These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (2024)

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (1)

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

Chances are you already know how effective salicylic acid cleansers are at clearing up your acne. But, IMO, not enough people appreciate how great salicylic acid is for your precious scalp, too. As a chemical exfoliant, salicylic acid works to dissolve excess oil and buff away dead skin cells before they flake off, making it a safe (and v effective) clarifying treatment for your scalp—especially if you're someone who's trying to get rid of dandruff. Ready to give a salicylic acid shampoo a try? You've come to the right place, my friend.

As dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, previously told Cosmo, "Those with dandruff should consider treatments containing exfoliating ingredients, like salicylic acid," which checks out, seeing as dandruff is triggered by excess oil on your scalp. However! Those with dry, itchy scalps will also <3 shampoos with salicylic acid since the powerhouse BHA helps to slough off dead skin and open up your pores, allowing for increased hydration. Love a double-duty product!! Now, let's get into my fave salicylic acid shampoos, shall we?

Our top picks for the best salicylic acid shampoos of 2024:

Ahead, check out the full list of salicylic acid shampoos for every hair type, along with expert information on how salicylic acid shampoo works and how to choose the best one for your hair.

1

Best Overall Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo

Pros
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (9)Gently exfoliates scalp to help eliminate flakes
Cons
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (10)Some found it a bit too drying

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."

2

Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Dandruff

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (11)

Pros
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (12)Uses antifungal ingredients to clear up dandruff
Cons
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (13)Contains sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which can be a bit drying

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."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Pros
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (15)Formulated with skin-loving ingredients and mild surfactants
Cons
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (16)Testers say it works best on milder cases of dandruff

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!"

4

Best Clarifying Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Shu Uemura Delicate Comfort Deep Cleanser

Pros
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (18)Provides a very thorough yet still gentle cleanse
Cons
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (19)May not be the best fit for those with dry scalps or hair

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."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5

Best Budget Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Avalon Organics Therapy Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (20)

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (21)

Pros
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (22)Includes soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients
Cons
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (23)Contains SCS, so can be a bit drying

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."

Pros
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (25)Works to soothe irritated scalps, per testers
Cons
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (26)Peppermint smell isn't for everyone

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."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Best Drugstore Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (27)

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (28)

Pros
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (29)Approved by reviewers with sensitive skin
Cons
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (30)Def has a bit of a medicinal smell

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

Pros
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (32)Helps to leave hair soft and smelling incredible
Cons
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (33)Requires consistent use to see results

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!"

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9

Best Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Dry Scalps

Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (34)

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (35)

Pros
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (36)Includes ingredients that help hydrate and strengthen hair
Cons
  • These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (37)Def not the cheapest option

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."

Is salicylic acid shampoo good for dandruff?

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (38)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How to choose the best salicylic acid shampoo

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (39)

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:

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (40)

  • 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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Why trust 'Cosmo'?

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (41)

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.

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (42)

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.

These Salicylic Acid Shampoos Are Proof Chemical Exfoliants Aren't Just for Acne (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rob Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 5611

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rob Wisoky

Birthday: 1994-09-30

Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

Phone: +97313824072371

Job: Education Orchestrator

Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.