Dove Dryness and Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Shampoo

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Expert Recommendation

AVOID - worst preservative system among anti-dandruff shampoos tested. Contains TRIPLE concerning preservatives: DMDM Hydantoin (formaldehyde-releaser), MI/MCI combo (highly sensitizing, banned in EU leave-ons), AND Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. Also has harsh SLES. The nice oils (Coconut, Shea, Sunflower) cannot compensate for this toxic cocktail. Zinc Pyrithione is less effective than Ketoconazole anyway. Choose Nizoral for severe dandruff or Head and Shoulders Clinical for mild cases.

Quick Description

Dove Dryness and Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a shampoo crafted by Dove to keep scalp and hair balanced. It is designed for everyday use and aims to leave hair feeling refreshed and lightweight. The formula features key ingredients selected to cleanse, support scalp comfort, and maintain a clean finish. Ideal for users wanting a thorough yet considerate cleanse with a focus on clarity.

Ingredient Overview

Pyrithione Zinc, Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, DMDM Hydantoin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Fragrance

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Highlights

#alcohol-free #good-for-oily-scalp #has-fragrance

Key Ingredients

Pyrithione Zinc

Antifungal/antibacterial active for dandruff

Water

Base solvent

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Harsh sulfate surfactant

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Gentle co-surfactant

Coconut Oil

Nourishing natural oil

Shea Butter

Deeply moisturizing butter

Ingredient Table

Ingredient	Details	Rating
Pyrithione Zinc	Antifungal/antibacterial active for dandruff Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Good
Water	Base solvent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Good
Sodium Laureth Sulfate	Harsh sulfate surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Bad
Cocamidopropyl Betaine	Gentle co-surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Good
Coconut Oil	Nourishing natural oil Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Good
Shea Butter	Deeply moisturizing butter Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Good
Sunflower Seed Oil	Lightweight emollient oil Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Good
Tocopheryl Acetate	Vitamin E antioxidant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Good
Glycerin	Humectant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Good
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride	Natural conditioning agent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Good
DMDM Hydantoin	Formaldehyde-releasing preservative - potential carcinogen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Bad
Methylchloroisothiazolinone	Highly sensitizing preservative - banned in leave-ons in EU Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Bad
Methylisothiazolinone	Highly sensitizing preservative - major allergen Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Bad
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate	Preservative with sensitization potential Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Moderate
TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate	Harsh detergent surfactant Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Bad
Dimethicone	Silicone for smoothing Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Moderate
Dimethiconol	Silicone for smoothing Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Moderate
Fragrance	Added scent Further: helps keep sebum and buildup in check, improves sensory slip, and stabilizes the formula across repeated washes.	Moderate

Explanation of Key Groups

Surfactants

Primary and co-surfactants (e.g., Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco/Ampho betaines) provide the cleanse, foam, and removal of scalp oils. Mild co-surfactants help soften the feel and improve tolerance.

Clay Minerals

Clays like kaolin, bentonite, or montmorillonite absorb excess sebum and impurities, contributing to a fresher, balanced scalp feel without heavy residue.

Actives

Ingredients such as salicylic acid or zinc derivatives can support gentle exfoliation and sebum regulation, helping keep follicles clear and comfortable.

Humectants

Water-binding agents (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronate) attract moisture to reduce the stripped feel after cleansing and keep lengths softer.

Safety Notes & Allergens

Fragrance allergens (e.g., linalool, geraniol, coumarin) may be present if fragrance is listed.
Colorants (CI numbers or named dyes) are aesthetic only; skip if you react to synthetic dyes.
Potential irritation: strong surfactants and fragrance allergens can bother very sensitive scalps.
If you have fragrance allergies or highly reactive skin, patch test before full use.

Summary

Best suited for users seeking a clear, balanced cleanse. It effectively targets buildup with its surfactant system and supporting actives, while maintaining a light feel on the hair. Be mindful of surfactant strength, fragrance presence, and any colorants if you are sensitive.

Who is this product good for?

✓ People wanting a refreshing cleanse with balanced oil control
✓ Those comfortable with light fragrance in haircare
⚠ Very sensitive scalps should monitor for fragrance or surfactant irritation

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