Selsun Blue

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Selsun Blue is a shampoo, developed by Abbott Laboratories and later bought by Chattem, that functions as an over-the-counter treatment for dandruff. It has been marketed as a more effective alternative to the brand leader, Head & Shoulders, due to its superior performance in randomized trials. [1] However, its retail price is also much higher: In the United States, Selsun Blue costs approximately 77 cents per fluid ounce, while Head & Shoulders costs approximately 32 cents per fluid ounce.

The active ingredient in Selsun Blue is selenium sulfide (1%). Selsun (not Selsun Blue) is a related product made by the same company and available over-the-counter (in some countries) which contains 2.5% selenium sulfide. Selsun can be used as a topical treatment for some skin conditions, including tinea versicolor.

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 as Selsun Blue, pyrithione zinc 1%, and are oriented toward the higher-end shampoo market. [2]