Lustrous and smooth hair is the ladies’ love. However, the urban lifestyle and health issues make your hair dull, dry, and unhealthy. Despite your awesome haircuts and beautiful hairstyles, annoying dandruff on shoulders, crusty patches on the scalp, and bothersome hair loss will be so much disappointing! But, stop worrying now – it’s time to use salicylic acid shampoos. This chemical utterance wonders anyone, but, yes, the salicylic acid removes hair build-up and assists in hair growth. So, such shampoos are the ideal products for sensitive hair care.
Strikingly, they are designed to cure scalp-related diseases like psoriasis and dermatitis. And anyhow, to match various personalized requirements for hair, assorted brands and varieties of salicylic acid shampoos diffuse in today’s market. And, here we bring the best salicylic acid shampoos in front of you to shop for. But, you have to be mindful of two important factors for absolute satisfaction and result.
Percentage of Salicylic Acid: Based on the intensity of your scalp issues and disease conditions, your hair needs a specific amount of salicylic acid. So, take a dekko at the percentage of salicylic acid in the shampoo before you add it to your cart.
Paraben-free: Parabens in shampoos and other cosmetic products tend to irritate and harm some people. And, it’s always a safe side to buy paraben-free shampoos.
Keep going to the ‘Buying Guide’ below the product reviews to know more things.
Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo 2023
| Salicylic Acid Shampoo | Hair Type | Liquid Volume | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo | Dry | 11 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo | All | 8 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| CLn Shampoo for Scalp | Normal to oily | 8 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo | All | 4 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Dermasolve Store Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo Plus Conditioner | Dry, color-treated, dandruff | 8 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Denorex Extra Strength Dandruff Shampoo Conditioner | All | 10 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Mineral Fusion Shampoo | All | 8.5 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo | Dandruff | 4.5 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Conditioner | Dandruff | 8 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| DHS SAL Shampoo | Dandruff | 4 fluid ounce | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo Reviews
1. Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun Blue is one of the most recommended brands for dandruff control shampoos. The presence of salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and pyrithione zinc in the product helps in controlling dandruff and dry scalp-related issues.
The cooling menthol present in the shampoo soothes as well as refreshes your scalp. This is a 2-in-1 shampoo that fights dandruff as well as moisturizes your scalp. This product helps you get rid of the itchiness and redness from your scalp. It can also work for adverse dry scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.
The formula creates lather easily but takes some time to rinse off properly. It is formulated for all hair types. Unlike most dandruff shampoos, the Selsun Blue does not make your hair dry and brittle. For best results use it twice a week and for serious scalp treatments use it every other day and continue for three to four months. It’s not an everyday shampoo.
Product Information:
Brand: Selsun Blue
Hair type: Dry
Liquid Volume: 11 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 0.31 kilograms
Pros:
- Fights dandruff.
- Gets rid of the itchiness from the scalp.
- Helps in the prevention of seborrheic dermatitis.
- Makes your hair softer and more manageable.
Cons:
- The smell of the shampoo is not preferred by all.
2. MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo
MG217 has developed a medicated shampoo that treats psoriasis. The shampoo consists of 3% coal tar and salicylic acid that is great for scalp psoriasis. FDA has approved both these ingredients for psoriasis treatment.
Psoriasis shampoo is a versatile shampoo that is known to reduce scalp problems like itchiness, redness, irritation, and scaling. The presence of salicylic acid in the shampoo filters your scale and softens the scale of psoriasis. It allows better penetration of medicines in the affected region.
The presence of coal tar in the shampoo slows down the process of rapid cell growth in the scalp. It also reduces scaling, inflammation, and itching of psoriasis. The conditioning properties of the shampoo make your hair soft and healthy.
This shampoo has been recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation. This product moisturizes your hair and scalp restores the healthy appearance of the scalp. Unlike traditional dandruff shampoo, it slows the build-up of cell growth and controls dandruff. It also helps in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
Product Information:
Brand: MG217
Hair type: All
Liquid Volume: 8 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 0.64 ounces.
Pros:
- Consists of 3% coal tar and salicylic acid.
- Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
- Restores the healthy appearance of the scalp.
- The conditioning properties of the shampoo make your hair soft and healthy.
Cons:
- Parabens are present in the shampoo.
3. CLn Shampoo for Scalp
CLn shampoos were created to improve people’s lives who have sensitive skin. It gives them a new approach to deal with their sensitive skin. These shampoos are hypoallergenic and tested clinically.
Physicians have specially designed this shampoo to effectively treat itching as well as flaking in your hair and scalp. The shampoo is enriched with the goodness of salicylic acid as well as sodium hypochlorite. It removes dead skin, debris, unwanted oils, and dulling residue from the pores of your hair. It also helps you get rid of the irritation in your hair follicles.
Not only does this shampoo remove dandruff from your hair but also from your beard. After the removal of unwanted dead skin as well as the oils, it also rejuvenates and refreshes your scalp and hair. You can use this hypoallergenic shampoo 3 times a week.
You can use this product for your beards and in other areas where you deal with itchy and flaky skin. It is free of parabens, fragrance, antibiotics, and triclosan. It retains the beneficial natural oil in your hair and balances the nourishment in your scalp and hair.
Product Information:
Brand: CLn
Hair type: Normal to oily
Liquid Volume: 8 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 0.6 pounds
Pros:
- Gets rid of irritation in your hair follicles.
- Can be used in hair as well as beards.
- Free of parabens, fragrance, antibiotics, and triclosan.
- Retains the beneficial natural oil in the hair.
Cons:
- The shampoo is on the expensive side.
4. Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo
Kenkoderm has designed a special shampoo to treat the symptoms of psoriasis. It has made a name for itself by providing products that use the best quality ingredients and delivering results to its customers.
The main component in this shampoo is salicylic acid. 3% of salicylic acid present in the product helps relieve you from itching in the scalp and clears the flakes from the scalp. It also clears the scalp and prevents the build-up of the flakes. All the unwanted oil, debris, and residues are removed from the pores of your hair. It improves the health of your scalp as well as your hair.
This shampoo is unscented and should be kept away from the hands of the children. You can use this product on all kinds of hair and should be stirred away from direct sunlight. It is best to use this shampoo after consulting your doctors.
Product Information:
Brand: Kenkoderm
Hair type: All
Liquid Volume: 4 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 118 milliliters
Pros:
- Uses the best quality products.
- 3% of salicylic acid is present in the shampoo.
- Remove and clear the flakes from the scalp.
- The shampoo is free of fragrance.
Cons:
- Some people received fake products.
5. Dermasolve Store Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo Plus Conditioner
Dermasolve has developed several hair care products ranging from shampoos to oils to body wash. The shampoo by Dermasolve helps you get rid of scalp psoriasis as well as dandruff. It can be used on your skin as well as hair.
With 3% of salicylic acid in the shampoo, it helps you get rid of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, as well as dry scalp. The product is enriched with naturally sourced proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It leaves your hair soft, conditioned, and manageable.
It provides immediate relief from the itchiness in your scalp. The product is made with Ovasome technology in which whole eggs are incorporated in products for topical haircare and skincare products. To get the best results, it is advised to use this shampoo along with dermasolve scalp oil and cream.
You can use this shampoo on dry, color-treated, and dandruff hair. It is a gentle formula that prevents recurrences. Doctors recommend this product to control problems related to the scalp. You can safely use this product daily and nourishes your hair naturally.
Product Information:
Brand: Dermasolve
Hair type: Dry, color-treated, dandruff
Liquid Volume: 8 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 1 pound
Pros:
- Gets rid of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, dry scalp.
- Enriched with naturally sourced proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- Makes your hair soft, conditioned, and manageable.
- Made with awesome technology.
Cons:
- People received products with broken seals.
6. Denorex Extra Strength Dandruff Shampoo Conditioner
Denorex has designed an extra-strength shampoo to fight dandruff. Using this shampoo helps you get rid of the mild symptoms of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. This shampoo is designed to prevent the recurrence of the symptoms from psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis with consistent use.
The presence of 3% salicylic acid in this product helps in controlling dandruff. It effectively removes scaling as well as heavy flaking that is a result of dandruff from your scalp. The shampoo also gives you relief from the bothersome itching scaling as well as flaking that are a result of the diseases. The extra-strength shampoo is filled with the goodness of vitamins that make your hair good-looking as well as healthy. The provitamin B5 in it helps you manage your hair better. The built-in conditioning property in the product makes your hair shinier that is expected from using a separate conditioner.
The shampoo by Denorex is meant to be used externally. It is best to consult a doctor before you start using the product. If you develop any reaction after using it, you should stop using it then and there. You can use this shampoo two times a week.
Product Information:
Brand: Denorex
Hair type: All
Liquid Volume: 10 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 296 milliliters
Pros:
- Gets rid of mild symptoms of psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis.
- Controls dandruff.
- Provides relief from the bothersome itching.
- Makes your hair look good and healthy.
Cons:
- People received shampoos with a runnier concentration different from the original product.
7. Mineral Fusion Shampoo
The Mineral Fusion anti-dandruff shampoo works wonders in your scalp by promoting scalp health, controlling flakes, and removing the build-ups. Salicylic acid in the product minimizes dandruff for a flake-free clean and healthy scalp.
The presence of natural minerals in the product minimizes the excess amount of oil present in your hair. It contains a kind of mineral-rich clay and several other essential minerals which help in the absorption of excess oil and promotes a healthy scalp as well as hair. It’s a great shampoo for scalps that produce oily flakes and stubborn dandruff.
It is advised that you consult a doctor before you start using this shampoo. It is advised that you apply this product at least twice a week. The manufacturer only uses natural ingredients in the product.
It also ensures that the shampoo is gluten-free, paraben-free, free of artificial colors, SLS, talc, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates. This hypoallergenic shampoo has been certified by Leaping Bunny and EWG.
Product Information:
Brand: Mineral Fusion
Hair type: All
Liquid Volume: 8.5 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 0.53 pounds
Pros:
- Uses natural ingredients.
- 100% vegan as well as a cruelty-free product.
- Neutralizes the symptoms of dandruff.
- Absorbs excess oil from the hair.
Cons:
- The consistency of the shampoo is quite thin.
8. Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Neutrogena has been delivering hair care and skin care products for ages. It delivers affordable products without compromising the quality of the ingredients used in the product. Neutrogena has developed a therapeutic shampoo to help you deal with your dandruff problems.
The shampoo contains 3% of salicylic acid which is the maximum amount for any product. It helps in breaking down the dead skin from the scalp and covers a large area of the body. You can consider this shampoo as the first step to treat your scalp.
It provides you with maximum relief from the irritation associated with dandruff and psoriasis.
The product also helps in treating the symptoms related to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
After you have rinsed off the shampoo, you will get rid of all the symptoms and irritation related to dandruff. The formula is gentle enough for you to use it daily. The product is free of fragrance, preservatives, alcohol, and color.
Product Information:
Brand: Neutrogena
Hair type: Dandruff
Liquid Volume: 4.5 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 4.5 ounces
Pros:
- Controls the build-ups in the scalp.
- Does not allow the flakes to settle in the scalp.
- Covers a large area.
- Gentle formula that can be used daily.
Cons:
- The product is overpriced.
9. Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Conditioner
Dermarest has developed a special shampoo to treat scalp problems related to scalp psoriasis, overly dry scalp, itchy flakes, and dandruff. This medicated shampoo has been recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation for treating psoriasis. Dermarest is known to use natural ingredients for the manufacturing of the product.
This is a 2-in-1 shampoo that works as a shampoo as well as a conditioner. The 3% salicylic acid in the shampoo is the maximum content of the acid that you can find in a shampoo. It contains the goodness of kukui nut oil, safflower oil, and green tea extract. It also features a specially formulated zinc complex.
It treats psoriasis as well as relieves you from the symptoms associated with psoriasis-like itching, irritation, and redness. It also prevents the recurrence of flaking as well as scaling from dandruff and psoriasis. To get the best results from the product, it is best to apply it twice a week or as directed by your doctor.
The unscented shampoo by Dermarest is free of parabens and irritants. It restores the moisture back in the scalp and hair.
Product Information:
Brand: Dermarest
Hair type: Dandruff
Liquid Volume: 8 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 0.12 pounds
Pros:
- Made with natural ingredients.
- Has maximum content of salicylic acid.
- Features unique zinc complex.
- Prevents the recurrence of flaking as well as scaling.
Cons:
- Some people received an open package.
10. DHS SAL Shampoo
DHS is a trusted brand that has been delivering hair care and skincare products for a while. This sal shampoo helps in treating dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
This shampoo is made with 3% salicylic acid. The salicylic acid in the product removes dead skin from the scalp and makes your hair and scalp healthy. It also breaks down the flaky and crusty build-up associated with dandruff and psoriasis.
It also reduces itching as well as flaking from your severe scalp condition. Using the shampoo regularly will ensure that your scalp and hair remain healthy. The shampoo also retains the moisture in your hair.
The formula of the shampoo is made in a way that it covers the most area. It is best if you apply the shampoo twice a week. The product is free of synthetic fragrances and free of parabens.
Product Information:
Brand: DHS
Hair type: Dandruff
Liquid Volume: 4 fluid ounces
Item Weight: 0.05 pounds
Pros:
- Free of synthetic fragrances.
- Makes your scalp healthy.
- Retains the moisture in your hair.
- Breaks down flaky as well as a crusty build-up from dandruff.
Cons:
- Some people received fake products.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Salicylic Acid Shampoo
We ladies ponder to find the right product that can improve scalp and hair health. Thanks for the salicylic acid shampoos available today that relieve you from many hair issues like dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and others. But, it’s merely complicated to acquire the most fitting one from the innumerable choices in the retail markets. However, it’s not that difficult if you once derive your requirements and consider certain important factors given here.
Percentage of Salicylic acid
This is the most crucial thing you need to look for when choosing to meet your specific hair care needs. The moment you see the label of salicylic acid, we insist you check the percentage of the main chemical inside. This is because there are many fake products labeled so but have inappropriate amounts and concentrations. That’s one anxious thing! Another being your requirements! And yes, we advise you to consult your hair care professionals to know the concentration and percentage of salicylic acid you need to cure the concerned issues.
However, they suggest to you the salicylic acid level based on the severity of your condition.
Usually, lower levels of salicylic acid treat mild dandruff and itchy scalp. And, high levels are essential to treat severe psoriasis. If the level of salicylic acid in shampoo is more than the doctor’s suggestions, it can irritate. So, it’s mandatory to strictly follow the prescribed levels.
Skin-related conditions
Though we observe itchy, flaky, dry, and sensitive scalp, we neglect them and get vexed by the irritation and hair loss. Also, we fail to catch sight of the reasons behind it. But, finding the main cause for appropriate care is needful. Dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis are some of the common hair maladies.
It’s essential to seek your hair specialist’s help and use a timely dose of salicylic acid shampoo to get rid of them.
Hair type
Is your hair dry, oily, or normal? Determine your hair type first before choosing the best shampoo. Each type has different moisturizing and conditioning requirements. Accordingly, pick the salicylic acid shampoo that contains specific moisturizing and cleaning ingredients that suit your hair. Also, ask your physician if it is comfortable and good enough for your thick or fine hair.
And if yours is color-treated or dyed hair, you have to be more cautious. In fact, we warn you not to go for coloring if you have sensitive hair and scalp. However, certain brands also offer these distinctive shampoos which even work for colored hair. They do not remove the color and also avoid irritation.
Paraben-free or not?
Parabens are chemical compounds that are commonly used as preservatives in shampoos to increase the shelf life. But too many parabens in shampoo bottles are found to show any side effects on the body. They can increase hair loss, hair dryness, irritation in the scalp and also fade the color of your bleached or dyed hair.
Moreover, they are found to enhance the estrogen levels in the body and disturb the natural endocrine system. Therefore, you have to use paraben-free shampoos. Check the presence of parabens in the list of ingredients before choosing a salicylic acid shampoo.
No more Fragrance Now
The fragrance of shampoo, though brings a good feel, can be dangerous to your sensitive hair. Synthetic chemicals present in fragrances and perfumes can raise allergic reactions on your scalp and skin. Why take the risk with an aromatic shampoo? Pick a fragrance-free salicylic acid shampoo for your hair.
Certified Approval
Salicylic acid shampoos, that are meant for medical conditions, are tested for quality, safety, and efficacy. Also, some of them are completely cruelty-free and purely natural. Based on the examination, these hypoallergenic shampoos procure certified approvals from standard agencies and authorities like the National Psoriasis Foundation, Food and Drug Administration, Leaping Bunny, and Environmental Working Group.
Such certified products are 100% safe and reliable to use. Therefore, we recommend you check for the approval label when purchasing the shampoo.
Conditioner
As known, you need a conditioner along with shampoo to make the hair soft and smooth. So, when you want to place a salicylic acid shampoo in your washroom, search for the one that comes with a conditioner. That means the shampoo is infused with conditioning ingredients too.
Therefore, you are at the relief end as you don’t need to spend time and money to search and get the right best conditioner for your sensitive hair.
Value for Money
The market hosts salicylic acid shampoos of different varieties, brands, and prices. Yet, choose one which is favorable and affordable as well. Though they are a bit expensive when compared to normal shampoos, better grab one which entails value for money. Don’t compromise on the quality if it’s cheaper. Make sure that the quality and value go hand in hand to maintain your hair and scalp.
Effects on your hair
Salicylic acid shampoos are sometimes associated with allergies and other side effects. So, it’s good to buy a smaller shampoo pack when you are purchasing it for the first time. We also hint you to check for any such effects on your hair. If so, just stop using it and try another variety. However, by a trial and error method, experience the hit or miss and continue to use the best salicylic acid shampoo and conditioners.
Pregnancy
If you are a pregnant woman or a lactating mother, consult your doctor before purchasing and using a salicylic acid shampoo. Some chemical ingredients present in the shampoo may be harmful to you or the baby.
Benefits of Using a Salicylic Acid Shampoo
Salicylic acid shampoo not only downturns your hair problems but also revives healthy hair. It’s very much advantageous to use if you are more prone to skin, scalp, or delicate hair problems.
- It prevents the buildup of dead skin, harmful chemicals like DHT, sebum, and other hair care sediments.
- It helps you cope up with scalp imperfections, crusty, and flaky scalps.
- It controls the sebum production and maintains appropriate hair sebum.
- It renews and replenishes the hair and scalp.
- It enters the pores and deeply cleanses the hair and scalp perfectly well even on the allergic scalp and damaged hair.
These superb benefits are much more worthy in case of certain conditions like severe dandruff, dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis.
Dandruff Management
Dandruff with flakes and itching is caused mainly by a particular fungus – Malassezia. It raises upon negligence, makes your hair weak, and ends up in hair loss. Salicylic acid can dissolve dandruff and washes it away. So, it easily reduces irritation and itching sensations, thereby, helps in dandruff management.
Seborrheic dermatitis
It is a common skin condition that affects the scalp. It shows flaky hair and scalp, itchy and patchy oily skin. Dealing with such scalp and hair is so sensitive and attentive! Salicylic acid in the shampoos dissolves the skin patches and flushes the flakes away. So, guys with seborrheic dermatitis should grab these specific shampoos to target the best relief.
Scalp psoriasis
Psoriasis is another inflammatory skin condition that can affect any body part including the scalp. It evidences raised, reddish, and scalp patches on the scalp. And, there may be single or many patches covering the entire scalp. Any normal shampoo used for cleaning such scalp is more terrible and troublesome. However, salicylic acid infused in the shampoos works on the psoriatic plaques and minimizes the itchiness.
But, remember, these shampoos are only the best supplements to use along with the concerned medication and treatment.
How to use a Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Effective Results?
Any shampoo gives effective results only if you use it correctly. So, not just the best shampoo works well, you should know how to use it too. And especially when you are treating sensitive hair, this can be a cautious prerequisite for a shower.
- Firstly, soak your hair wet with lukewarm water or room temperature water.
- Carefully massage your hair and scalp with a salicylic acid shampoo. However, the quantity of shampoo can vary based on your hair length.
- Never rub or scrub the hair and scalp with too much pressure. Gently scrub them with your fingers.
- Then, rinse it off with water thoroughly.
- Later, apply the conditioner just to the bottom two-thirds of the hair. But, don’t put on the conditioner to the upper portion and scalp as the shampoo remains of salicylic acid should pertain to it and act well. Then, rinse it off clearly.
When you clean your hair this way at prescribed regular intervals, you can have relief from scalp problems. Also, you’ll soon have lustrous, smooth, and shiny hair. But, if dandruff, crusty scalp, and patchy skin continue even after several months, we insist you meet your physician once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
As the salicylic acid shampoo is for sensitive scalp and hair, you should use it only moderately. And, you may feel irritation if you use it daily. So, you have to follow your doctor’s recommendation and use it accordingly for better results.
Salicylic acid shampoos are safe for many. But, a few may face some side effects like irritation, dry skin, peeling and broken skin, burning sensation, and redness. Plus, if you have vomiting, breathing problems, stomach pain, skin irritation, diarrhea, and lightheadedness, meet your medical practitioner immediately.
Generally, salicylic acid shampoo cures mild dandruff and conditions like psoriasis by breaking down the scales in the scalp. However, this may cause hair loss. So, you should not use it daily.
Ans: It is suggested by dermatologists to use salicylic acid shampoos moderately. The main reason is that it may irritate your scalp if you use it daily. In case you have a sensitive skin, it is best to consult with your doctors before you start using them.
There are several benefits of using salicylic acid shampoo. They are listed below:
Reduces the itchiness in your scalp.
Prevents your hair from becoming too dry.
Moisturises your hair.
Treats dandruff by removing the dead skin scales from the scalp.
Treats skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
The use of salicylic acid is safe for most of the users. But some people may experience irritation after using them. Some of the side effects of using salicylic acid shampoo include burning sensation, peeling off or broken skin increased dry skin, and redness. If you are allergic to salicylic acid, you may develop strong reactions. String reactions include vomiting, stomach pain, breathing problems, diarrhea, skin irritation, and lightheadedness.
Final Word
Salicylic acid shampoos are so precautious to therapeutically aid psoriasis, dermatitis, and other scalp problems. They assure a clean and healthy scalp by removing the dead skin, dirt, and build-up dandruff patches easily without discomfort. But, assorted formulas and brands of such shampoos in the market may confuse you.
As a helping hand, our buying guide and the product reviews help you understand many things about the salicylic acid shampoo you need. Make the right purchase and share your experience with us if our reviews are helpful. We also look forward to your valuable suggestions, opinions, and queries about the curative hair care essentials.