Dandruff occurs when the skin renewal process on the scalp is impaired, causing excess dead skin cells to form visible flakes. It is often caused by a combination of fungal growth, excess sebum secretion, and local inflammation on the scalp. Antidandruff shampoos contain anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and keratostatic agents, but often do not treat the associated irritation, itching, and redness symptoms. Ichthyol pale is an ingredient that can treat dandruff as well as these symptoms due to its anti-microbial, anti-fungal, keratostatic, anti-seborrhoeic, and anti-irritant properties.

1. Dealing with dandruff
Skin renewal is a continuous process where older cells are pushed to the surface and are cast
off from scalp as nearly invisible particles.
In case of dandruff, this skin renewal process is impaired leading to the formation of excess
dead cells which form clumps and are visible as flakes or scales to the naked eye.
Dandruff is often related with one or more of the following factors:
 Fungal growth
 Excess sebum secretion
 Local inflammations
Often all the above mentioned factors are interrelated. Excess sebum serves as nutrient for
fungi on the scalp increasing them in number which through their lipolytic activity increase
the amount of the free acids causing skin irritations like itching and irritation.
This results in local inflammation leading to enhanced cell growth resulting in formation of
scales or flakes on the scalp.
Excess sebum
Excess
Excess cell
growth Fungal
growth
Dandruff
Irritation
Inflammation Itching
Redness
Most antidandruff shampoos incorporate anti-fungal, keratostatic and anti-bacterial agents in
the formulation. Some of the very common anti-fungal agents in the formulation are
Ketoconazole, Zinc Pyrithione, Piroctone Olamine, Coal tar, Selenium Sulphide, Climbazole,
Sulphur containing compounds, tea tree oil etc.
Although all the active ingredients work towards treating dandruff, other common symptoms
(Irritation, itching and redness) associated with dandruff tend to get ignored.
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2. Ketoconazole is a very effective anti-fungal agent that inhibits the formation of ergosterol, a
vital component of fungal cell membrane. Selenium sulphide exhibits anti-mitotic action
resulting in reduction of epidermal cell turnover. Piroctone Olamine exhibits anti-microbial
and anti-oxidative action. Zinc pyrithione normalizes the epithelial keratinization and reduces
sebum production. Some of the most common side effects associated with each of the above
mentioned ingredients are itching, irritation and redness of the scalp. Other considerable ones
include rashes, excess dryness, abnormal hair loss etc...
There lies a need to develop a formulation that’s not only effective in prevention and
treatment of dandruff but also in treating the symptoms associated with it.
Ichthyol pale is one such multi-functional ingredient that exhibits the following properties
 anti-microbial
 anti-fungal
 keratostatic
 anti seborrhoeic
 anti-irritant
Trichorganics Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is one such unique formulation developed by Finn
Cosmeceuticals with a multi-faceted approach towards dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
It contains Ketoconazole (1%) and Icthyol pale (0.5%).
Ketoconazole is a very potent anti-mycotic agent which works effectively against dandruff
and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Icthyol pale slows desquamation of scalp, normalizes the enhanced cell growth and reduces
sebum secretion and also itching, inflammation and redness. Moreover it provides a soothing
effect on the scalp.
It is a natural ingredient which is considered safe without any side effects.
This formulation is completely free from Parabens, synthetic fragrances, synthetic colours,
silicones.
It is a shampoo with good conditioners and mild surfactants to keep hair healthy and strong.
In comparison studies conducted with other active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, piroctone
olamine, coal tar, ichthyol pale showed superior effects in treating dandruff and it also
showed reduction in itching, irritation and redness.
This formulation can be used in conjunction with Trichorganics – Intensive Hair and Scalp
Therapy for treatment of Alopecia.
Author: Sohel Mohammed www.finnindia.com wwww.trichorganics.com
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