Highly Efficient Rinse-Off/Leave-On Scalp Care Treatments to Reduce Moderate to Severe Dandruff

In a study from 2013, 102 subjects with moderate to very strong dandruff were treated with a shampoo containing piroctone olamine and climbazole, and some also used a scalp tonic with piroctone olamine and licochalcone A. The study lasted 4 weeks with a 2-week post-treatment phase using placebo shampoo. Results showed a significant reduction in dandruff severity and Malassezia (a fungus associated with dandruff) colony-forming units after using the anti-dandruff shampoo alone or in combination with the tonic. This reduction persisted even after the treatment phase. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with dandruff. The combination of shampoo and tonic was particularly effective, likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of licochalcone A and the tonic's ability to remain on the scalp. Both treatments exhibited anti-fungal activity, but the shampoo and tonic combination provided a superior benefit.