Where to buy Pristine (Pristin) ketoconazole shampoo in Malaysia, and how to use it

Many people search for "Pristin shampoo" after a doctor or pharmacist recommends it for dandruff. The product they mean is Pristine ketoconazole 2% shampoo by Xepa, a Malaysian pharmaceutical company. This guide explains what it is, how it compares with other ketoconazole shampoos, how to use it properly and where to buy genuine stock online.

In short: Xepa Pristine shampoo contains ketoconazole 2%, an antifungal that treats dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and pityriasis versicolor (panau). Use it twice a week for 2 to 4 weeks, leaving it on the scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. You can buy Pristine shampoo 120 ml online from CarePlus Clinic, delivered across Malaysia.

Pristin or Pristine: which is the shampoo?

The anti-dandruff shampoo is spelled Pristine and made by Xepa. "Pristin" is a common misspelling, and it is also the name of an unrelated range of fish oil and supplements. If you want the dandruff shampoo, look for:

• the name Pristine and the maker Xepa on the bottle;
• ketoconazole 2% w/v as the active ingredient;
• a 120 ml bottle;
• a registration number and FarmaTag hologram on the pack, as it is a registered medicine in Malaysia.

What Pristine shampoo treats

• Dandruff that keeps coming back despite ordinary anti-dandruff shampoos;
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp: red, itchy, greasy flaking, sometimes also on the eyebrows, sides of the nose or ears;
• Pityriasis versicolor (panau): pale or brownish patches on the chest, back or arms, very common in Malaysia's hot, humid climate.

All three are linked to Malassezia, a yeast that lives on everyone's skin. Ketoconazole reduces the yeast, which calms the flaking and itching.

Pristine vs Nizoral and other ketoconazole shampoos

Pristine and Nizoral 2% contain the same active ingredient at the same strength and are used the same way. Pristine is a locally made option, usually at a lower price.

How to use it for the best results

1. Wet your hair and scalp.
2. Massage the shampoo into the scalp, not just the hair.
3. Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse well.
4. Use twice a week for 2 to 4 weeks, then once every 1 to 2 weeks to stop dandruff coming back.

For panau, apply to the affected skin once a day for up to 5 days, leave for 5 minutes and rinse. Read our full ketoconazole shampoo guide for tips and side effects.

Where to buy Pristine shampoo in Malaysia

Pristine is sold in pharmacies and clinics. When buying online, choose a licensed pharmacy or clinic rather than a marketplace seller, so you know it is genuine, properly stored and within its expiry date.

CarePlus Clinic, a doctor-led clinic in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur since 1981, sells Xepa Pristine ketoconazole 2% shampoo 120 ml online with delivery across Malaysia, free from RM100, or collection at our clinics. If your scalp is not improving after 4 weeks, or you have hair loss, thick plaques or a rash spreading to the face, WhatsApp our doctor on +60 11-2615 1500 so we can check whether it is something else, such as scalp psoriasis.

Not sure what is causing your flakes? Read dandruff vs dry scalp vs seborrhoeic dermatitis.