Neutrogena · Shampoo
Neutrogena T/ Sal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Lower concern, no identified PFAS triggers in typical shampoo formulation.
Neutrogena T/Sal is a liquid shampoo with no water-resistant coating, nonstick surface, or grease-repellent treatment that would typically require PFAS. The brand makes no PFAS claims either way. Standard cosmetic shampoos carry lower PFAS risk than treated apparel or nonstick cookware, though independent testing data is absent.
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aqueous shampoo base with salicylic acid and sulfur actives
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Neutrogena T/Sal is an aqueous shampoo base containing salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid exfoliant) and sulfur as active anti-dandruff agents, plus standard emulsifiers, humectants, and preservatives. Salicylic acid and sulfur are well-established, low-toxicity topical actives with decades of safe use in over-the-counter dandruff formulations. The product is rinsed thoroughly after application, limiting skin absorption and systemic exposure. No heavy metal contaminants, formaldehyde releasers, or known allergen triggers have been reported in published safety data or recalls for this specific product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Neutrogena (Johnson and Johnson) has not published a formal stance on PFAS in personal care products, but the brand maintains standard cosmetic safety compliance and publishes ingredient lists transparently. No recalls, regulatory actions, or substantiated safety controversies specific to T/Sal have been issued by the FDA or consumer safety agencies. Neutrogena products routinely pass dermatological testing and are widely used in clinical settings, though the brand does not independently certify cosmetic-grade formulations against third-party standards.
How it compares in its category
T/Sal occupies the mainstream OTC anti-dandruff market alongside Head and Shoulders, Selsun Blue, and Nizoral; all rely on similar active ingredients (salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide). T/Sal's sulfur and salicylic acid combination is gentler than selenium sulfide formulations and does not carry the photosensitivity or staining warnings of some alternatives. Pricing and availability are standard for mass-market products; no performance or safety advantage over competitors is evident from clinical data.
If you buy it
Use as directed (typically 2-3 times weekly) and rinse thoroughly; salicylic acid can irritate if left on scalp. Discontinue if scalp redness, burning, or allergic reaction occurs. Store at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight; shampoos degrade slowly over years but no replacement schedule beyond normal use is required. Sulfur has a characteristic odor that some find unpleasant; this is normal and not a safety concern.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Fragrance compounds in shampoos can trigger allergic contact dermatitis or scalp sensitization in susceptible individuals. T/Sal contains fragrance but Neutrogena does not disclose the specific fragrance allergen profile; patch testing is advisable for those with known fragrance sensitivity.
Preservative-related contact irritation
No preservative toxicity or sensitization has been reported for T/Sal formulations. Standard preservatives (parabens or phenoxyethanol) used in shampoos are present at low levels and rinse off quickly, presenting minimal systemic exposure risk.
Salicylic acid skin irritation with overuse
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can cause dryness, irritation, or temporary flaking if used excessively or if left on the scalp too long. This is not a formulation defect but a usage risk; adherence to label directions mitigates it.
Sulfur odor and potential sensitization
Sulfur shampoos produce a characteristic rotten egg smell; no toxicological hazard is associated with sulfur at the concentrations used in anti-dandruff products, though odor aversion may limit compliance.
Heavy metals in colorants or mineral actives
Sulfur and salicylic acid are not known sources of cadmium, lead, or arsenic. No recalls or contamination incidents involving this product have been recorded, and ingredient-level quality control by Neutrogena is assumed to meet FDA cosmetic standards.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Puracy
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✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Puracy
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Lower PFAS concern, liquid cosmetic with no water-resistant or nonstick triggers.
⚠Risky category by default
More shampoo grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.