Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: HEAD SHOULDERS CONDITIONER versus SELSUN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: HEAD SHOULDERS CONDITIONER versus SELSUN.
HEAD & SHOULDERS CONDITIONER vs SELSUN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Not applicable; this is a cosmetic conditioner. No pharmacological mechanism.
Selenium sulfide is an antifungal agent that inhibits the growth of Malassezia species by reducing selenium to elemental selenium, which is toxic to the fungus. It also reduces sebum production via unknown mechanisms.
Not applicable. Head & Shoulders Conditioner is a cosmetic product for external use on hair and scalp; no systemic dosing.
Apply 5-10 mL of 2.5% selenium sulfide lotion to affected areas of scalp, lather with water, leave on for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use twice weekly for 2 weeks, then once weekly for maintenance.
None Documented
None Documented
Not applicable for systemic elimination; local retention on hair/scalp lasts until next wash (typically 24-48 hours).
Not well defined due to minimal systemic absorption; topical application yields negligible plasma levels.
Renal (urine): <1% unchanged; biliary/fecal: <1% as parent compound; majority remains on hair/scalp and is removed via washing and shedding. Systemic absorption negligible.
Selenium sulfide is minimally absorbed; absorbed portions are excreted renally (approx. 80-90%) and fecally (10-20%).
Category C
Category C
Antifungal/Antidandruff
Antifungal/Antiseborrheic