of itchiness and dandruff. The formulation includes grapefruit peel extract, which has natural antifungal properties, along with other ingredients like ammonium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and glycerin to provide a balanced cleansing and moisturizing effect.

19. Shampoo Formulation with Plant-Derived Ingredients Including Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Peony Extract

WANG WENJUN, 2018

A natural shampoo formulation that addresses dandruff through the use of plant-derived ingredients. The formulation combines cocamidopropyl betaine, peony extract, peony seed oil, panthenol, sodium chloride, and hydrolyzed wheat protein to create a gentle yet effective shampoo that cleanses and soothes the scalp without harsh chemical ingredients.

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20. Aqueous Shampoo Composition with Stable Suspension of Insoluble Anti-Dandruff Agents

LUBRIZOL ADVANCED MATERIALS INC, 2017

A composition that maintains a stable suspension of insoluble anti-dandruff agents in aqueous shampoo formulations, while maintaining acceptable viscosity and foaming properties. The composition comprises a suspension composition capable of achieving a substantial and unexpected reduction in the separation of insoluble substances such as particulate anti-dandruff agents, while maintaining acceptable viscosity and foaming properties.

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