Development and Validation of a Complexometric and Potentiometric Titration Method for the Quantitative Determination of Zinc Pyrithione in Shampoo

Most of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic products used for the treatment of dandruff have zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient; therefore; quantifying this component becomes necessary. The purpose of this study was the validation of two simple and fast methodologies in the quantification of zinc pyrithione for shampoo quality control to guarantee consumer safety. The first method comprised a manual complexometric titration, and the second comprised a potentiometric titration performed with an automatic titrator, obtaining sensitivity values of 0.0534% and 0.0038%, respectively, precision expressed in RSD% values below than 1%, and accuracy in recovery percentage greater than 99%. Additionally, both methods were robust when subjected to significant changes in working conditions (temperature and pH) and were selective even in the presence of interferences and degradation products. Finally, the methodologies were adequate to ensure the quality of shampoo to ensure the safety of consumers.

Automated summary

This study validated two simple and fast methods for quantifying zinc pyrithione, used in shampoo quality control to ensure consumer safety. These methods demonstrated high sensitivity, precision, robustness, and selectivity.