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Selsun Blue

Selsun Blue Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

About this product

Selsun Blue is an over-the-counter medicated anti-dandruff shampoo containing selenium sulfide, designed to help control dandruff and scalp flaking.

More from Selsun Blue 1 product · Guru Score 89% →

Guru Score

77%

Yay

6 experts · Strong agreement

What the gurus are saying

Selsun Blue's selenium sulfide is the ingredient these experts keep returning to, because it works on the yeast behind flaky, itchy scalp. Several reviewers find it a little drying, so those with a dry scalp rather than dandruff may want to watch how their skin feels. The scent has been called a touch strong, but the product does not irritate everybody. Leave it on for about five minutes before rinsing.
Synthesized from 6 expert reviews · most recent take July 2026

What they liked

  • Effective antifungal for dandruff and fungal conditions
  • Affordable, available over the counter
  • Works best as a short contact wash, 3-5 minutes

What they flagged

  • Can be drying on naturally dry scalp
  • Strong fragrance

Type

HaircareLiquid

Where to buy

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored
✓Yay
"It works by slowing down the yeast overgrowth and reducing inflammation within the hair follicle. This can be especially helpful for people whose fungal acne flares when there is sweating and humidity. A common brand I love for here is Selsun Blue. You can also get the Niserol shampoo in the navy blue bottle. And just like shampoo, this can be used as a short contact wash rather than a leave-on product. Apply it, let it sit 3 to 5 minutes, then hop in the shower and rinse it off."
✓Yay
"Other types of selenium sulfide shampoo, like Selsun Blue, can sometimes be beneficial as well for an itchy, irritated scalp from dandruff."
All 3 takes from 208SkinDoc
Why Beard Dandruff Keeps Coming Back (Dermatologist Explains Bruff)
"Selsun Blue is the classic selenium sulfide shampoo you can get over the counter. Selenium sulfide has antifungal properties and works well for seborrheic dermatitis. You wash it in, leave it for five minutes, then rinse it out. Some people can find this one a little bit more drying, so if you have naturally dry skin underneath, just keep that in mind. It doesn't irritate everybody."
I'm a Dermatologist - Here's What Reddit Gets Wrong
"The recommendation for Selsun Blue or ketoconazole shampoo is accurate. These will help reduce the number of yeast on the skin. In order to use them effectively you want to wash the area and [...] let it sit for about five to ten minutes before you rinse it off, [...] giving the active ingredient time to kill some of that yeast. If that is not helping, that is the time to go see a dermatologist."
Teen Skincare 101: How to Clear Acne, Build Confidence & Avoid Expensive Mistakes
"Other types of selenium sulfide shampoo, like Selsun Blue, can sometimes be beneficial as well for an itchy, irritated scalp from dandruff."
✓Yay
"My favorite shampoos to target the yeast would be things with selenium sulfide like Selsun Blue."
✓Mixed
"To me Selsun Blue's fragrance is just a bit too strong"
✓Yay
"Given everything I've said about the protocol, it can work, it is well established to work, though for a lot of people it doesn't work because they weren't properly counseled or didn't do the protocol correctly. It's rather involved and a lot to keep up with, but I suggest doing it once a week for at least three months, and bringing it back into your shower routine once the hot humid months approach."
All 5 takes from Dr Dray
Dermatologist Q&A: Best Sunscreens, Rosacea Tips & Scar Care
"If you've been doing Selsun Blue, which is selenium sulfide, and you feel like you're not getting anywhere, rather than completely bail on it, because chances are you still have a bottle of it, keep going with it and just start alternating in zinc [pyrithione] on a different day. Also, salicylic acid, it doesn't target the yeast, but it does help calm down inflammation and exfoliate away the flakes."
Skincare For Redness Around Nose | Dermatologist Tips
"There's also selenium sulfide found in Selsun Blue anti-dandruff shampoo."
Distinguishing Dandruff From Dry Scalp: Expert Tips For Clearing Up Flakes
"Anti-dandruff shampoos can be a game changer. They're medicated shampoos with active ingredients that address specifically the root causes of dandruff. However, a lot of these shampoos are a little on the drying side, so if you actually have a dry scalp and not dandruff, these might make your dry scalp significantly worse. Selsun Blue has selenium sulfide."
Combat Skin Fungus Like A Pro With Selsun Blue Shampoo!
"You can buy it in the store in a shampoo without a prescription such as Selsun Blue Shampoo. Selenium sulfide is very useful for treating a variety of skin disorders related to the yeast Malassezia. Malassezia is part of our normal skin microbiome, it is supposed to be there, however for some people it can get too comfortable and develop too much Malassezia. They can get [...] irritation and inflammation as a result, and it can lead to specific skin problems in the scalp."
Banish Tinea Versicolor Forever Using These Steps
"Given everything I've said about the protocol, it can work, it is well established to work, though for a lot of people it doesn't work because they weren't properly counseled or didn't do the protocol correctly. It's rather involved and a lot to keep up with, but I suggest doing it once a week for at least three months, and bringing it back into your shower routine once the hot humid months approach."
✓Yay
"Celson blue which has selenium sulfate"

Frequently asked.

What is Selsun Blue Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?

Selsun Blue is an over-the-counter medicated anti-dandruff shampoo containing selenium sulfide, designed to help control dandruff and scalp flaking.

Is Selsun Blue Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo worth it?

Mostly yes. 5 of the 6 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 77%.

What is Selsun Blue Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo's Guru Score?

Selsun Blue Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo holds a Guru Score of 77%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 6 expert reviewers we have collected.

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