Jupiter started in 2020, founded by Robbie Salter, Ross Goodhart and Alexa Adler. Fashionista reports that the brand set out to address dandruff and scalp dryness, launched direct to consumers, and later reached Dermstore, Bergdorf Goodman and around 150 independent dermatologists and salons. The founders developed the formulas with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julie Karen.

The interesting part is what they chose to put inside. The active ingredient in Jupiter Balancing Shampoo is zinc pyrithione, an FDA-regulated dandruff active. The founders told Cool Hunting they chose it after dermatological reports called it the gentlest and most universally usable option, and they added, "It's the same active ingredient that Head and Shoulders uses."

I love that honesty. Jupiter did not invent a new dandruff cure. It took a proven one, put it in a bottle that looks good on a shelf, and built a full routine around the scalp: shampoo, conditioner, a leave-on serum, a scalp moisturizer and a brush.

The first grid is the Jupiter routine, led by the Balancing Shampoo. The second is eight other dandruff shampoos, including the Head & Shoulders classics the founders mentioned, plus ketoconazole, salicylic acid and gentler options.

My tip for any dandruff shampoo: lather it into your scalp and leave it there for a few minutes before rinsing. The active needs contact time, and most people rinse too fast.

The Anti-Dandruff Balancing Shampoo is the centre of it all. It has 1% zinc pyrithione, cleans gently, removes excess oil and helps balance the scalp. If your flakes are mild to moderate, this alone may be enough.

The Nourishing Conditioner is creamy and made to help restore the scalp's moisture barrier and smooth frizz. The Anti-Dandruff Restoring Serum is a leave-on treatment with 0.125% zinc pyrithione for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and dry scalp, and it is the step I would add if the shampoo alone is not enough.

The Renewing Scalp Moisturizer is weightless and fragrance-free, a leave-on to help hydrate the scalp between washes. The Exfoliating Scalp Brush is a 3-in-1 tool that exfoliates, lifts buildup and massages the scalp before or during shampooing, and it helps shampoo reach the scalp through thick hair.

For days when your scalp is fine but your hair feels dry, the Daily Hydrating Shampoo is the gentle wash, and the Deep Moisturizing Conditioner adds root-to-tip hydration. The Day 2 Dry Shampoo refreshes and extends your style.

A routine that works: Balancing Shampoo two or three times a week, Daily Hydrating Shampoo on the other days, and the serum on your scalp at night.

What I would skip: the brush on a sore or broken scalp. Use your fingertips until it calms down.

These are the dandruff shampoos I would compare with the first grid, and they use a range of different actives.

Head & Shoulders has three here. The Classic Clean is the one from that founders' quote, with zinc pyrithione. Itch Relief adds barrier care for an itchy scalp, and Bare Pure Clean is the brand's first anti-dandruff shampoo with only nine ingredients, free of sulfates and silicones.

Nizoral uses 1% ketoconazole, an antifungal, and it is the one to try if zinc pyrithione has not helped. Neutrogena Scalp Therapy uses 2.5% salicylic acid to lift flakes, with a cooling peppermint feel. The CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo was made with dermatologists and adds hydration, which suits a dry, flaky scalp. Dove's Derma Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo soothes itch while it treats flakes. Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Shampoo is a maximum-strength clean formula for flaking and itch.

A tip on actives: if one stops working after a few months, rotate to a different active rather than a different brand with the same one. Zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole and salicylic acid each work in a different way.

What I would skip: a salicylic acid formula on a scalp that is already dry and tight. It lifts flakes well, but it can leave a dry scalp feeling worse.

I think Jupiter Balancing Shampoo is for anyone who wants a dandruff shampoo that does not feel medicinal. It uses the same trusted active as the drugstore classics, in a routine designed to make scalp care feel like skincare. Start with the shampoo two or three times a week, add the serum if you need more, and give it a month. If it still is not working, try a different active from the second grid, and see a dermatologist if flakes persist.