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Selsun Blue
View on WikipediaSelsun Blue is an over-the-counter brand of dandruff shampoo now owned by Opella (formerly Sanofi Consumer Healthcare). Made by Abbott Laboratories, the brand was later bought by Chattem in 2002. Chattem was acquired by Sanofi in 2010, although in some markets, it is sold by Rohto Pharmaceutical instead. Selsun Blue has been marketed as a more effective alternative to brand leader Head & Shoulders due to its superior performance in randomized trials.[1]
Formulations
[edit]Over the counter Selsun Blue contains 1% selenium sulfide as its active ingredient in its most popular version[2] (the word "Selsun" is a portmanteau of selenium sulfide + n). Chattem announced that on November 1, 2005, they would introduce a new line of shampoos under the brand name Selsun Salon. These contained a different active ingredient than Selsun Blue, pyrithione zinc 1%, and are oriented toward the higher-end shampoo market. Other active ingredients such as salicylic acid and botanicals are in other versions of Selsun Blue brand dandruff shampoo.
In 2011, the Selsun Blue brand consisted of 15 products spread across two brand segments, Naturals and Base. The Naturals line of products contains the active ingredient salicylic acid in addition to 8 moisturizers & botanicals plus vitamins B5 & E. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that assists with cell shedding or flaking.[3] The base brand consists of six types including Medicated with menthol, 2-in-1, Normal to Oily, Moisturizing, Itchy Dry Scalp, and Deep Cleansing with micro beads.[4] The first four types contain the active ingredient selenium sulfide which has been shown to have anti-fungal properties. More specifically, selenium sulfide, an anti-infective agent, relieves itching and flaking of the scalp and removes the dry, scaly particles commonly referred to as dandruff or seborrhea. Selenium sulfide is also used to treat tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin.[5]
Deep Cleansing was launched by Chattem in January 2011. In addition to the active ingredient salicylic acid, the product touts itself as containing scrubbing micro beads.[clarification needed]
Availability
[edit]Like Chattem’s other products, Selsun Blue is sold through mass merchandisers, drug and food retailers.
References
[edit]- ^ Rapaport M (1981). "A randomized, controlled clinical trial of four anti-dandruff shampoos". J. Int. Med. Res. 9 (2): 152–6. doi:10.1177/030006058100900213. PMID 7014286.
- ^ Moore, Shelley. "Active Ingredients in Selsun Blue". Livestrong.com. Demand Media, Inc. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
- ^ Sanfilippo, Angela; Joseph C. English III (July 2006). "An Overview of Medicated Shampoos Used in Dandruff Treatment" (PDF). P&T. 31 (7): 396–400. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
- ^ "Selsun Blue". Chattem, Inc. Archived from the original on 18 September 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
- ^ "Selenium Sulfide". PubMed Health. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Archived from the original on 27 October 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
External links
[edit]Selsun Blue
View on GrokipediaHistory
Development and Introduction
Selsun Blue was initially developed by Abbott Laboratories in the early 1950s as a selenium sulfide-based antifungal treatment targeted at scalp conditions, including dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.[5][11] The active ingredient, selenium sulfide, received FDA approval for medical use on May 17, 1951.[12] Key clinical trials in the early 1950s established its efficacy against Malassezia, the fungus implicated in dandruff pathogenesis, by demonstrating reduced fungal growth and symptom relief in patients with scalp disorders.[13] A notable 1954 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported successful treatment outcomes for seborrheic dermatitis using selenium sulfide shampoo, supporting its antifungal mechanism.[14] These findings paved the way for the product's market entry, with the first Selsun Blue formulation launched in the United States in 1953 as a prescription medicated shampoo for dandruff control.[11] Early marketing efforts by Abbott emphasized the shampoo's prescription-strength selenium sulfide content, promoting it as a robust solution for severe, fungus-related scalp issues unresponsive to milder remedies.[11]Brand Ownership and Evolution
Selsun Blue was originally developed by Abbott Laboratories and transitioned from a prescription product in 1953 to an over-the-counter medication in 1974, marking a significant shift toward broader consumer accessibility.[11] In 2002, Abbott sold the brand to Chattem, Inc. for $75 million, including worldwide manufacturing and sales rights except in India, with initial contract manufacturing handled by Abbott to ensure continuity.[5] This acquisition allowed Chattem to revitalize the brand through renewed advertising efforts starting in 2003, emphasizing its role as a leading medicated dandruff shampoo for everyday use.[15] Chattem's ownership facilitated product line enhancements, including the introduction of scented and moisturizing variants to appeal to diverse consumer preferences, while expanding distribution in key markets.[16] In 2010, Sanofi acquired Chattem for approximately $1.9 billion, integrating Selsun Blue into its global consumer healthcare portfolio and enabling enhanced international marketing strategies across regions like North America, Asia, and Europe.[6] This move supported broader market penetration, with the brand achieving presence in countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines, and Australia through localized campaigns.[17][18][19] In 2024, Sanofi's consumer health division, including Selsun Blue, rebranded to Opella as a Certified B Corporation committed to sustainable self-care.[7] On April 30, 2025, Sanofi and CD&R closed a transaction forming a joint venture, with CD&R acquiring a 50% controlling stake in Opella.[8] Under this joint stewardship as of November 2025, Selsun Blue has evolved with a focus on digital marketing initiatives post-2020, including interactive online campaigns like the 2021 Upside Down Class Pass Series and a 2025 digital-first reveal for the 20% Extra Campaign.[20][21] In 2023, Sanofi appointed The Martin Agency as its North American creative agency of record, overseeing branding for Selsun Blue alongside other products to drive modern, targeted consumer engagement.[22] These efforts have prioritized e-commerce integration and social media outreach to maintain relevance in a competitive personal care landscape.Composition
Active Ingredients
Selsun Blue primarily contains selenium sulfide as its key active ingredient, formulated at a 1% concentration in most over-the-counter variants to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.[23][2] This compound demonstrates potent antifungal properties targeted against Malassezia species, the yeast associated with scalp conditions, with antifungal properties against Malassezia species, attributed to the toxicity of selenium to fungi, by disrupting fungal cellular processes.[24][25][26] Beyond its antifungal effects, selenium sulfide functions as an antimitotic agent, slowing the proliferation and turnover of epidermal cells on the scalp, while also reducing sebum production to minimize oiliness and subsequent scaling.[27][28][29] Historically, earlier prescription formulations of selenium sulfide shampoos, including initial versions related to Selsun Blue, employed higher 2.5% concentrations, but regulatory developments in the 1970s led to the approval and standardization of 1% for over-the-counter use to balance efficacy with safety.[10][30] Certain Selsun Blue variants incorporate adjunct actives like pyrithione zinc in place of or alongside selenium sulfide for enhanced antifungal action in specific formulations. In select international markets, as of 2024, advanced formulations incorporate piroctone olamine alongside selenium sulfide for dual antifungal action.[31][32]Inactive Ingredients
Selsun Blue shampoos contain a variety of inactive ingredients that serve as the formulation base, aiding in cleansing, stability, texture, and preservation without contributing to the product's therapeutic effects. Water functions as the primary solvent, comprising the bulk of the formulation to dissolve and carry other components. Surfactants such as ammonium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate provide cleansing action by reducing surface tension and enabling lathering, while cocamidopropyl betaine acts as a mild, foam-boosting agent to enhance user experience during application.[33][34] Additional inactives include viscosity controllers like magnesium aluminum silicate and sodium chloride, which thicken the product for better spreadability and handling, and emulsifiers such as cocamide DEA or MEA that maintain homogeneity and improve foam stability. Fragrance components are incorporated to mask odors and provide a pleasant scent, often neutral or lightly floral in standard formulations. Preservatives like DMDM hydantoin inhibit microbial growth, while chelating agents such as disodium EDTA help stabilize the formulation by binding metal ions, ensuring shelf life and safety during use.[33][34][2] These ingredients collectively support pH balance for scalp compatibility and overall product integrity, with citric acid and sodium hydroxide often used as buffering agents. Formulations vary across regions to comply with local regulations, including paraben-free options in many current products to address consumer and safety concerns. The following table summarizes common inactive ingredients and their primary roles based on standard medicated variants:| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Water | Solvent |
| Ammonium lauryl sulfate | Surfactant/cleansing |
| Ammonium laureth sulfate | Surfactant/cleansing |
| Cocamidopropyl betaine | Foaming agent/surfactant |
| Magnesium aluminum silicate | Viscosity controlling/thickener |
| Cocamide DEA | Emulsifying/foam booster |
| Fragrance | Perfuming |
| DMDM hydantoin | Preservative |
| Citric acid | Buffering/pH adjustment |
