Derms Agree: These Shampoos Could Help Fight Psoriasis (2024)

Both dermatologists we talked to for this story recommended Nizoral's 2-in-1 Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo and Conditioner because of its effectiveness in fighting flakes. It contains tea tree oil, green tea extract, vitamin E, panthenol, and vitamin C, which works to soothe the scalp and the hair.

"Salicylic acid, the active ingredients in this shampoo and conditioner combination, helps break apart dead skin cells and facilitate their removal from the skin surface," says NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp.

Dr. Garshick advises that those with scalp psoriasis use this shampoo at least twice per week to help address flaking, scaling and itching. "As a 2-in-1, this is a good option for someone who is looking for a multitasking product," she says.

Some reviewers say it can be drying, but others say that's how they know it's working. We suggest double shampooing and working in sections to help loosen up stubborn plaque.

Developed by dermatologists, this shampoo tackles multiple scalp issues. "In addition to psoriasis, this shampoo, which contains salicylic acid, and can also be used as a treatment for folliculitis and ingrown hairs," explains Dr. Camp.

We love that it's fragrance-free and doesn't have any lingering medicinal scent like other psoriasis shampoos. The salicylic acid provides a super gentle exfoliation, removing unwanted oils and dead skin cells from the surface of your scalp, eliminating flakes in the process. It's a great pick for sensitive skin because it provides a thorough clean without over-stripping the scalp, and it's gentle enough that you can use it daily or every other day. Many reviewers say this is the only psoriasis shampoo that resolved their flaking issue without irritating the skin. It may take 1-2 weeks of repeated usage to see results, but once your scalp psoriasis clears up, using this shampoo regularly keeps it under control.

This psoriasis shampoo utilizes proven dandruff-fighting active ingredients and mint leaf, which is anti-bacterial, to target flakes and calm scalp irritation.

"The active ingredient in this shampoo is pyrithione zinc, which normalizes skin cell turnover," says Dr. Camp. "Suitable for all hair types, another benefit of this shampoo is its ability to address itch."

Many dandruff shampoos we've tried leave the scalp feeling very dry, but this one stops the flakes without removing too much of your natural oils. The smell is light and pleasant, awakening your senses with every wash, and the product lathers up nicely in your palms. The texture is more creamy than other psoriasis shampoos, which allows it to balance the activity at the scalp while leaving the rest of your hair feeling super soft and clean. Gentle enough to use daily yet powerful enough to eliminate stubborn flakes, this shampoo easily fits into our everyday shower routine.

Coal tar doesn't sound like something you'd want to put in your hair, but if you suffer from scalp psoriasis, it's an ingredient that should definitely be on your radar. Both dermatologists often recommend DHS Tar Shampoo to their patients with chronic scalp conditions, including scalp psoriasis.

"Coal tar, the active ingredients in this shampoo, is used as a treatment for psoriasis because it helps limit the formation of skin flakes," says Dr. Camp.

This medicated shampoo has a mild lemon scent, which helps to mask the tar smell, but some users say it's still pretty potent. If you can get past the smell, this shampoo works better than most, especially for those with a severe case of scalp psoriasis. It's definitely on the stronger side, but if you're having a particularly bad flare-up, this is what you want to reach for to stop the itching and reduce flakiness.

"Containing coal tar extract, this shampoo is fragrance-free and helps to reduce signs and symptoms of psoriasis," says Dr. Garshick. "It can help to improve itching, flaking while helping to calm inflammation."

An itchy scalp is more than just irritating when you suffer from scalp psoriasis; it can actually trigger even more plaque formations. That's why it's important to use a gentle psoriasis shampoo at the first sign of a flare-up, like this nourishing shampoo from Dove.

"This shampoo uses pyrithione zinc to fight dandruff and reduce flaking, while still being gentle on the scalp, helping to reduce itch and irritation, making it a good option for those with psoriasis who are also experiencing an itchy scalp," says Dr. Garshick. "It also nourishes the scalp and is pH balanced, so it won’t leave the scalp feeling stripped or dry."

Neutrogena's T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo is a classic for a reason: it just works. It features a hefty dose of salicylic acid, which is clinically proven to treats symptoms caused by scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Plus, it continues to work for hours even after it's been rinsed off and followed with conditioner. People who have been using this shampoo for decades say it's the only thing that works to balance an oily scalp and reduce psoriasis buildup.

"Neutrogena's T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo particularly good option for someone with an oily scalp as well as significant buildup or flaking as it contains 3% salicylic acid to reduce flaking and oil," says Dr. Garshick.

"Containing 3% coal tar, this shampoo is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation to help relieve itching, dryness, redness and flaking that may occur with scalp psoriasis," says Dr. Garshick.

This maximum strength formula combats irritation, itching, scaling and redness using coal tar, which helps slow the rapid growth of skin cells on the scalp. We found it to be especially effective for those suffering from recurrent scalp psoriasis that require a stronger solution. Apply a light layer of this shampoo to your scalp, wait a few minutes to let it work its magic, and rinse it out. Adding this to your shower routine once per week keeps your scalp in check, kicking psoriasis and dandruff symptoms to the curb.

This scalp scrub is more of a pre-shampoo treatment, but it's worth the extra effort. The pointed applicator tip gets to the root of your scalp issues, rapidly breaking down and dissolving plaque built-up. You don't have to use a lot of product to get good coverage. The plant-based exfoliating beads do an excellent job of lifting away dandruff and flakes, and it washes away easily without leaving your hair feeling gritty. Plus, it's free of sulfates, silicones, essential oils, fragrance, dyes and drying alcohols, so it's safe for even the most sensitive of skin.

"This uses chemical exfoliants, including alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids in combination with gentle exfoliating beads to help break down dead skin cells, helping to reduce build up and flaking," says Dr. Garshick. "Additionally, it contains morula oil and mongongo oil which help provide moisture and is soothing on the scalp."

Testers loved how this shampoo was a blend of natural plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and squalane and proven flake-fighting ingredients like zinc pyrithione. The unique combination addresses flakes, irritation, dry scalp, oily scalp, and itchiness at the root while also providing your scalp with some much-needed moisture. The first wash left our hair feeling clean and soft, and by the fifth wash, our scalp was free of flakes. Unlike most psoriasis shampoos, we actually look forward to applying it, which helps keep our scalp happy and flake-free for longer.

"This shampoo contains zinc pyrithione and can be used daily for those with mild to moderate dandruff, as it helps to reduce flaking and associated itch," says Dr. Garshick.

Kérastase's Symbiose Anti Dandruff Shampoo Crème proves that psoriasis shampoos can be luxurious, too. This moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo provides instant relief of the symptoms and discomfort caused by scalp psoriasis. It's much less drying than other dandruff shampoos that share the same active ingredient, pyrithione zinc. Ideal for mild flakiness and itchiness, we found that this shampoo addressed our scalp issues without being too harsh.

"After one day of using this product, in one wash, it took away the itching and the redness," claims one reviewer. "It broke up the psoriasis patches a bit and allowed me to use my topical cream. After the second wash, I had a few flakes, the patches were nearly gone—and of course no redness and no itching!"

Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Ouai's Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the antidote to a flaky scalp. The star ingredient is 2% salicylic acid, which fights flakes, soothes itching and irritation, and provides instant relief for dry scalps. This is our favorite shampoo to reach for two to three times per week. After using up an entire bottle, we noticed that our scalp is noticeably less itchy and we experience fewer flare up spots and plaque.

Like other psoriasis shampoos, this shampoo works best if let it soak for five minutes before washing it out. If you have dry hair, don't forget to follow it up with your favorite moisturizing conditioner.

Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Shampoo

Dermarest Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner

• Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell in New York City.
• Dr. Brendan Camp is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology, as well as clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
  

According to Dr. Camp, there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for a new shampoo to specifically address psorisis symptoms.

Ingredients

"Ingredients like salicylic acid help break apart the bonds between dead skin cells and remove them from the scalp and hair," says Dr. Camp. "Ingredients normally associated with dandruff shampoos, like selenium and zinc, can also help treat flaky scalps and soothe symptoms like itch." Plus, Dr. Camp recommends looking for formulas available with a prescription, including corticosteroids to help reduce skin inflammation.

Severity of Symptoms

Psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing disorder, which means you'll have it for the rest of your life, but the symptoms may come and go with age. Depending on the severity of your flare-up, you might need different shampoos to manage your psoriasis. Maximum strength treatments can help tame a massive flare up quickly, but you might require something more gentle to use every day.

"There are different shampoos that can help psoriasis which include shampoos that help to exfoliate, those that help to reduce inflammation and calm itching, and since some individuals with psoriasis may experience an overlap with seborrheic dermatitis, some anti-dandruff and antifungal shampoos can be helpful as well," says Dr. Garshick. She also notes to look into other treatments like prescription topical medications, oral medications, and injections to treat your scalp psoriasis.

Hair Type

Like any hair product, consider whether the product is suited for your hair type before you buy. Certain shampoos for psoriasis might weigh down fine, thin strands. Thicker, textured hair could benefit from the addition of natural plant-based oils to help hydrate a dry scalp.

"Some ingredients are more likely to irritate skin, such as fragrances or dyes, though it may be difficult to avoid these ingredients altogether," says Dr. Camp.

If you have a sensitive scalp, it's best to avoid shampoos containing heavy fragrance, sulfates, drying alcohols, and parabens, as these may lead to dryness and irritation.

Many medicated shampoos are intended to be used at least twice a week, depending on the severity of your symptoms. "It helps to let the lather of the shampoo sit on your scalp for a few minutes to improve its skin penetration before rinsing it out," says Dr. Camp. When treating scalp psoriasis, the main focus of your shampoo should be on the scalp, not the hair. Avoid over-lathering the lengths and ends to prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle.

Dr. Garshick suggests that those with psoriasis wash their scalp regularly, as in every day or every other day, "If you have psoriasis as this can help to reduce build up and flaking," she says. "That said, since some shampoos that help to treat psoriasis are medicated, and can be drying, it may be best to use the medicated shampoos two to three times per week unless otherwise directed."

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