FAQ - DermaHarmony Dandruff Shampoo Bars
What are the DermaHarmony dandruff shampoo bar options?
We make 6 different bars:
1) 2% Pyrithione Zinc Peppermint Dandruff Bar
2) 2% Pyrithione Zinc Unscented/Fragrance-Free Dandruff Bar
3) 2% Pyrithione Zinc Tea Tree Dandruff Bar
4) 5% Sulfur & 2% Salicylic Acid Peppermint Dandruff Bar
5) 3% Salicylic Acid Unscented Bar
6) 5% Sulfur & Peppermint Dandruff Bar
Pyrithione Zinc, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur are clinically proven to fight, reduce, help eliminate, stop, and control: itching, irritation, redness, flaking, and scaling. As shampoo, they're used to treat seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, psoriasis, and acne.
Why so many choices?
Pyrithione zinc is a highly effective active ingredient and a primary choice for many of our formulations; however, we recognize the importance of offering choices to consumers. A small subset of the population may be sensitive or allergic to pyrithione zinc, while others may prefer naturally derived alternatives over synthetically formed ingredients.
To accommodate these preferences, we developed a combination product featuring 5% sulfur and 2% salicylic acid. Further customer feedback revealed distinct cohorts: some customers expressed a desire for a shampoo bar containing solely salicylic acid, and another group preferred a shampoo bar with sulfur as the single active ingredient.
All of these shampoo bars comply with the FDA over-the-counter monograph for Dandruff medication. This means that each bar has been formulated in manner that is clinically proven to control the symptoms of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and/or psoriasis.
Each bar has slightly different characteristics. Sulfur shampoo is helpful for those with an oily scalp. Salicylic Acid is great for those that need a deep cleanse to remove product buildup. Which is best for you? You'll need to experiment to find what you like best. All of the bars will control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
What is the pH of the dandruff bars?
5.1 to 5.4 depending on the bar.
Is it safe to use these bars on color-treated hair?
Yes, all of the bars are safe for color-treated hair.
How to use?
Run under water and rub between hands to create lather or apply directly to the hair and massage into scalp – leave the shampoo on your scalp for 60 to 90 seconds before rinsing. Follow by using a conditioner of your choice (or check out our Grace of Me conditioner bar).
How do I store shampoo bars?
After use, rinse and allow the bar to air dry, keep away from direct water / sunlight. Bars can attract moisture in humid climates. Best to store in a low humidity environment or consider using a shampoo bar holder, soap holder with drainage or a soap bag.
How long does one shampoo bar last?
DermaHarmony shampoo bars are designed to provide the equivalent of at least a 24 oz bottle of liquid shampoo. It really depends on the length and thickness of your hair and how often you wash. Results vary because not everyone uses shampoo the same way. The sulfur only bar has the least amount of washes -- that's due to how sulfur binds with other ingredients. We love customer feedback. Send us details about your experience with how long our shampoo bars last. Be sure to include your hair length/type and how often you shampoo.
Do DermaHarmony shampoo bars have a shelf life?
DermaHarmony shampoo bars are a registered OTC Drug product. OTC drugs are required to have an expiration date. We stability test our bars 3 years from the production date. Why 3 years? Three years is the industry standard. When properly stored (kept cool and dry) they may remain effective far beyond this time frame. A shampoo bar is past its prime if you notice a change in its appearance, scent, or texture. Specifically, look for a fading or darkening color, a complete loss of its original fragrance, or a stale or unpleasant smell. Other signs include a slimy or slick surface, or large orange or brown spots. Small brown spots are semi-common in our bars. Discoloration can result from the oatmeal flakes or sulfur flakes. Pyrithione zinc bars do not normally discolor.
Will my hair lather with a bar?
It sure will. We add coconut fatty acid to boost foam and lather. Sucrose cocoate (derived from coconuts) increase the density of foam. You can apply directly to wet hair or lather between your hands before use. Then massage the big bold lather into your hair and scalp.
Is DermaHarmony shampoo vegan?
Yes! All of our products are vegan and gluten-free. The only exception is some Grace of Me soaps that include honey, and goat’s milk.
Do DermaHarmony products contain sulfates, phthalates, parabens, or silicones?
No, our shampoo bars are free of the bad stuff. All of our ingredients score well on EWG Skin Deep - a website that rates ingredients based on scientific standards for transparency and health.