Selenium sulfide
Selenium sulfide suppliers and sourcing guide
Selenium sulfide is a bright orange to reddish-brown, water-insoluble powder made by reacting selenious acid or a selenium compound with hydrogen sulfide. Pharmacopeial material is a mixture of selenium sulfides with a set selenium content. Brands buy it as a standard or micronized powder, or as a premade suspension, for medicated shampoos where it is the declared OTC active.
- Category
- Cosmetic actives
- Also known as
- Selenium disulfide · Selenium sulphide · SeS2 · CAS 7488-56-4
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of selenium sulfide
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Standard powder
Pharmacopeial-grade powder used at the standard monograph level in shampoos.
Micronized
Finely ground powder with a defined particle size distribution, which has its own lower monograph level.
Suspension concentrate
Premade suspensions that avoid handling the toxic dry powder in the plant.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Selenium assay
- Selenium content by the compendial titration or ICP, which sets the selenium sulfide dose.
- Particle size
- Median and tail sizes by laser diffraction, required to show a micronized grade meets its definition.
- Soluble selenium compounds
- Limit test for soluble selenium, which is more toxic than the insoluble sulfide.
- Residue on ignition
- Inorganic residue after burning.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic and other metals by ICP-MS.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store selenium sulfide in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, away from acids and oxidizers. It is toxic by ingestion and inhalation, so handle it with dust control and keep it segregated. Shelf life and retest dates come from the supplier's specification.
Lots and expiry dates
Record selenium assay and particle size for each lot; micronized lots must match the monograph's particle-size definition. Keep separate records for standard and micronized grades, since they are used at different levels.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 358.710 lists selenium sulfide at 1 percent, and micronized selenium sulfide at 0.6 percent, as OTC monograph actives for dandruff products.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 358.703 defines micronized selenium sulfide as selenium sulfide finely ground to a median particle size of approximately 5 micrometers, with limits on particles above 15 and below 0.5 micrometers.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist prohibits selenium and its compounds in cosmetics, excluding selenium sulfide.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Anti-Dandruff Products Monograph lists selenium sulfide at 1 to 2.5% and micronized selenium sulfide at 0.6%.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Selenium sulfide suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking selenium sulfide suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell selenium sulfide? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of selenium sulfide can brands buy?
Common forms include standard powder, micronized and suspension concentrate. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for selenium sulfide include?
Expect selenium assay, particle size, soluble selenium compounds, residue on ignition and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should selenium sulfide be stored?
Store selenium sulfide in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, away from acids and oxidizers. It is toxic by ingestion and inhalation, so handle it with dust control and keep it segregated. Shelf life and retest dates come from the supplier's specification.
What is the regulatory status of selenium sulfide?
21 CFR 358.710 lists selenium sulfide at 1 percent, and micronized selenium sulfide at 0.6 percent, as OTC monograph actives for dandruff products. 21 CFR 358.703 defines micronized selenium sulfide as selenium sulfide finely ground to a median particle size of approximately 5 micrometers, with limits on particles above 15 and below 0.5 micrometers. Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist prohibits selenium and its compounds in cosmetics, excluding selenium sulfide. Health Canada's Anti-Dandruff Products Monograph lists selenium sulfide at 1 to 2.5% and micronized selenium sulfide at 0.6%.
More cosmetic actives
- Hyaluronic AcidSodium hyaluronate · Hyaluronan
- NiacinamideNicotinamide · Vitamin B3 amide
- Shea ButterButyrospermum parkii butter · Vitellaria paradoxa butter
- Retinolall-trans-retinol · vitamin A alcohol
- Retinyl palmitatevitamin A palmitate · retinol palmitate
- Salicylic acid2-hydroxybenzoic acid · o-hydroxybenzoic acid
- Glycolic acidhydroxyacetic acid · 2-hydroxyethanoic acid
- Mandelic acid2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid · alpha-hydroxyphenylacetic acid
- Azelaic acidnonanedioic acid · 1,7-heptanedicarboxylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxidedibenzoyl peroxide · hydrous benzoyl peroxide
- Alpha-arbutin4-hydroxyphenyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside · hydroquinone O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside
- Kojic acid5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one · CAS 501-30-4
Sell ingredients to brands?
Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.