Effectiveness of five antidandruff cosmetic formulations against planktonic cells and biofilms of dermatophytes

This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antifungal effectiveness of five different formulations against dandruff and ringworm dermatophytes. Candida albicans was also included in our assays. Fungal susceptibility tests were performed with planktonic cells and biofilms of reference strains. Microbiological and physicochemical quality parameters were assessed for all formulations. Our data indicated that the formulations were effective against the dermatophytes strains, and to our knowledge, the effectiveness of cosmetic formulations against fungal biofilms is shown for the first time. The formulations were considered effective against the explored dermatophytes and were considered safe given the adequate microbiological and physicochemical characteristics shown in the proposed assays.