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 anti-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 shampoos for dandruff in 2018
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 anti-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?
Anti-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 50 best anti-dandruff shampoos on the market today.
The Best Dandruff Shampoos of 2018
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.
Nurture My Body Everyday Fragrance Free Shampoo
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
Nurture My Body Everyday Fragrance-Free Shampoo is an excellent gentle option for sufferers of a dry irritated scalp. The absence of any noteworthy irritants or allergens combined with the expert formulation of anti-inflammatory moisturizing ingredients makes an excellent change from the usual harsh surfactants and other toxins that lead to a vicious cycle of irritation and inflammation.
They've managed all of this in a shampoo that foams and washes well.
It's not particularly cheap, but this is simply one of the finest dry scalp shampoos out there.
Sebclair Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
Calling all sensitive scalp sufferers, if you haven’t yet found an anti-dandruff shampoo your scalp can tolerate, you haven’t yet found Sebclair shampoo. A piroctone olamine, Malassezia yeast quelling formula with extremely mild yet highly effective cleansers, accompanying scalp hydrators, flake fighters and natural anti-inflammatories. No fragrance, no essentials oils, no allergens. Sebclair shampoo really does stand out in our anti-dandruff crowd.
Bioderma ABCDerm Babysquam
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
If your babe’s crusty cradle cap’s only getting worse, it’s time to try a leave on treatment – one which doesn’t leave your baby’s scalp looking like a grease ball. Enter Bioderma’s ABDderm Babysquam keratoregulating cream a 14 ingredient formula made from sensitive, hypoallergenic, moisturising, soothing and barrier building ingredients.
Useable 7 days a week with no fragrance or harsh preservatives Bioderma’s ABDderm Babysquam keratoregulating cream respects, repairs and conditions away crusty cradle cap.
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.
Cleure Volumizing Shampoo
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
Cleure Volumizing uses only a handful of skin conditioning agents and gentle cleansers to treat a dry scalp.
It contains only two potential irritants that should be considered low to moderate concerns, compared to other much harsher alternatives. This shampoo doesn’t use any sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, dyes, alcohol, salicylates, formaldehyde, or SLS, making it a good option for those with sensitive scalps who typically react to less gentle, conventional shampoo and other personal care products.
Unless you have severely sensitive skin and are highly reactive to any potential irritants, we suggest trying this shampoo from Cleure and seeing if it calms your sensitive skin, and helps to clear up any dryness and itchiness on your scalp.
Puracy Natural Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp and Psoriasis
Puracy Citrus Mint Natural Shampoo offers a great natural alternative to the many sulfate laden shampoos on the market today. Whether you are looking for an everyday use shampoo, or one that you can rotate your medicated dandruff shampoo with, we’d recommend trying the Natural Shampoo.
Because there are essential oils in the formula, we recommend caution to anyone who is sensitive to fragrances, or sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients.
Otherwise, you’re looking at an expertly formulated shampoo that, for once, lives up to the manufacturer’s promises.
Sebclair Non-Steroidal Cream
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
Sebclair Non-Steroidal Cream is an anti-fungal, piroctone olamine based treatment partnered with a trophy cabinet of natural anti-inflammatory actives. If you have a mild to moderate case of seb derm, hate steroids and love naturals Sebclair is for you. Best bit – there’s only two known allergens or irritants.
Free and Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Do you have an extremely sensitive scalp in need of anti-dandruff help? Do you suffer from mild to moderate seb derm? Meet your new best friend. Free & Clear’s Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains zero allergens, zero irritants, zero sensitizers formula based on 2% zinc pyrithione. An active ingredient able to improve the health of dandruff affected skin while also helping pacify dandruff causing overgrowths of the Malassezia yeast.
I simply can't recommend this shampoo highly enough.
Vanicream Z-Bar
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
If you’re currently considering using dandruff shampoo to treat your body-wide seb derm, eczema, itchy skin, psoriasis, dermatitis and more – stop right now and grab yourself a Vanicream Z-bar. Free from common irritants, allergens and sensitizers, the 2% zinc pyrithione formula not only cleanses sensitivity but may also help provide relief from your symptoms. A clean, effective formula able to pacify and protect against seb derm and dandruff-like skin conditions.
Dentinox Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Did you know using natural oils could be making your baby’s cradle cap last for longer? Instead, we recommend placing your trust in clinically trialed baby-friendly formulas able to effectively tackle the cause of your baby’s cradle cap – excess scalp oil. Case and point, ultra-mild Dentinox Cradle Cap Treatment Shampoo, an 8 ingredient formula proven safe and effective for everyday use.
Babe Laboratorios Paediatric Cradle Cap Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Tired of testing out cradle cap shampoos which just don’t budge your babe’s crusty dry scalp? Then you need a cradle cap shampoo with active ingredients proven to work. Enter Babe Laboratorios Paediatric Cradle Cap Shampoo a 4 active ingredient formula including 0.5% scalp softening salicylic acid plus a boosting active able to make your 0.5% dose work harder than its quantity would usually dictate. For use 2 to 3 times a week, the gentle shampoo formula cleanses carefully, treats sensitively and works simply.
Bella B, Bee Gone Cradle Cap, Baby Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Are you looking for a natural solution to your baby’s crusty cradle cap? Want a formula that works with your skin to help restore a healthy scalp? Then look no further than Bella B’s Bee Gone Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo with oatmeal, tea tree oil, shea butter and more for helping restore what makes your baby's scalp healthy. Free of parabens, animal by-products, harsh cleansers and preservatives, the hypoallergenic formula makes Bella B’s bee gone cradle cap baby shampoo a great solution for the everyday care of your baby's scalp.
Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo For Newborns
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Anti-cradle cap shampoos designed to be used from the very first day of your babe’s life are hard to come by. And in the promise of finding one, you want to be 100% sure of its safety. Mustela foam shampoo for newborns is a diamond in the rough, featuring well proven anti-cradle cap/anti-dandruff actives with above and beyond safety testing in a daily use formula.
It is worth bearing in mind that it isn't fragrance-free, and salicylic acid can cause dryness after prolonged usage. But as a treatment to combat established doses of cradle cap - you'll struggle to find a more effective treatment on the market.
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.
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo is a beautiful looking Scandinavian shampoo which contains a very effective (new-age) combination of anti-dandruff actives. With Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole ready to defeat dandruff causing Malassezia yeast and Salicylic and Lactic Acids ready to eliminate existing flakes. There really is a lot to love about this formula.
It’s as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.
Bioderma Node P Apaisant Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Bioderma Node P Apaisant Anti-Dandruff Soothing Shampoo is a fabulous option for sensitive, irritated conditions of mild to moderate dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. With a combination of 2 anti-dandruff actives and dry flake busting salicylic acid, its overall efficacy is excellent. It washes and smells great and if it weren't for the presence of fragrances and silicones it would be an almost perfect sensitive scalp friendly formulation.
Sebamed Everyday Shampoo
Designed to treat Dry Scalp
Sebamed is one of our favorite manufacturers and they've largely done it again.
All in all we recommend this shampoo, with reservations, for everyday use for normal skin, dry scalps, and sensitive skin. The reservations are the addition of 3 known contact allergens; Fragrance, Propylene Glycol and Phenoxyethanol.
Unfortunately, there aren’t too many shampoos out there that gently clean the hair effectively and add shine and softness, without including a handful of potential irritants.
Compared to most on the market, Sebamed has done a good job.
Ketozal 2% Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
The Ketozal 2% anti-dandruff shampoo would be very effective for severe cases of seb derm and dandruff. A generic of doctor prescribed 2% ketoconazole shampoos, Ketozal 2% is cheaper and arguably (although not clinically proven) as effective. This is the caveat of all generic medicines.
A great stand-by for severe dandruff and seb derm flares.
Pro-tip: You’ll probably need conditioner on hand.
Ketozolin 2% Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
If you have a moderate to severe case of dandruff caused by Seborrheic Dermatitis, purchasing the Ketozolin 2% shampoo is potentially a wise decision. It has the maximum EU allowed dose of anti-fungal ketoconazole – effective against the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast seen in cases of seb derm and dandruff. It can be used to clear dandruff within a week and it can be used to prevent dandruff recurrence when used once weekly.
However, it does contain one or two harsh ingredients, including SLS and a formaldehyde releaser. So use with caution if you have a sensitive scalp.
Hope's Relief Natural Hair & Scalp Therapy Shampoo
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp
Looking for a natural alternative to dry scalp care? Want soothing, calming, non-medicinal dandruff maintenance in between those packing-a-punch shampoos? Then Hope’s Relief Natural Hair & Scalp Therapy Shampoo is just the thing. Formulated with a quintuplet of natural actives featuring Manuka honey, aloe vera and licorice, you’re sure to be soothed, calmed and protected.
Klorane Soothing & Anti-Irritating Shampoo with Peony
Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dry Scalp and Psoriasis
If you’ve forever been questioning what shampoo to use to treat your dry scalp, or you're looking for a good gentle alternative to your usual medicated shampoo, then Klorane soothing & anti-irritating shampoo is just the answer. Without feature of traditional actives, the soothing formula has natural anti-inflammatory benefits courtesy of peony extract and significant anti-bacterial benefits thanks to a next-generation cleanser. This 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!
