Best over the counter shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis

Don't let the words "coal tar" scare you — these shampoos work.

Design by Bella Geraci

This story is part of Survivor's Guide, a series on navigating the impact of psoriasis through beauty and self-care.

It's pretty safe to say that scalp problems of any nature, including itchiness and flaking, are extremely annoying to anyone who suffers from them. But scalp psoriasis — a common condition characterized by thick, red, scaly patches of skin that can cover the entire scalp and be chronic — is arguably the most painful and inconvenient. Scalp psoriasis treatment often comes in the form of oils, steroid solutions, and even ointments, but basic care starts in the shower with the shampoo you use.

Those battling scalp psoriasis want to aim for a formula that simultaneously sloughs away flakes while soothing irritation. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah says you should look for a shampoo with ingredients such as salicylic acid and coal tar, which is a dark liquid by-product of coke and coal gas from coal and is used in medications to treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Coal tar may sound scary, but dermatologists say it significantly helps to slow the rapid growth of skin cells while reducing inflammation. Ahead, find Shah's favorite shampoos for scalp psoriasis, as well as other expert recommendations.

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  DHS Sal Shampoo

  One shampoo recommended by Adam Friedman, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C., is DHS Sal Shampoo, which contains salicylic acid to effectively break down the scales so they're easier to remove without damaging the hair or further irritating the scalp. It's also especially good for people who suffer from crusty scales, which can often be very tough to treat.

  $11 (Shop Now)

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  Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Extra Strength

  Neutrogena's tried-and-true T-Gel has over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and is often recommended by dermatologists. "This shampoo contains 1 percent coal tar and is formulated with conditioners to reduce scale and symptoms while leaving hair manageable," explains Shah. It's no wonder people swear by the stuff.

  $9 (Shop Now)

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  Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo

  Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo is a powerhouse option recommended by New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joyce Park. "This shampoo contains 1 percent of selenium sulfide, which helps to control skin flaking through its anti-fungal and oil-controlling properties," she explains. Additionally, it works to combat excess oil production, which can make flaking and itchiness worse.

  $8 (Shop Now)

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  MG217 3% Coal Tar Formula Shampoo

  MG217's 3% Coal Tar Formula Shampoo is another one of Shah's favorites, particularly for people with severe scalp psoriasis. It contains the equivalent of 3 percent coal tar, which is very effective for eradicating scalp buildup and irritation.

  $10 (Shop Now)

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  Dove Derma Care Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti Dandruff Shampoo

  Unilever consultant and New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Francesca Fusco recommends Dove's Derma Care Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti Dandruff Shampoo for the scalp. It contains zinc pyrithione, which she says addresses dryness, flaking, and dandruff. It's less intense than the formulas that contain coal tar, so you may want to give Dove's shampoo a try first.

  $5 (Shop Now)

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  Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner

  Enriched with 3 percent salicylic acid and a calming zinc complex, Dermarest's Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner targets multiple symptoms of scalp psoriasis, including itching, redness, and severe flaking. "The salicylic acid in this shampoo helps to lift off scales and soften thick psoriasis plaques on the scalp," says Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "This also allows for deeper penetration of topical medications applied after."

  $7 for one 8-ounce bottle (Shop Now) or $13 for two 8-ounce bottles (Shop Now)

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  Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo

  Friedman recommends T/Sal, another favorite from Neutrogena, for those with milder scalp psoriasis. It's less intense than T-Gel, but still contains salicylic acid to chemically exfoliate scales. It also controls redness and itching, which are commonly associated with the condition.

  $6 (Shop Now)

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  Psoriatrax 5% Coal Tar Psoriasis Shampoo

  According to Chang, Psoriatrax's 5% Coal Tar Psoriasis Shampoo helps to inhibit skin cell growth and scale buildup, which helps to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching. You'll want to apply this as more of a treatment, rather than a traditional shampoo that you rinse out immediately. "It should be left on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing off, in order to give it time to work," says Chang.

  $19 (Shop Now)

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  Rugby Sebex Shampoo

  The packaging might look like something your dad would buy at a sports shop, but Rugby's Sebex Shampoo, which is infused with salicylic acid, packs a mega punch and breaks down the buildup caused by psoriasis. It's one of Shah's top recommendations for those who struggle with any type of scalp condition, but it's especially helpful for those with more severe conditions.

  $6 (Shop Now)

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  Bakers P&S Shampoo

  "Bakers P&S shampoo with salicylic acid is a favorite of mine," says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein. "Like other salicylic acid-containing shampoos, it can really help the flaking and itching associated with psoriasis." She advises leaving it on the scalp for at least five minutes post-lathering to give it time to loosen the scales.

  $20 (Shop Now)

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  Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo

  Selsun Blue's Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo is a dermatologist favorite — plus, it's under $10, which is always nice. "It contains selenium sulfide, an anti-microbial ingredient that lowers levels of yeast on the scalp," says New York City board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. "By lowering yeast, you can reduce scalp inflammation that contributes to flaking."

  $7 (Shop Now)

• Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

  Nizoral's Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ketoconazole, which Zeichner explains is an effective anti-fungal medication that lowers yeast levels on the scalp, and lowering yeast levels leads to less inflammation and flaking. 

  "Even though it's called a shampoo, you should really use [Nizoral] as a scalp treatment," he says. "Rub it into the scalp with your fingertips and let it lather while you slowly sing the alphabet, then rinse out." Leaving the formula on for a few minutes allows the medication to work its magic.

  $15 (Shop Now)

About Me: Brooklyn-dweller with a love for bronzer, books, and breakfast food. (And alliteration).
Hair Texture: Fine-ish
Hair Color: Medium-to-dark brown
Biggest Hair Concern: Breakage, breakage, breakage
Skin Tone: Light/Medium with neutral undertones
Skin Type: Dry/Sensitive
Greatest Skin Concern: Redness ... Read more