Application · Dandruff & scalp health
Shampoos, scalp scrubs and leave-on treatments for dandruff, dryness and scalp comfort. Developed by CSL formulation scientists.
Guires Cosmetic Science Lab
At Guires Cosmetic Science Lab, CSL formulation chemists develop anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp treatments, from EU cosmetic actives such as piroctone olamine to the US OTC drug route, with results proven by flake grading, scalp TEWL and itch scoring. With more than 10 years of experience, the team develops formulas that visibly reduce flakes and support a healthier-feeling scalp.
Start your project with Guires CSLWhat shoppers look for now
Flakes on clothing are the most visible scalp concern and the main reason people switch shampoos.
Itch and tightness matter as much as flakes.
Shoppers want anti-dandruff care mild enough to use every wash.
The science
Dandruff links to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, scalp oil and an irritated barrier. We address all three.
Flake control
Anti-dandruff actives reduce the yeast that drives flaking. Piroctone olamine shampoo has also improved scalp barrier and oxidative-stress markers in a placebo-controlled trial.
Scalp microbiome
A randomised, placebo-controlled trial found an oral probiotic reduced flakes and redness and rebalanced scalp microbiota. Topically, prebiotics and mild bases support the scalp’s own flora.
Key actives
Chosen for each market’s ingredient rules and your target cost. Tap an ingredient marked → to read the published evidence.
Claims & evidence
The claims brands ask for most, the study that supports each one, and how strong that evidence is.
| Claim brands ask for | Typical evidence | Evidence tier |
|---|---|---|
| “Visibly reduces flakes” | Expert flake grading over 4 weeks | Tier 3 |
| “Soothes an itchy scalp” | Self-assessment and grading | Tier 2 |
| “Gentle for daily use” | In-use scalp tolerance | Tier 2 |
Clinical evidence
Peer-reviewed human studies behind the actives and approaches on this page. Each links to its record.
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled · 144 women with self-perceived thinning · 8 weeks
Significant increase in hair amount vs placebo on phototrichogram; the shampoo also lowered scalp oxidative-stress markers and TEWL.
Davis MG et al. Int J Cosmet Sci 2021;43(Suppl 1):S26–S33 · PMID 34424549
Randomised, placebo-controlled · 60 men with moderate–severe dandruff · 56 days
Loose and adherent flakes, redness and overall clinical score improved significantly vs placebo, with a rebalanced scalp microbiota.
Oral supplement (nutricosmetic).
Reygagne P et al. Benef Microbes 2017;8(5):671–680 · PMID 28789559
These are published studies on ingredients, methods and routines, not on products we have made. A finished product needs its own testing before a claim goes on pack, and we design that study with you. See the full evidence library
Anti-dandruff products are OTC drugs in the US. In the EU, zinc pyrithione is now banned in cosmetics, so we build on permitted alternatives.
Concept spotlight
Example concepts to show the range. Every project starts from your own brief, and the finished formula belongs to you.
A mild piroctone olamine shampoo gentle enough for every wash.
A salicylic acid treatment that lifts flakes before shampooing.
A leave-on tonic with prebiotics and cooling agents for itch.
Sectors
Stay ahead in dandruff & scalp health with regulation updates, the latest research, ingredient spotlights, recalls and market trends, written by the Guires CSL formulation, testing, clinical and regulatory teams.
Explore market insights
FAQ
Usually not. The US requires an OTC drug active such as pyrithione zinc, which is now banned in EU cosmetics. We develop market-specific versions.
With expert flake grading on panels with dandruff, before and after two to four weeks of use.
Yes, by balancing the active with mild surfactants and prebiotics, and testing with scalp swabs.
You do. We sign an NDA before you share your brief, and the formula and technical file are handed over at the end of the project.
Every dandruff & scalp health project at Guires CSL runs inside an ISO 9001 certified quality system, with documented methods, calibrated instruments, traceable raw materials and reviewed reports, so the results behind your product can be checked and defended.
Guires CSL quality & accreditations
In their words
“Integrating an effective anti-dandruff active into a mild surfactant base reduced visible flakes while keeping our shampoo suitable for daily use.”
“Standardised flake scoring combined with sebum measurement gave our anti-dandruff claims clear, objective support.”
“A fine-tuned surfactant system now controls oiliness without irritation, while viscosity stays stable and consistent.”
“Active concentrations were verified against regulatory limits in each market, with the technical file built in parallel with formulation.”
Insights
Guidance from our formulation, testing and regulatory teams on the topics this page covers.
Permitted alternatives, how they perform, and what changes on the label.
Read articleClimbazole is an azole antifungal used in anti-dandruff shampoos, usually alongside another active. Here is what the trials show and how CSL formulation scientists use…
Read articlePiroctone olamine is a widely used anti-dandruff agent. Here is what the trials show, how strong they are, and how CSL formulation scientists use it within EU…
Read articleFrom the CSL bioscience lab
Start a project
Our formulation chemists, testing scientists and regulatory specialists work alongside your team, from the first brief to a market-ready product. Bring a brief, a benchmark or just an idea: a scientist will reply within one working day with next steps and an indicative scope.
