And if you like fragrance, you’re in luck: The shampoo is infused with Ouai’s Cape Town scent, which melds notes of ginger, green fig, spearmint, basil, wet grass, and tomato leaf for a garden-party-in-your-shower vibe. Howard Sobel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, is also a fan. “This is a great soothing shampoo that’s sulfate-free,” he says. The shampoo earned yet another seal of approval from Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York. “The two percent salicylic acid solution helps reduce flaking and itching,” she says. She’s also on board with the “refreshing scent” for those who aren’t sensitive to fragrance.
Concentration: 2%
Other ingredients: propandediol caprylate, glycerin
Fragrance-free: no
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Why it’s worth it: Dr. Reszko says that Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo is one of the most clinically supported over-the-counter solutions for managing scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic scalp buildup. With three percent salicylic acid, the formula uses a high (yet generally well-tolerated) concentration of the ingredient, dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells to gently exfoliate the scalp.
Plus, unlike many medicated shampoos, this budget-friendly option is made without coal tar, sulfates, and added fragrances, which Reszko says is ideal for those with sensitive or inflamed scalps. Dr. Day is also a fan of the widely available classic. “I typically manage scalp psoriasis flare-ups with medicated shampoos along with topical treatments and, for some, systemic medications,” she says. “My favorite shampoo for managing scalp psoriasis is Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo because the fragrance-free formula is gentle enough for regular use, and its accessible price point makes it a staple for all patients.”
Concentration: 3%
Other ingredients: sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium chloride
Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Scalp: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Why it’s worth it: If you’re dealing with flakes or itchiness stemming from a dry scalp, Dr. Chacon recommends Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. With two percent salicylic acid, the formula has niacinamide and glycerin to quench thirsty skin. “Glycerin helps attract moisture—niacinamide helps retain it,” Dr. Chacon says. “This will help soothe any irritations and itch [related to dryness].” It may be a splurge, but the scalp-loving formula boosts hair health, too. It draws on Oribe’s signature blend of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss extracts to protect the hair from photoaging and oxidative stress.
Concentration: 2%
Other ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, caffeine, shea butter, hydrolyzed quinoa
Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dandruff: Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo
Why it’s worth it: With a blend of lactic and salicylic acid to hydrate and exfoliate the scalp, “Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo effectively reduces flakes,” Dr. Reszko says. Made with 92 percent natural ingredients, the gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is whipped with tea tree and peppermint oils, which help create a healthy pH balance on the scalp and smell like a spa. Meanwhile, charcoal absorbs excess oil and impurities in the hair and scalp, and coconut oil lends a velvety, moisturizing touch to the formula. Bonus: It’s free of silicones, if that’s a concern.
Concentration: 3%
Other ingredients: lactic acid, charcoal, tea tree oil
Fragrance-free: no
Best for Daily Use: Verb Dandruff Shampoo
Why it’s worth it: While she wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for severe dandruff cases, Dr. Reszko says Verb Dandruff Shampoo is a gentle solution for milder conditions. “It’s designed for daily use. It won’t strip natural oils, and it’s sulfate-free, which makes it suitable for sensitive scalps and color-treated hair,” she says. The formula was designed to treat dryness and flakiness, and its three percent salicylic-acid solution is rounded out with glycerin and panthenol to moisturize the hair and scalp. The fragrance is also a treat, splicing zippy orange peel and magnolia with soothing notes of eucalyptus and sandalwood.
Concentration: 3%
Other ingredients: clary sage oil, zinc PCA
Fragrance-free: no
Best for Psoriasis: Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo + Conditioner
Why it’s worth it: Formulated with 3% salicylic acid and recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation, Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo + Conditioner is one Dr. Sobel frequently recommends to patients seeking relief. “This is great for anyone with a flaky, itchy scalp because the salicylic acid and zinc complex will remove scaly buildup on the scalp and soothe any irritation,” he says. The fragrance-free formula acts as a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner, so it also streamlines a shower routine. In addition to its active ingredients, the conditioning cleanser has green tea and safflower extracts to soothe the scalp and kukui nut oil for added moisture.
Concentration: 3%
Other ingredients: zinc complex, green tea extract, kukui nut oil
Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Seborrheic Dermatitis: DHS Sal Shampoo
Why it’s worth it: Made with just eight ingredients, including a three percent salicylic acid solution, DHS Sal Shampoo eliminates any bells and whistles (including fragrance) and gets down to business. The shampoo was designed to soothe itching and inflammation associated with seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and dandruff; it can also prevent the recurrence of flaky buildup. Dr. Sobel often recommends it to patients who have an irritated scalp.
Concentration: 3%
Other ingredients: sodium hydroxide, sodium C 14-16 olefin sulfanate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
Fragrance-free: yes
Best Maximum Strength: Keralyt 5 Shampoo
Why it’s worth it: If you’re at your wits’ end with your scalp discomfort, consider a weekly wash with Keralyt 5 Shampoo. “It’s maximum-strength, five percent salicylic acid helps get rid of scalp flakiness, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, dryness, and itchiness,” says Dr. Sobel. The shampoo has an applicator tip for more precise distribution, and it can also be used as a pre-shower cream. The high concentration of salicylic acid might be too potent for those new to the ingredient. For those in doubt, Dr. Reszko recommends starting with once-a-week use and monitoring for side effects such as redness, burning, and scaling. It’s also fine to patch-test the product by patting a small dab of it onto the nape of the neck or behind the ear. “Rinse it off after five to 10 minutes, while monitoring for side effects,” she says.
Concentration: 5%
Other ingredients: sodium C 14-16 olefin sulfanate, cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate
Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Does salicylic acid shampoo help psoriasis?
Salicylic acid shampoo can help manage psoriasis, but how, exactly? “It acts as a keratolytic agent, meaning it softens and breaks down the thick, scaly plaques that psoriasis causes on the scalp,” Dr. Reszko says. By helping to remove that scaling, salicylic acid shampoo allows other medicated treatments, like corticosteroids or coal tar, to penetrate the scalp and work more effectively. And it also works well in tandem with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin.
How often should I wash my hair with salicylic acid?
Dr. Reszko says that two percent salicylic acid shampoos can generally be used two to three times a week. For products with a three percent or higher concentration of salicylic acid, it’s best to start with once-a-week usage. “The higher the concentration, the more cautious you should be, both in frequency and in monitoring your scalp’s response,” Dr. Reszko says. “Your dermatologist is the best resource for helping you manage your usage and salicylic acid strength, especially if you have a chronic scalp condition, you’re using multiple active treatments, or you’ve experienced irritation from topicals in the past.”
What are the side effects of salicylic acid shampoo?
According to Dr. Reszko, potential side effects from using salicylic acid shampoos could include scalp dryness or irritation, burning or stinging sensations, hair dryness or brittleness, and—more rarely—an allergic reaction such as redness, swelling, and itching.