9 Best Salicylic Acid Shampoos Of 2024, Hairstylist-Recommended
Get your hands on these hair care essentials for healthy, shiny, and smooth locks.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
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Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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Different shampoos suit different hair textures, and if you have been looking for the best salicylic acid shampoo, we have everything you need. The market is full of shampoos that promise to make your hair smooth and silky and bring back its gorgeous shine. While it is natural to fall prey to such promises, you must have realized that not all of them work for you. Haircare has a lot to do with getting the proper nutrition, nurturing your hair, and cleansing it. Genetic factors also make a big difference in how your hair grows. Here is a list of 9 shampoos that will fight the common hair foes like dandruff, itching, and hair loss and help you flaunt gorgeous hair. They have been picked on the basis of their formulations and careful research on their proven efficacy, as well as thousands of reviewer’s experience online.
In This Article
What Is Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic that helps soften keratin in the skin. It is similar to medicines like aspirin. It dissolves the substance that causes skin clogging by alleviating the moisture content in the skin, thereby aiding in the shedding of excessive build-up. It is used as a key ingredient in various skin-care products for its clinically examined and confirmed anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, to help in the treatment of conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
What Does Salicylic Acid Do
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic that helps soften keratin in the skin. It is similar to medicines like aspirin. This active ingredient dissolves the substance that causes skin clogging by alleviating the moisture content in the skin, thereby aiding in the shedding of excessive build-up. It is used as a key ingredient in various skin-care products for its clinically examined and confirmed anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, to help in the treatment of conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
9 Best Salicylic Acid Shampoos
1. Best For Itchy Scalp:MG217 PSORIASIS THERAPEUTIC SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER
This 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioner, recommended by doctors, is formulated using salicylic acid, chamomile extract, and panthenol to remove flakes. Jill Turnbull, Hairstylist, says, “It softens the hair and protects it from damage. It helps prevent the recurrence of itchy-scalp by avoiding build-up after every wash. Those who have psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can find relief by using this shampoo regularly. The National Psoriasis Foundation has approved it as well.”
Pros
- Natural extracts formula
- Prevents scale build-up
- Contains 3% salicylic acid
- Doctor-approved brand
- Ideal for damaged hair
Cons
- Does not ship to some parts of the world
"This shampoo soothes my itchy scalp and eliminates dandruff. It lathers nicely on my scalp, and the foam spreads evenly on my tresses. The formula washes easily off my hair without leaving residues. It also never dries out my hair."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 649 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Color-Free Formula:Neutrogena T/SAL Therapeutic Shampoo
Image: Neutrogena This shampoo by Neutrogena is hailed as the best option to treat any scalp issue and for hair and scalp detoxification. It contains clinically-proven salicylic acid, an anti-fungal ingredient that helps get rid of crusty, flaky scales through exfoliation, thereby reducing itchiness, irritation, and redness. Wet your hair and leave a small amount of the shampoo on the scalp after gently massaging it throughout the hair for a few minutes. For best results, use the shampoo twice a week after consulting with the doctor. Here’s a review video detailing the tester’s experience using the product to help you get a better understanding of the product.
Pros
- Color-free formula
- Preservatives-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Contains clinically proven salicylic acid.
Cons
- Check with a doctor if you are using topical acne treatment, as both treatment options cannot be used simultaneously.
"This shampoo eliminates flakes from my scalp and leaves my hair looking clean and nourished. It also makes my hair appear fuller. The foam washes off easily from my strands without much effort. The formula also never irritates my scalp or causes redness."
3. Best Paraben-Free Formula:DHS SAL Shampoo
DHS SAL Shampoo is an effective treatment that doctors recommend to tackle scalp conditions arising from psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. It helps get rid of crusty scales, scalp itching, and related irritations. Composed of clinically-approved salicylic acid, which helps treat various scalp conditions, has an effect that lasts hours after shampooing. Apply a generous amount on the scalp, lather, and leave it on for a few minutes for its deep cleansing action to work. This salicylic acid shampoo is recommended by various reviewers to use this formula twice a week for the best results.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Contains clinically proven salicylic acid
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 254 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
MG217 PSORIASIS THERAPEUTIC SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER Best For Itchy Scalp | Neutrogena T/SAL Therapeutic Shampoo Best Color-Free Formula | DHS SAL Shampoo Best Paraben-Free Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dandruff and Itchy Scalp | Dry | Dry |
| Dimensions | 1.94 x 1.94 x 7.5 inches | 1.3 x 1.99 x 6.65 inches | 5.1 x 1.6 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 2.4 Ounces | 0.8 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 649 | 18 | 254 |
| Price | $18.88 | - | $11.96 |
4. Best In Budget Shampoo:Cosalic Coal Tar & Salicylic Acid Solution Shampoo
The Cosalic Coal Tar & Salicylic Acid Solution Shampoo can treat all your hair-related problems, such as scalp psoriasis, dermatitis, itching, and dandruff, in one go. This salicylic acid exfoliating shampoo gently removes dirt and dead skin cells and soothes your scalp from inflammation, redness, and rashes. In addition, it has coal tar that helps treat itching, dryness, scaly patches, and flakes on the scalp caused by psoriasis. It can be used daily without any side effects and helps to transform your dull hair into shiny within weeks. Still unsure about testing this excellent product? Let the numerous positive reviews on Amazon convince you otherwise!
Pros
- Fights dandruff
- Moisturizes scalp
- Hydrates
- Smoothens hair
- Controls hair fall
- Chemical-free
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- GMO-free
- Cruelty-free
- Travel friendly
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Can be drying if used excessively
"This shampoo has reduced itchiness in my scalp. It removes dandruff from my hair and leaves my hair looking smooth and clear. I like that it is devoid of any chemical scent. The shampoo also prevents my scalp from flaking up."
Remember5. Best Biodegradable Shampoo:Avalon Organics Anti-Dandruff Medicated Shampoo
This anti-dandruff shampoo is formulated using natural ingredients. Some of the nourishing ingredients include aloe vera, chamomile oil, tea tree oil, which, when combined with 2% salicylic acid, provides ultimate relief from symptoms that arise with conditions like scalp psoriasis, scalp-redness, and itching. In addition, this antioxidant-rich product ensures to protect the hair and makes it look shiny and healthy for a long time.
Pros
- Contains organic ingredients
- Paraben-free
- GMO-free
- Vegan
- Biodegradable
- No preservatives or synthetic colors
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
"This shampoo softens my hair and makes it appear smooth. It lathers up nicely and cleans my hair follicles effectively. It removes dead skin cells and dry flakes from my scalp. The formula never irritates my scalp or burns my eyes."
6. Best For Flakes:RE-fresh Scalp Care Coconut + Soothe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Scalp Care Coconut + Soothe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo from RE-fresh is formulated with salicylic acid to break down excess oil, prevent the recurrence of flakes, and promote hair and scalp health. This cleanser is enriched with coconut water, an anti-inflammatory ingredient that provides deep hydration and relieves dryness. White willow bark helps remove dirt and product buildup from the scalp while eliminating dead skin cells to leave the hair shaft clean, healthy and refreshed. This dandruff relief shampoo is free of parabens and silicones and is 90% naturally derived. For best results, use this scalp treatment at least twice weekly and follow up with the Coconut + Soothe Conditioner to nourish your hair and help with hair rejuvenation
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Nickel-free
- Lanolin-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Soy-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Oil-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- Contains SLS
"The formula nourishes my hair and leaves it looking shiny. It soothes my scalp and eliminates dry flakes. It also adds a healthy shine to my hair. I love its mild scent, and it lingers for a long time."
7. Best For Hair Growth:XtraCare Dandruff Shampoo
This non-irritating scalp care shampoo is ideal for treating your dandruff problems effectively. It helps reduce itchiness, redness, and ensures that flaky skin on your scalp doesn’t come back. In addition, this specially formulated anti-dandruff solution promotes healthy hair regrowth and leaves it feeling shiny and fresh. The product is also ideal for an oily scalp and can help achieve clean, free-flowing hair with every wash.
Pros
- Contains 3% salicylic acid
- Controls itch and scales
- Gets rid of severe dandruff
Cons
- Non-refundable
- Expensive
"I love this shampoo as it has reduced my dandruff problems. It spreads nicely on my hair and gently cleans my scalp. My hair does not itch after the consistent use of this product. It also has a mild scent that never gets overwhelming."
Caution8. Best For Dry Hair:Soft Sheen-Carson Dark & Lovely Healthy-Gloss Moisture Shampoo
This unique formula containing satin oil helps restore the 5 important signs of healthy hair. It is a gentle cleansing formula that cleanses and transforms the strands, reduces flakiness, and prevents scale build-up. It is suitable for fine hair, dry or flat hair, and promotes shine and growth. Apply a generous amount onto your hair, gently massage to produce lather, and rinse off with cold water. For best results, use this shampoo thrice a week.
Pros
- Contains satin oil
- Restores 5 signs of healthy hair
- Suitable for dry hair
Cons
- It might not help detangle hair
"My hair looks shiny and conditioned after washing it with this shampoo. It deep cleans my hair follicles and removes dandruff. I have noticed less itchiness after the consistent use of this shampoo. It has also improved my hair growth."
9. Best For Color-Treated Hair:NAPURA S6 Active Natural Professional Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This organic anti-dandruff shampoo from Napura is formulated with a blend of rosemary, lavender, tea tree, and oregano that eliminate dryness, scaling, and scalp irritation. These moisturizing ingredients offer healthy hair grow and keep the tresses soft and voluminous. The non-greasy formula adds volume to the hair and removes build-up without weighing the hair down. The S6 Active shampoo is enriched with essential oils, salicylic acid (5%), zinc pyrithione (1%), and piroctone olamine that regulate sebum production and combat dandruff. This cleanser maintains pH balance and restoration of the scalp while reducing redness, flaking, and itchiness. The paraben-free formula is gentle enough for color-treated or chemically-processed hair. Finally, the brand does not test its products on animals.
Pros
- Soothes irritated scalp
- Adds moisture and volume
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This shampoo controls my scalp’s sebum production and reduces dandruff problems. It moisturizes my hair and adds a healthy volume. I like that this shampoo never fades my hair color. Its dropper bottle helps me apply the product evenly to even hard-to-reach areas."
Salicylic acid shampoos are very effective at treating flaky scalps and dandruff. However, a wrong choice of shampoo can adversely affect your scalp health. Therefore, here is a buying guide to choosing the best salicylic acid shampoo for your hair.
How To Choose The Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo
- Ingredients
When choosing a salicylic acid shampoo, those with sensitive skin should take extra precautions. First, check the ingredients list to ensure your shampoo is free of allergens and irritants. Some common irritating ingredients are methylparaben, propylparaben, GMO, paraben, and artificial fragrances.
- Concentration Level
The percentage of salicylic acid in the shampoo has a significant role in determining how effective it will be when used or how well it will suit your hair. If you’re using salicylic acid shampoo for the first time or have a sensitive or dry scalp, always start with the lowest concentration of around 1-2%. Then, you can gradually increase the concentration to 3% or more once your scalp can tolerate it.
- Scalp Type
Salicylic acid is generally a safe and sound ingredient for all hair types. However, those with sensitive scalps may react adversely to the component, which is irritating. When using salicylic acid, those with extremely dry scalps should also proceed cautiously, as it may cause excessive dryness and inflammation. Opt for a shampoo with soothing and hydrating ingredients to prevent this. Even the oiliest scalps can dry out with the excessive use of salicylic acid. Therefore, it is advisable to use it less frequently.
Now that we have taken a look at the 10 best salicylic acid shampoos, let us know more about using them.
How Often Should I Wash My Hair With A Salicylic Acid Shampoo
Shampoos containing salicylic acid contain a small concentration of the substance in them. Therefore, regular usage of such shampoos to treat one’s scalp conditions will not adversely affect the hair. In fact, it will help add shine, volume, cleanse hair, and make it look healthier and more nourished than before.
Is Salicylic Acid Safe To Use
Yes, salicylic acid is safe to use, provided the below-mentioned points are adhered to:
- Run an allergy test by using a small amount initially.
- Then slowly use it every other day and wait for skin reactions.
- Skincare products containing salicylic acid can be used regularly until the skin condition has been treated if no reaction/skin irritation occurs.
- It is recommended by doctors to use products containing salicylic acid in moderation.
- Since it penetrates deep into the skin to remove build-up and help with bacterial growth prevention, don’t over-use the product.
- Follow directions carefully, as mentioned in the leaflets.
- Consult a doctor before trying out any treatment options to get relief from psoriasis, dandruff problems, etc.
Infographic: Salicylic Acid Shampoos: Washing Tips & Potential Side Effects
If you have an itchy scalp, a salicylic acid shampoo is what you need to regain your hair health. Salicylic acid shampoos cleanse and nourish your scalp and make your hair silky smooth. Check out the infographic below to learn how to wash your hair the right way with a salicylic acid shampoo to reap its benefits.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Shampoos are the most important part of your hair care routine. They keep your scalp and tresses clean, smooth, and free of frizz and tangles. They are also ideal for maintaining your scalp free from greasiness, residue, and smell. Each shampoo type is uniquely formulated to match your scalp and hair needs. And the best salicylic acid shampoo is one such shampoo type that helps soften the keratin on the skin and eliminate flakes, redness, dandruff, and redness. The Neutrogena T/SAL Therapeutic Shampoo is a great option to relieve scalp discomfort, while the Cosalic Coal Tar & Salicylic Acid Solution Shampoo is an ideal formula to minimize hair damage. However, if you are looking for a product that aids scalp rejuvenation, try the RE-fresh Scalp Care Coconut + Soothe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. These shampoos are also known for removing clogging and residue. In addition, the shampoos listed above reduce itchiness, flakes, scalp acne, and buildup. But consider shampoos that are gentle on your scalp and hair and restrain from investing in formulas that have a thick consistency. Also, always remember to do a patch test prior to regular usage to prevent possible allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can salicylic acid shampoo be used daily?
Yes, salicylic acid shampoos can be used daily. But if you have sensitive skin, these shampoos can aggravate your scalp and develop irritations. It may even lead to inflamed skin. In such cases, wash your hair with salicylic acid shampoos twice weekly.
Does salicylic acid help with dandruff?
Yes, salicylic acid effectively eliminates flaky, hyperkeratotic, and scaly skin. It also moisturizes dry skin in the scalp and improves its health.
Does salicylic acid help with hair loss?
Yes. Salicylic acid does not directly provide hair growth stimulation, but it reduces the amount of DHT, a hormone that restricts the growth and development of hair follicles. A low DHT means less hair fall and salicylic acid contributes to reducing hair fall.
How long should I leave salicylic acid on my hair?
You should leave salicylic acid for a minimum of five minutes on your scalp. This is enough time for the acid to get rid of your flaky skin and moisturize the scalp. Remember to wet your hair with lukewarm water and lather the shampoo gently to avoid irritating your affected scalp.
What happens if you leave salicylic acid on too long?
Leaving salicylic acid on for too long can have adverse effects. It can penetrate the pores and start drying out your scalp further.
What should you not use with salicylic acid?
Vitamin C should not be used with salicylic acid. The layering of these ingredients can disturb the pH level of the scalp and damage your hair’s health. Also, skip using salicylic acid with retinol to prevent excessive skin sensitivity and redness.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Kirtana Divakar, is a haircare buff and loves experimenting with different hair care products. She browsed multiple forums to check user feedback and researched the products in detail to compile this list of the best salicylic acid shampoos for her readers. These products can help in clearing scalp build-ups and impart shine and bounce to the hair.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic that helps soften keratin in the skin and is a key ingredient in various skin and scalp care products. In this article, StyleCraze provides a list of the 10 best salicylic acid shampoos that can help fight dandruff, itching, and hair loss while nurturing and cleansing hair. These shampoos are formulated to treat scalp conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, hydrate the scalp, and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells. However, it’s important to use them as directed and avoid getting them into your eyes, mouth, or nose.
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