9 Best Salicylic Acid Shampoos of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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1

Best Overall Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo

Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo

1

Best Overall Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo

Yep, it’s pricey. But for those with dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, this shampoo could be worth the investment. It uses the chemical exfoliants salicylic acid and lactic acid—along with soothing tea tree oil—to help relieve itching, flaking, and irritation, all while fighting oil-causing bacteria. Oh, and since it relies on milder, naturally-derived surfactants, many testers found that it’s gentle enough for everyday use.

  • Size: 8.4 fl oz
  • Sulfate-free? Yes

One tester writes: “This shampoo is amazing for dry scalp flakes. I had tried numerous dandruff shampoos with no success. I have curly hair, so I make sure to use a deep conditioner after each use because it does leave hair feeling dry, but it’s flake-free, so beyond worth it.”

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Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Dandruff

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Scalp Shampoo

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Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Dandruff

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Now 12% Off

Listen, salicylic acid is great and all, but a super-oily scalp may need something a lil more potent to take on flakes. Enter: this powerful formula, which looks chic but means serious business. This one contains two dandruff-fighting super stars—climbazole and piroctone olamine—to control flaking, while rosemary oil and menthol providing a soothing, cooling sensation.

  • Size: 8.4 fl oz
  • Sulfate-free? No

One reviewer notes: “I can’t remember how I stumbled upon this product, but about a year ago I had the worst dandruff I’ve ever had. Within a few days [of using this], it started getting better. My sister recommended I use the Aussie 3-Minute Miracle for conditioner as well, and between those two, I have not had any dandruff in a year.”

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Best Gentle Salicylic Acid Shampoo

SheaMoisture Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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Best Gentle Salicylic Acid Shampoo

SheaMoisture Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Now 10% Off

Lots of dandruff shampoos out there can strip your strands and leave your ends feeling like straw—but IMO, this gentle formula is an exception. Filled with skin-soothing agents like glycerin, coconut oil, shea butter, and niacinamide, this one works to nurture your scalp and create a healthy foundation—and since it relies on milder, naturally-derived surfactants, it’s gentle on hair, too.

  • Size: 13 fl oz
  • Sulfate-free? Yes

According to one reviewer: “I’ve been struggling with itchy scalp for a while. I heard about apple cider vinegar shampoo but never thought about it helping with itch. My scalp feels so clean and the itch is gone!!! I’ve been embracing my natural curls/waves and this shampoo definitely helps by keeping my scalp and hair clean. I will never be without this again!”

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4

Best Clarifying Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Shu Uemura Delicate Comfort Deep Cleanser

Delicate Comfort Deep Cleanser

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Best Clarifying Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Shu Uemura Delicate Comfort Deep Cleanser

Despite what you may have heard, sulfate shampoos aren’t always bad news…especially if you’re someone with oily hair that’s prone to buildup (hi, it’s me). Though it’s 100 percent not cheap, this clarifying formula uses sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), a slightly gentler, less-stripping sulfate, to give you a super-clean scalp feeling. It also includes salicylic acid and citric acid to break down buildup and glycerin to restore moisture.

  • Size: 13.4 fl oz
  • Sulfate-free? No

One reviewer writes: “I do love how clean this will make my scalp feel on wash day! I wash my hair every 4 days or so, and by the 4th day, the oils in my scalp are very shiny and make my hair feel so thick. After washing my hair, it feels so clean [and] lightweight, and this doesn’t dry out my scalp.”

5

Best Budget Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Avalon Organics Therapy Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

On Sale

Therapy Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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Best Budget Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Avalon Organics Therapy Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Now 20% Off

Tbh, organic dandruff shampoos don’t always deliver, but this formula actually contains 2 percent salicylic acid to chemically buff away flakes and dead skin. It also incorporates a mix of plant extracts, like soothing aloe vera and anti-inflammatory tea tree oil, to help relieve some of the inflammation that comes with dandruff, and though it does contain sodium coco-sulfate (SCS), this kind of sulfate tends to have a much lower rate of irritation than an SLS like sodium lauryl sulfate.

  • Size: 14 fl oz
  • Sulfate-free? No

One reviewer writes: “This shampoo has changed my hair for the better. I went from a constantly itchy, dandruffy scalp to normal, shiny hair. I use it about every 2-3 days (showering with no shampoo in between), and my hair has never looked & felt better. Couple it with a good conditioner for the ends of your hair and you will be in business.”

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Best Hydrating Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Straand Crown Cleanse Shampoo

Crown Cleanse Shampoo

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Best Hydrating Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Straand Crown Cleanse Shampoo

Healthy hair starts with a strong scalp skin barrier, and this bb is here to get right to the root of the issue. Made with dry, irritated scalps in mind, Straand’s clarifying shampoo is packed with nourishing panthenol and powerful rosebay extract, which helps to soothe irritation and stabilize sebum production so your precious lil follicles can thrive.

  • Size: 11.8 fl oz
  • Sulfate-free? Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

One reviewer writes: “I suffer from scalp psoriasis due to certain ingredients in hair products. This shampoo works amazing for cleansing my scalp. I can literally feel it soothing my scalp. It works into a rich lather, and it doesn’t make my hair feel dried out.”

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7

Best Drugstore Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

On Sale

T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

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Best Drugstore Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Now 30% Off

Okay, listen. I know this bottle ain’t cute. But this stuff really delivers, promise. Made with 3 percent salicylic acid, this no-frills drugstore shampoo works to detoxify the scalp without leaving it stripped—and since it’s free from silicones, sulfates, or added fragrance, reviewers say it’s a safe choice for folks with sensitive skin.

  • Size: 4.5 fl oz
  • Sulfate-free? Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

One review notes: “I’ve used so many shampoos, and this is the best one so far. This shampoo has really helped with my oily hair, and it has decreased the amount of dandruff in my hair significantly. I have fine, textured hair, and I use this to wash to my hair about 4 times a week. The smell is a little funny, but it’s not unbearable.”

8

Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Itchy Scalps

Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Itchy Scalps

Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Got an itchy scalp? The last thing ya wanna do is further aggravate it with a harsh cleanser. Instead, try sudsing up with this sulfate-free formula from Oaui, which relies on a combo of salicylic acid and citric acid to gently break down buildup, as well as lightweight glycerin to hydrate strands. Oh, and unlike a lot of dandruff shampoos, it legit smells divine.

  • Size: 10 fl oz
  • Sulfate-free? Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

One tester writes: “I love this shampoo! Makes my hair so soft, and I’ve only used it twice, and I can already tell my dandruff is getting better. Little pricey, but it’s worth it, since it actually works. I love the smell, too!”

9

Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Dry Scalps

Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

On Sale

Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Dry Scalps

Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Now 12% Off

It’s a splurge, but this bb is worth the investment if your scalp is in need of some TLC, ’cause even though dandruff is triggered by excess oil, you *can* have both dandruff and a dry scalp (fun!!). Complete with a pretty pearlescent bottle, this gentle treatment revives parched scalps with panthenol and niacinamide, all while the 2 percent salicylic acid tackles flakes and hydrolyzed quinoa relieves itch.

  • Size: 8.5 fl oz
  • Sulfate-free? Yes* (*but still contains strong, sulfate-free cleansers that can be a bit drying)

One reviewer writes: “I have terrible dry scalp, to the point I will make scabs on my scalp…(EW I KNOW). This shampoo and conditioner IS THE BEST. LIFE SAVING! Like, nothing else works. I’ve tried the dermatologist and got shampoos and steroids and nothing helps! But this stuff…idk how, but [it] keeps my scalp so moisturized! 10/10.”

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Is salicylic acid shampoo good for dandruff?

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Because salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), it works as an exfoliant to slough off dead skin—and since it’s oil-soluble, salicylic acid is particularly good for dandruff, which is caused by excess oil secretion. “Salicylic acid is classified as a keratolytic, also known as a peeling agent,” board-certified dermatologist Rachel Westbay, MD, previously told Cosmo. “It works by softening keratin, the primary protein of which the skin is made, causing the outer layer of skin to shed and reducing the cohesion of skin cells so that they are less sticky.” Love to see it!

Ofc, you can benefit from a salicylic acid shampoo even if dandruff isn’t a concern. Since it helps to cut through oils and sebum and break down dead skin cells, a shampoo with salicylic acid can also help treat scalp psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis, among other scalp concerns. And because salicylic acid curbs excess sebum production and unclogs hair follicles without stripping away natural oils, it can also *potentially* encourage fuller, denser hair growth.

How to choose the best salicylic acid shampoo

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Think about your hair concerns

You don’t have to be fighting flakes in order to use a salicylic acid shampoo. But if you do have dandruff, then you might want to consider getting a salicylic acid shampoo with medicated antifungals (like Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo), which will work alongside salicylic acid to help to control your scalp’s yeast production.

Those with dry scalps can also find relief from a salicylic acid shampoo, as chemical exfoliants help wash away flakes and debris. If a dry scalp is your main concern, then make sure any shampoo you buy includes soothers, like glycerin, to help with itch, as well as moisturizers, like shea butter, to hydrate your skin. A prime example: Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

Check out the ingredients

Along with salicylic acid (duh), the best salicylic acid shampoos tend to include moisturizers and soothers that’ll help to calm inflammation and hydrate your skin, whether you’re dealing with a dry scalp or dandruff (or both!). And while anyone with dry scalp concerns—like dermatitis or eczema—should probs avoid harsh ingredients such as sulfates and artificial fragrance, some people can actually benefit from using sulfated detergents.

FTR, those with oil-prone hair may actually love sulfates because of how deeply they can cleanse the hair. Sulfates tend to give the strongest cleanse, but there are plenty of sulfate-free surfactants that also do their job really, really well. Check out a surfactants list if you wanna see which surfactants are harsh, mild, or gentle before buying a shampoo—and consider skipping the sulfate formulas if you have damaged, dry, or curly hair (think: types 3a to 4c).

Look at the salicylic acid strength

Typically, you’ll wanna choose a formula that contains at least 3 percent salicylic acid to really reap the benefits. But since salicylic acid pairs well with other exfoliators, you can go with a shampoo that only offers 2 percent salicylic acid…as long as that formula contains other acidic and clarifying ingredients to work alongside it. For instance, Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo only contains 2 percent salicylic acid, but it also contains citric acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid.

Meet the experts:

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  • Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, NY, and a clinical assistant professor at Cornell. Dr. Garshick specializes in general medical dermatology as well as cosmetic dermatology.
  • Rachel Westbay, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York, NY, and a clinical instructor at The Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Westbay specializes in injectables and laser surgery, as well as other non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

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Why trust ‘Cosmo’?

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Corinne Sullivan is an editor at Cosmopolitan and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news, including the best tea tree shampoos and the best caffeine shampoos. Her salicylic acid shampoo picks were based off of reviews and product testing.

Headshot of Corinne Sullivan

Corinne Sullivan

Editor

Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé. 

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