An estimated half the population have suffered from a flakey scalp at some point in their lives.
Yet – there are hundreds (if not thousands!) of dandruff shampoos on the market.
It’s a ludicrous situation that has led some experts to call dandruff the most commercially exploited skin and scalp disorder
It really shouldn’t be like this. The vast majority of dandruff sufferers are suffering needlessly. Chances are, you’re needlessly suffering.
Dandruff is both easy to diagnose and easy to control in the vast majority of cases.
If you’re currently suffering from dandruff and don’t know where to start then you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help you find your best dandruff shampoo.
What’s in this article:
- How to control dandruff
- What condition is causing your dandruff
- What shampoos are designed to control my condition
- How to find your best dandruff shampoo
- The 50 best dandruff shampoos of 2017
How to control dandruff
I’ve suffered from dandruff from my teens onwards. For years and years, I suffered aimlessly.
I didn’t know:
- what was causing my dandruff
- what the various treatments were designed to do
- what was in my shampoo bottle
Basically, I didn’t know much.
I tried countless shampoos. It was really just a crap-shoot. A game of chance.
I was using random shampoos without really knowing what I was doing.
Not surprisingly some worked but others gave me worse breakouts than before I shampooed.
Things were pretty bad.
So I decided to take control of my situation. I documented what I was putting on my scalp, took note of the effects, studied the ingredients, worked out what worked, what didn’t and why.
I’ve controlled my dandruff constantly for over 20 years.
You can too.
Controlling your dandruff really boils down to three simple steps.
In order to control your dandruff you must:
- Know what is causing your dandruff
- Understand what shampoos are designed to control your condition
- Find the best dandruff shampoo for your individual needs
What condition is causing your dandruff?
In order to find your best dandruff shampoo, you will need to understand the condition that is causing your dandruff.
While self-diagnosis is possible – a trip to your doctor or dermatologist will save you a lot of time at this stage.
I self-diagnosed and it took a long time to find the truth. A qualified professional should be able to tell you almost immediately.
Without knowing the root cause of your dandruff, you will not be able to control it.
It might sound obvious but already you’re in unchartered territory here. The majority of sufferers don’t even realize there are different “types” of dandruff.
Not surprisingly, each type requires a different treatment.
The shampoo manufacturers don’t help. They know they will sell more shampoos if people don’t know the precise shampoo for their needs. They do little to educate on this simple, everyday condition.
Remember – this is the most commercially exploited skin condition in the world today.
The common conditions that can cause dandruff include:
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is one of the most common and chronic causes of dandruff.
Although the exact reasons are still unknown, a reaction to the yeast Malassezia is the probable cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis.
If you suffer from this you’ll typically have oily skin and the flakes will be large yellow/white scales. You’ll probably have red patches on the scalp and maybe even other oil producing areas of your body such as the eyebrows, either side of your nose, behind your ears, your chest, groin or even your armpits.
Read more to find out how to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dry Scalp
The number one cause of dandruff isn’t technically dandruff at all. It’s an over-dry under-moisturized scalp.
There are a number of reasons for a dry scalp; washing your hair too much or even a change in the weather can cause dry skin. This explains why your dandruff comes and goes. Your dandruff will white crumbs of dry skin and your scalp will itch. Unlike seb derm, the flakes will typically not be oily or greasy at all.For mild sufferers of dry skin, a good moisturizing shampoo may be all that’s needed. Avoiding the harsh chemicals found in many shampoos may also help. More recently, a number of medicated shampoos designed to treat dry skin are entering the market.w
If you think you have a dry scalp, find the best dandruff shampoo for your needs
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in the overproduction of skin cells.
The dead cells build up into silvery-white scales. The skin becomes inflamed and red, causing serious itching and the skin flakes. Psoriasis can affect many parts of the body, but psoriasis on the scalp can cause chronic dandruff in certain cases.
Read more about scalp psoriasis
Product build-up
If you regularly use a myriad of hair products, residues of these products will build up and cause a flaky scalp.
Your hair will feel lank and lifeless and you’ll have a build-up of gunk on the scalp. A good clarifying shampoo is recommended if this is your cause of dandruff.
Learn more about dandruff caused by product build-up
Not washing your hair enough
As well as washing your hair too much, not washing your hair enough will also cause dandruff.
The oils and scales of your skin will build up eventually causing dandruff. These flakes can be quite large and a bit icky oily. A regular use of a good shampoo is recommended here, maybe a good clarifying shampoo.
What shampoos are designed to control my condition?
Dandruff shampoos can contain many different active ingredients.
These active ingredients are designed to control specific types of dandruff. They perform different tasks.
Without understanding your condition, it’s pointless to even try to find the right shampoo. You have to match the active ingredient to the type of dandruff.
Using the wrong shampoo on the wrong type of dandruff will, at best, have no effect. It may even aggravate the condition!
• Anti-fungals are best for seborrheic dermatitis e.g. ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, piroctone olamine
• Ingredients that inhibit cell growth or scalp exfoliators often work best with psoriasis e.g. coal tar or salicylic acid
• Conditioning treatments can help dry scalp.
• Clarifying shampoos are best for product build up.
Once you understand the condition causing your dandruff, and you understand the active ingredients or treatments you want to try, it’s time to find your best dandruff shampoo.
How to find your best dandruff shampoo
We have reviewed many shampoos and have developed a unique dandruff shampoo search to help you find your best shampoo.
To use this tool, simply the condition causing your dandruff, select what ingredients you’d like to avoid and we’ll show you every shampoo we’ve reviewed that meet that criteria.
Our reviews will explain, in detail, how effective these shampoos are and what chemicals these shampoos contain. They deconstruct the shampoos to their constituent parts and describe the key ones in detail.
Unlike most review sites, our reviewers personally try every shampoo they review. It may take us longer to get a review out there but try and find another site which provides such comprehensive information.
In addition, our reviews will warn you of the presence of any one of over 100 ingredients that can potentially itch, irritate and even cause dandruff themselves. A significant number (~90%) of these chemicals have never been tested for their effect on human health. Many of these chemicals are known to have adverse effects on our skin and one of these adverse effects is dandruff.
It’s absolute madness.
Many of us dandruff sufferers have sensitive skin. The gentler the shampoo the better as far as we’re concerned. And after a bit research on this site, we’re pretty confident you’ll agree. If you want to read an impartial scientific overview of sulfates, parabens, MI, silicones, alcohols, formaldehyde, phthalates or a whole host of other controversial ingredients, then you’ve come to the right place.
With that in mind, here are the best 50 dandruff shampoos on the market today.
The Best Dandruff Shampoos of 2017
Pharmaceutical Specialities Free & Clear Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp and Psoriasis
Pharmaceutical Specialties formed in 1974 to “start a company to make better products than were commercially available for people with sensitive skin”. And boy, have they achieved it with this Free and Clear shampoo.
What is perhaps surprising on a website dedicated to dandruff treatments is that this isn’t a dandruff shampoo at all.
It’s rather a "a non-medicated, mild shampoo for sensitive skin and scalp.”
That said, we can’t use a medicated shampoo all the time, and this is my go to shampoo for those “between” washes.
BIOM8 Skin Conditioning Oil
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
BIOM8 Skin Conditioning Oil is now part of my daily skin care routine. It’s as simple as that. I have lost count of the number of products I’ve reviewed over the years and I can count on one hand the number of products that have impacted me on this level.
If you suffer from dry skin, facial seb derm or rosacea I simply can’t recommend this product highly enough.
It even makes a good beard oil!
Maple Holistics Hydrate Shampoo
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
Maple Holistics Hydrate Shampoo has been superbly formulated to soothe and moisturize the scalp and hair. The ingredients have been carefully selected to decrease the chance that the product will irritate the skin. Using multiple low dose surfactants is a stroke of genius and only the fact the shampoo contains only one potential contact allergen says it all.
This is as close to perfection as you get in the commercial shampoo world.
I simply can't recommend this highly enough.
Dead Sea Spa MAGIK Mineral Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp and Psoriasis
Dead Sea Spa MAGIK Mineral Shampoo is a combination shampoo containing both salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione. The thinking behind this shampoo is that the salicylic acid will soften and exfoliate existing build up and the zinc pyrithione will help prevent new build up from forming.
I’m generally a big fan of combination shampoos and this is no exception. The shampoo feels great, has a nice light smell and leaves the hair feeling extremely soft. It only contains one known contact allergen too - cocamidopropyl betaine.
If you suffer from mild seb derm I can’t recommend this highly enough.
Vichy Dercos Anti-Dandruff Sensitive Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
One of the best and mildest shampoos out there for seb derm sufferers with sensitive skin.
Containing both Piroctone Olamine and Salicylic Acid as well as being SLS free, paraben free, artificial color free this shampoo has an absolutely outstanding choice of active and inactive ingredients.
There are still two or three chemicals in there that some may find irritating. Otherwise this would have been a five out of five performer.
Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sebamed is one of the gentle yet most effective seb derm shampoos available.
The active ingredient is Piroctine Olamine - an excellent anti-fungal agent.
The rest of the shampoo has been formulated with panache.
DHS Fragrance Free Tar Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
DHS Coal Tar Shampoo is an expertly formulated shampoo containing 0.5% coal tar and is the gentlest coal tar shampoo we’ve yet reviewed
We can't recommend this product or this company highly enough.
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Quite simply the best pure Salicylic Acid shampoo we’ve yet reviewed. The shampoo contains 3% Salicylic Acid combined with a fragrance free, sulfate free and virtually every other nasty ingredient free formulation. It does this and still feels luxurious when washing.
Neutrogena should be exceptionally proud of this top top class shampoo.
Tru Moroccan Repair Shampoo
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
An impressive dry scalp treatment shampoo with an innovative formulation.
I have to applaud any company that can formulate a shampoo with so few allergens. The fact that it washes so well is marvelous. For those not sensitive to Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol or fragrances - this is an excellent shampoo.
Eucerin Dermocapillaire Calming Urea Scalp Treatment
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
This dry scalp treatment isn’t a shampoo at all, but rather a leave on moisturizer that you apply to your hair after washing.
The advantage of this approach is that, while shampoos are designed to clean (and all the sensitizing issues that come with that) this treatment is designed to moisturize and nothing else.
You’re free to use the shampoo of your choice and us this treatment in combination.
It’s an excellent approach that I hope other manufacturers take notice of.
Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Scalp 18 Coal Tar shampoo is a 2% coal tar formulation that has a number of added essential oils to further nourish and soothe the scalp.
These essential oils do contain fragrance but if you're not sensitive to fragrances then this is a superb shampoo.
It is extremely gentle and washes like a high end salon shampoo.
If you’re not sensitive to fragrances then I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this shampoo.
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo is an outstanding Tea Tree shampoo for treating Dry Scalp or Seb Derm. It doesn’t contain any artificial coloring or fragrance, sulfates, parabens, or carcinogens. It contains only three potential contact allergens, with two of the three being tea tree and rosemary essential oils.
The combination of cleansing agents used are gentle, effective and innovative while the shampoo smells ace and washes even better.
If you're looking for a tea tree shampoo, I can't recommend this highly enough.
DHS Sal Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
DHS Sal Shampoo is a 3% salicylic acid shampoo designed to treat Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis.
It’s an outstanding shampoo that washes well, contains relatively few ingredients, is gentle and won’t break the bank.
If you’re not sensitive to sulfates and are looking for a good salicylic acid shampoo, this is an excellent performer.
Yet again, DHS have produced a shampoo that we can't recommend highly enough.
Nizoral
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Nizoral is probably the most effective shampoo on the market to control seborrhoeic dermatitis.
It is still my go to shampoo if I suffer from a bad breakout.
The 2% edition is by far the best but the 1% can help too.
However, the 2% formulation can and does control severe cases of seb derm.
Capasal
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Capasal have taken the unique step of combining 1% Coal Tar with 0.5% Salicylic Acid and added coconut oil.
It's perhaps the most original and interesting shampoo formulation we've yet seen
While the shampoo is SLS, fragrance and paraben free there are still a few known contact allergens in there. Unfortunately it smells like a coal tar shampoo too.
That aside Capasal is an excellent shampoo for those who suffer mild to moderate scalp psoriasis.
Denorex Extra Strength 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Denorex isn’t the gentlest shampoo, but with 3% Salicylic Acid it’s as strong as you’ll find OTC.
If you don’t use it too frequently and you suffer from mild to moderate psoriasis or seb derm, Denorex is very effective treatment.
E45 Dry Scalp Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
E45 is a brand synonymous with dry skin care.
If you frequently get dry scalps after washing then this shampoo could be an excellent choice.
Aubrey Organics Green Tree Clarifying Shampoo
Designed to treat Product Build Up
A gentle clarifying shampoo may sound like a contradiction in terms, but Aubrey Organics have done a fantastic job formulating a clarifying shampoo with mild ingredients.
It’s possibly the gentlest clarifying shampoo we’ve reviewed yet.
It smells nice, it will clarify your scalp, it will help remove dandruff caused by product build up.
But this comes at a cost – it will dry your scalp if used too much.
Like all clarifying shampoos – use absolutely only when needed.
La Roche-Posay Kerium Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
La Roche Posay is a combination shampoo, combining both Piroctone Olamine and Salicylic Acid. The Salicylic Acid will help exfoliate existing dandruff build up while the Piroctone Olamine is designed to prevent any new outbreaks. It’s a match made in heaven.
I can’t let a mention of a review pass without commenting on how luxurious this shampoo feels and smells when washing – better than any medicated shampoo I have ever tried. And I’ve tried lots!
There are a couple of harsh ingredients but compared to the majority of the shampoos on the market, this is a first class Piroctone Olamine shampoo.
Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo
Designed to treat Product Build Up
The self proclaimed “natural-product industry leader”, Giovanni shampoos are multiple award winning shampoos entirely manufactured in the USA.
The 50:50 hydrating/clarifying shampoo has an ambitious purpose; to both moisturize and clarify.
It largely achieves this, although some of you may wish to use a conditioner too.
Excellent!
Pura Dor Argan Oil Scalp & Dandruff Treatment
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
Pura's D'or Argan Oil shampoo features an interesting formula that combines traditional therapy and herbalism.
It wears a premium price tag, but it is truly a premium product.
The active ingredient in Pura's product is the familiar zinc pyrithione. It also includes aloe vera and grapefruit seed extract, which have antifungal and antioxidant properties, and a number of fragrant essential oils.
Normally, shampoos containing argan oil send up a red flag for people with seborrheic dermatitis. The oleic acid content can exacerbate the condition. However, the amount present determines the sensitivity level, and a little should have no impact.
After using the shampoo, we found that it delivered a great performance without producing adverse reactions.
If you're sensitive to fragrance, cocamidopropyl betaine or phenooxyethanol, you may want to steer clear of this shampoo, but for many dandruff sufferers, it can achieve complete control of symptoms while providing a pleasant and surprisingly sudsy washing experience along with reliable treatment results.
Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo for Heavy Dandruff
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
Maple Holistics has created an innovative and gentle shampoo using essential oils rather than traditional active ingredients to control dandruff. Despite being marketed as a sage shampoo, it actually contains a number of essential oils including tea tree, jojoba, sage, tea tree, rosemary, peach kernel and spikenard oils. The thick, white, pearly shampoo smells like tea tree oil mixed with other herbal notes. Considering its lack of sulfates, its foaming abilities are impressive, and it provides an excellent washing experience. Due to the inclusion of panthenol, it leaves your hair feeling extremely soft. Although older formulations contained undesirable ingredients, the only contact allergen listed in the current formula is cocamidopropyl betaine.
If you suffer from mild seborrheic dermatitis or dry scalp, and you’re not sensitive to the fragrances in essential oils, this is a gentle, well-formulated shampoo that we highly recommend.
Regenpure DR Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Regenure DR Hair and Scalp Treatment is a 1% Ketoconazole formulation shampoo combined with Salicylic Acid. The company ave been particularly clever with their formulation and marketing – positioning the shampoo as a gentler alternative to Nizoral. The company have largely achieved that too. Adding Salicylic Acid to get rid of the dandruff and ketoconazole to remove the dandruff is an inspired combination too.
That said, it’s still a 1% ketoconazole shampoo. Given the choice I’d choose 2% every time, but this would require a prescription in Regenpures largest market – the USA.
Overall a very interesting, innovative shampoo.
Selsun 2.5% Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
My other go to shampoo when I have a severe breakout.
Not perfect by any means and remains prescription only in the USA.
There's a reasons why doctors continue to prescribe it - it works.
DHS Zinc Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
DHS Zinc Dandruff Shampoo is yet another top class shampoo from DHS.
Yes there are two ingredients to watch out for; TEA Lauryl Sulfate and Perfume.
But other than the sulfate and the fragrance there are remarkably only another 5 ingredients in this shampoo (discounting the zinc pyrithione). And one of them is coloring!
I wish every manufacturer would subscribe to the more is less philosophy of shampoo formulation.
If you're looking for a shampoo to treat a mild case of seb derm, you can't go wrong with this one.
Kiehl's Scalp Purifying Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Kiehl's Scalp Purifying Dandruff Shampoo is a combination shampoo, combining zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid in one excellent but gentle shampoo.
It's the first zinc pyrithione shampoo that has controlled my moderate to occasionally severe dandruff in years - the addition of salicylic acid definitely helps.
Be warned though, long term usage could dry your scalp.
There are one or two unpleasant ingredients in there but if you don't react to perfume or sulfates then this is definitely worth checking out.
Bioderma Node DS Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Bioderma Nodé DS+ shampoo certainly packs an anti-dandruff punch. Its combination of anti-dandruff actives (Piroctone Olamine and Zinc Pyrithione), with keratolytic Salicylic Acid and anti-inflammatory Sodium Shale Oil Sulfonate are also complimented by several scalp soothing ingredients. A heck of an ingredients list only let down by the use of SLES and one or two other potential irritants.
This shampoo is definitely worth checking out.
Oilatum Scalp Treatment Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
This is one of the best shampoos on the market for controlling moderate cases of dandruff caused by Seborrhoeic Dermatitis using quite a powerful anti fungal agent.
Some of the other ingredients leave a lot to be desired though.
Alphosyl 2 in 1 Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Alphosyl is an outstanding shampoo let down by the presence of both sulfates and parabens.
Given the wide variety of alternatives out there these days, this is very disappointing.
Polytar Liquid
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Polytar is an absolute legend of the psoriasis community.
If you suffer from mild scalp Psoriasis then this stuff works for so many of you.
Bear in mind that it stinks like your grandad's pipe and will strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils.
Alpecin Dandruff Killer Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
While most shampoos contain one or two active ingredients, this bad boy goes the whole hog and contains five; zinc pyrithione, benzalkonium chloride, fumaric acid, piroctone olamine and salicyclic acid.
The shampoo washes with a dense and luxurious foam and leaves the hair feeling soft and clean. There’s no need to use a conditioner as the company have added conditioning agents such as panthenol, allentoin and hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.
It may sound like the perfect shampoo but unfortunanately they’ve added some harsh ingredients too including Fragrance, DMDM hydantoin, limonene, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium hydroxide and cocamidopropyl betaine.
If you don’t have a particularly sensitive scalp and suffer from moderate to severe dandruff this is definitely worth a look.
Just make sure you don’t have sensitive skin!
DHS Clear Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp and Psoriasis
DHS Clear Shampoo is a decent shampoo to use between medicated shampoo washes, or if you are suffering from a dry scalp.
We say decent and not great because, although it has only a few ingredients, a significant portion are mild to medium contact allergens.
As such, we can't help but be mildly disappointed given the company's previous track record of producing the gentlest shampoos on the market.
Body Shop Ginger Anti-Danduff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
This shampoo does perform first and foremost. If you suffer from Seb Derm then it will likely help control your condition.
If you're vegetarian or against animal testing and suffer from dandruff then this is an ideal choice.
Unfortunately it does contain some harsh fragrances which really soured the experience for us at DD towers.
Such a needless addition have made this shampoo unusable for so many.
Skinchanted Peek A Poo No Poo Dry Scalp Treatment
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
Almost world class and a very interesting concept - a commercial bottle of a No Poo treatment. Unfortunately there is a commercial grade preservative and anti-mold agent in there.
Skinchanted Peek a Poo really ought to be called "Nearly No Poo".
Mineral Fusion Anti-Dandruff Mineral Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp and Psoriasis
Mineral Fusion's formula contains an interesting blend of therapeutic agents. It features salicylic acid, which is normally used in conjunction with other active ingredients that kill the offending fungus or slow down cell regeneration.
Used alone, salicylic acid will exfoliate existing dandruff, but it won't prevent new dandruff from forming.
If you’re willing to take a leap of faith and trust in the undocumented healing powers of the product's mineral content, which includes extracts of malachite, smithsonite, rhodochrosite, and hematite, this formula might be a great option. The shampoo also contains tea tree and oregano oils, which are both effective for treating seborrheic dermatitis.
You won't find parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial color or fragrance on the label.
Unfortunately, it does contain the contact allergens potassium sorbate, coco-betaine, ethylhexylglycerin and dimethicone.
In use, this mineral shampoo delivers luxurious lather and a squeaky clean finish. While its efficacy in controlling dandruff inspires some skepticism, its overall performance is top-notch.
Ducray Kelual DS Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
An unique and interesting combination of active ingredients; Zinc Pyrithione and Ciclopirox Olamine, make this a shampoo worthy of anyone's attention. The addition of a formaldehyde releaser, MI, fragrance and SLES dampened my enthusiasm somewhat.
Would I recommend it? With reservations. Removing one or two of the harsher ingredients and those reservations would be gone.
Stiproxal Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Stiproxal in summary has a lot of promise, but with some of the harsher ingredients added it's not the greatest shampoo in the world. Overall its very decent and I really like the combination of active ingredients. Ciclopirox Olamine is one of the best active ingredients out there for Seborheic Dermatitis. And although here are only a few shampoos out there that contain the ingredient, this is probably the pick of the bunch.
It's certainly worth a try if your skin isn't sensitive to the ingredients.
Vichy Dercos Oily/Dry Hair Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Vichy Dercos shampoos for oily/dry scalp are a very decent pair of combination shampoos for treating seborrheic dermatitis. It's the first time we've reviewed a Selenium Sulfide/Salicylic Acid shampoo and it's a combination of great promise.
They aren't perfect shampoos though containing fragrance, sulfates, silicones and a few other potential irritants.
If you're looking for a prescription strength formulation available OTC, and you haven't got a particularly sensitive scalp - it's definitely worth checking out.
ASP Kitoko Dandruff Control Cleanser
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
This may looks and feel like a real top end luxurious wash but the list of needless known contact allergens and the high price put me off recommending this to anyone who suffers dry scalp dandruff.
There are other better options out there.
JASON Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
JASON are a company committed to providing products for those of us with eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and other sensitive skin conditions.
This Dandruff Relief Shampoo will help control mild cases of dandruff whatever the cause. The lack of SLS, parabens and many other irritating additives must be commended.
Which makes it incomprehensible why they have added 10 fragrances that are known contact allergens.
This is still well worth checking out if you're not too sensitive to fragrances
Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo
Designed to treat Product Build Up
Avalon are a company who are famous for producing organic shampoos made with mild ingredients. On the bottle itself, they state they make “safe” shampoos with no “synthetic fragrances, phthalates, harsh sulfates or parabens”. This is a bit disingenuous – the fragrances may be natural, but they are as harsh as they come. The shampoo smells nice though!Despite the fragrances, this is an excellent choice.
Particularly if you like lemons.
Clynol Care Anti Dandruff Therapy Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Clynol is worth a look if Head and Shoulders has worked for you.
It's gentler, and less likely to irritate
However, if Head and Shoulders didn't work for you, neither will this.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo - Original Formula
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
T/Gel is an age old classic for dandruff sufferers containing too many age old classic contact allergens for our liking.
Exorex Hair and Body Shampoo
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
This is an admirable idea and one which I hope the other manufacturers take on board.
The shampoo's formulation will help alleviate your dry scalp unless you react to one of the few contact allergens in there.
It's such a shame there are any contact allergens at all though.
Philip B. Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo
Designed to treat Product Build Up
Philip B Peppermint & Avocado Volumizing & Clarifying Shampoo is an enigmatic experience.
The combination of plant extracts is absolutely unique. We absolutely love the strong minty smell and the menthol effect on the scalp.
However we don't like the cheap predictable contact allergens in this shampoo.
It's also the most expensive shampoo we've purchased so unless you're made of money...
Aveeno Nourish+ Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Aveeno have produced some great products for sensitive skin sufferers in the past. That's what makes the harsh contact allergens added to this uninspiring shampoo so hard to fathom.
Don't get me wrong, it's not a terrible shampoo. Just there are better alternatives out there.
Rene Furterer Melaleuca Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
This shampoo is an enigma. It contains some innovative essential and plant oils but also contains some pretty harsh allergens. The wash is fantastic, it doesn't dry your hair. It smells pleasant too. However, the active ingredient will only help those of you with the mildest forms of Seb Derm and the price is pretty extortionate too.
Picking a score from that is tough but the shampoo, in our opinion, really doesn't justify the price tag.
Phyto Phytheol Intense Anti-Dandruff Treatment Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
This is a real Jekyll and Hyde shampoo. It will control your dandruff if you suffer from Seb Derm. Even relatively severe cases. That's the good news.
But the top performance isn't without compromises. The shampoo contains Sulfates, Kathon CG and a few other nasty contact irritants or allergens. Quite why a company who claim to be a "haircare pioneer through plants" have added these I will never know. With a few tweaks this could have been an outstanding shampoo. As it is, I would proceed with caution.
Kenra Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Terribly overpriced for what it is. A straight vanilla zinc pyrithione shampoo.
Skinshop Hydrosil Dry Scalp Shampoo
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
The best and most luxurious wash we've encountered on this site. It also contains some world class ingredients which will help alleviate inflammations and contact dermatitis.
That said, it ironically also contains some ingredients that can cause contact dermatitis.
If it works for you it will be good. Very good. But be aware of what it contains.