Is zinc pyrithione banned in the UK?

A one-page summary to pin up for clients.

The answer

GB: BannedNI: Banned

Yes, in cosmetics. Zinc pyrithione, once common in anti-dandruff shampoos, is banned in cosmetics across the UK. In Great Britain the ban started on 15 October 2022, with old stock allowed on sale until 15 December 2022. In Northern Ireland it has been banned since 1 March 2022.

Where you live matters

Great Britain

England, Wales, Scotland

Banned since 15 October 2022

Zinc pyrithione is on the list of substances cosmetics must not contain (Annex II, entry 1669). It was taken off the restricted list and the list of permitted preservatives at the same time.

Northern Ireland

Follows EU cosmetics rules

Banned since 1 March 2022

The EU added zinc pyrithione to its banned list and removed it from the permitted preservatives from 1 March 2022.

Key dates

Where	Rule starts	Old stock: placed on the market	Old stock: last date to be sold
Great Britain	15 October 2022	Before 15 October 2022	Until 15 December 2022
Northern Ireland	1 March 2022	Not allowed from 1 March 2022	Not allowed from 1 March 2022

All transition periods have ended. Anti-dandruff products sold as cosmetics shouldn't contain it.

What the law says

Pyrithione zinc; (T-4)- bis[1-(hydroxy-.kappa.O)pyridine-2(1H)- thionato-.kappa.S]zinc

UK Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 1669, inserted by SI 2022/659

Notwithstanding the amendments in regulation 3(3), (4), (5), (7) and (8) cosmetic products that are placed on the market prior to 15th October 2022 can be made available on the market until 15th December 2022.

SI 2022/659, regulation 4(3)

What this doesn't tell you

This page is about legal status only. A product being allowed doesn't mean it's right for your skin, and a product being banned doesn't tell you how risky an old bottle at home is. If you're worried about a reaction, speak to a pharmacist or GP. This page is about cosmetics. Products sold as medicines follow different rules, and this page doesn't name any brands.

Last checked: 2 November 2026

Sources

isitbannedintheuk.co.uk/rules/zinc-pyrithione/ · Last checked 2 November 2026

General information from official sources, checked on the date shown. Not legal or medical advice. © The Contract Studio UK Ltd