We all are familiar with pimples on our faces, but have you ever heard about scalp pimples? Yes! Scalp pimples are considered a curse for people with oily skin on their scalp and hence the name. Using shampoo for scalp acne is the only solution for this problem. You can get relief from itchiness, control excess oil, treat acne pimples and soothe inflammation on your scalp with an excellent anti-acne formula. So, the shampoos for scalp acne prevent further breakouts by helping you control triggers.
This article has curated the list of the 15 best shampoos for scalp acne, giving you a solution to your scalp issues.
What Is Scalp Acne?
The appearance of pimples or small bumps along the hairline or on the scalp is called scalp acne, which can be irritating, itchy, and painful. The following things trigger the formation of scalp acne:
- The production of excess sebum or oil.
- Clogged pores on the hair follicles and scalp.
- Microscopic bug, fungi or bacterial infestation.
- Washing hair irregularly.
- Dirt and sweat accumulation.
How To Treat Scalp Acne:
You can treat scalp acne with mild medication, similar to face acne. To reduce breakouts, your dermatologist might prescribe shampoos. These shampoos help soothe pimples and acne on the scalp with the help of specific ingredients. The list of ingredients you need to look for in shampoos for scalp acne are:
- Benzoyl Peroxide.
- Salicylic acid.
- Tea Tree oil.
- Glycolic acid.
- Ketoconazole.
- Ciclopirox.
15 Shampoos For Scalp Acne – 2022:
We have presented you with the list of the top 15 shampoos for scalp acne available in the market:
1. CLn Shampoo:
This is one of the shampoos for scalp acne formulated with sodium hypochlorite and salicylic acid from CLn. It helps reduce the debris, product residue, dead skin and unwanted oils clogging the pores by cleansing the scalp. In addition, the salicylic acid present in its formulation maintains the oil balance while unclogging the pores. Glycerin helps balance the moisture levels on the scalp by conditioning your hair. You will remove allergens, microbes and bacteria that might trigger breakouts by using this product regularly.
Key Ingredients: Sodium hypochlorite, Salicylic acid, Glycerin.
Pros:
- Paraben and steroid-free.
- It doesn’t have fragrance.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Tested dermatologically.
- It is suitable for normal to oily scalp.
- Non-drying.
Cons:
- It has SLS.
Ratings: 4.2/5.
2. Acne Zap – Shampoo for Scalp Acne:
Suppose you are looking for a therapy for the greasy and flaky scalp. In that case, the Ovante Acne zap shampoo is an excellent solution. It helps reduce inflammation, irritation and itching by soothing your scalp. In addition, the antibacterial properties of the mild formula of this product help eliminate head pimples, bumps, excess oiliness. Finally, using this shampoo makes your hair shiny and more manageable by treating conditions like seborrhea and dandruff.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, Patchouli oil, Lemongrass oil.
Pros:
- It provides value for money.
- Gentle formulation.
- It adds shine to your hair.
- It makes your hair manageable.
- Long-lasting results.
- Eliminates excess oiliness.
Cons:
- It has SLS.
Ratings: 3.8/5.
3. OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo:
OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Tea tree Mint Shampoo helps purify the scalp without stripping the moisture in your hair. The formulation of this product has peppermint, tea tree oil and witch hazel that keep your hair healthy, rejuvenated, moisturized and shiny. Witch hazel nourishes your scalp while removing the buildup, peppermint extracts relieves senses, and tea tree oil stimulates the scalp.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Peppermint, Witch hazel.
Pros:
- Lightweight product.
- Paraben and salt-free.
- Sulfate and silicone-free.
- It has a pleasant fragrance.
- Nourishes your scalp.
- Reduces buildup.
Cons:
- It contains alcohol.
Ratings: 4.5/5.
4. Maple Holistics Vegan Tea Tree Oil Shampoo:
This Maple Holistics vegan tea tree oil shampoo is one of the best shampoos for pimples on the scalp. It helps restore the hair’s natural balance imparting shine and volume while purifying the greasy and oily scalp. In addition, this shampoo helps remove buildup since it contains nourishing ingredients blended with essential oils.
Key Ingredients: Lavender flower oil, Jojoba oil, Argan oil.
Pros:
- Paraben and BPS-free.
- It doesn’t contain synthetic colour.
- Non-GMO.
- Suitable for all hair types.
- It is ideal for dry scalp.
- It has a floral fragrance.
Cons:
- None.
Ratings: 4.5/5.
5. Yes To Tea Tree Scalp Relief Soothing Shampoo:
Yes, Tea tree scalp relief soothing shampoo is perfect for moisturizing itchy, flaky, and dry scalp. In addition, the shampoo helps prevent dandruff with the help of ingredients like tea tree oil, sage oil and salicylic acid that cleanse and hydrate your scalp. Furthermore, this shampoo stimulates your scalp without clogging the pores since its formulation has 97% natural ingredients. You can get the desired results within eight days of use.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Sage oil.
Pros:
- Non-comedogenic.
- Silicone and paraben-free.
- It helps control frizz.
- It balances the PH levels of your scalp.
- It is residue-free.
- Lightweight product.
Cons:
- It has sodium lauryl, EDTA, MEA.
Ratings: 4.3/5.
[See More: Shampoos for Split Ends]
6. Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo:
The T/Sal therapeutic shampoo is a dermatologist-recommended treatment that helps relieve flaking and itching. In addition, it helps clarify the scalp preventing flakes since the shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid. In a single wash, you can notice an improvement in the condition of your scalp.
Key Ingredients: 3% Salicylic acid.
Pros:
- It gives long-lasting results.
- Recommended by dermatologists.
- It is suitable for all hair types.
- The formula is gentle.
- It helps prevent scalp.
- It removes any buildup in the scalp.
Cons:
- It has an unpleasant smell.
Ratings: 4.6/5.
7. BOTANIC HEARTH Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo:
This is a scalp acne treatment shampoo from The Botanic Hearth. The formulation uses moisturizing ingredients like pure apple cider vinegar, argan oil, apple extract, and coconut oil which helps strengthen your hair by detoxifying the scalp and removing buildup. Using this shampoo makes your hair luscious and radiant, restoring dull, dry and colour-treated hair.
Key Ingredients: Apple extract, Argan oil, Coconut oil, Vinegar.
Pros:
- It is suitable for all hair types.
- Sulfate and paraben-free.
- Its formula is gentle.
- Cruelty and colour-safe.
- Ideal for daily use.
- Mild formula.
Cons:
- It might cause frizziness.
Ratings: 4.3/5.
8. Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo:
Baebody tea tree oil shampoo is one of the best shampoos for head pimples. It helps restore the natural lustre of your tresses by removing impurities, whether it is itchiness, flakes or dandruff. In addition, the shampoo cleanses, heals and soothes the scalp, eliminating buildup with the help of tea tree oil in its formulation.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Jojoba oil, Almond oil, Keratin, Avocado oil, Camellia seed oil.
Pros:
- Plant-based formula.
- Paraben and sulfate-free.
- Cruelty-free.
- It controls frizz.
- It helps cleanse your scalp.
- It keeps your scalp healthy.
Cons:
- None.
Ratings: 4.1/5.
9. Derma Solve Scalp Psoriasis & Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner:
DermaSOlve Scalp Psoriases& Dandruff shampoo and conditioner is ideal for people with allergies, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The scientifically formulated shampoo restores shine and retains moisture by deeply hydrating your scalp and hair. The product is ideal for daily use and makes your hair manageable.
Key Ingredients: 3% Salicylic acid.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free.
- It is ideal for colour-treated hair.
- Irritation-free formula.
- It helps detangle your hair.
- It soothes your scalp.
- It keeps your hair and scalp moisturized.
Cons:
- None.
Ratings: 4.2/5.
10. Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo:
The Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo is another shampoo to treat scalp acne, which works by eliminating excess oil and buildup in your scalp. As a result, it improves your hair health by detoxifying the scalp. This shampoo also helps prevent dandruff and flaking while nourishing the scalp with ingredients like basil oils, lemon, peach kernel, jojoba in its formulation.
Pros:
Key Ingredients: Cypress oil, Rosemary oil, Lemon oil.
Pros:
- It is suitable for oily hair types.
- Paraben and sulfate-free.
- BPA-free.
- It doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrance.
- Non-GMO.
- It helps nourish your scalp.
Cons:
- It might cause hair fall.
- It has ammonium.
- Its consistency is thick.
Ratings: 4.3/5.
[See More: Shampoos for White Hair]
11. DS Laboratories Dandrene Dandruff Shampoo:
This DS laboratory Dandrene dandruff shampoo helps you combat dandruff by exfoliating and cleansing the scalp. It helps reduce flaking, scaling, irritation and itchiness since its formulation contains 2% zinc pyrithione. In addition, the shampoo imparts a healthy shine while retaining hair moisture with the help of antipelliculaire technology.
Key Ingredients: Tioxolone, Rosemary extract, Pomegranate peel extract. Lupine, Glycolic acid 5%, Shikimic acid, Extra strength Zinc Pyrithione.
Pros:
- It is ideal for all hair types.
- Sulfate and paraben-free.
- It gives long-lasting results.
- Cruelty-free.
- It imparts a healthy shine.
- It helps cleanse your scalp.
Cons:
- Some people might find the smell overwhelming.
- It contains Sodium chloride.
Ratings: 4.2/5.
12. Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo:
The apple cider vinegar sulfate-free shampoo by Aveeno helps remove buildup and dirt since its formulation has ingredients like oats and apple cider vinegar. ACV removes dirt and buildup while oats soothe the scalp. This shampoo helps replenish your hair from the roots to the tips while boosting volume and adding shine.
Key Ingredients: Oats, Apple cider vinegar.
Pros:
- It is ideal for all hair types.
- Paraben and sulfate-free.
- Colour-safe.
- It helps smoothen your scalp.
- Replenishes hair from the roots.
- Eliminates dirt from the scalp.
Cons:
- It has an unpleasant smell.
- It is greasy.
- It contains sodium chloride.
Ratings: 4.4/5.
13. Nioxin Scalp Recovery Anti-Dandruff Medicating Cleanser Shampoo:
Nioxin scalp recovery anti-dandruff cleanser shampoo is a medicated shampoo for scalp acne. It has a Nioxin scalp recovery medicating cleanser that relieves itching, flaking, the symptoms associated with dandruff. It also helps restore the natural balance of your scalp, keeping it healthy.
Key Ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, Green tea extracts.
Pros:
- It helps combat dandruff.
- It reduces itching.
- Reduces flaking.
- Cleanses your hair from roots to tips.
- Suitable for all hair types.
Cons:
- Costly.
Ratings: 4.4/5.
14. MG217 Psoriasis Scalp Solutions, Shampoo + Conditioner:
Suppose you look for a shampoo cum conditioner to deal with your scalp acne. In that case, the MG217 psoriasis scalp solutions can be an excellent solution. This shampoo has 2% salicylic acid, a scalp treatment while eliminating dandruff. It also keeps your scalp moisturized, giving it relief from itching with the help of panthenol and chamomile extracts.
Key Ingredients: 3%Salicylic acid, Chamomile extract, Panthenol.
Pros:
- It controls scalp buildup.
- It soothes scalp irritation.
- It helps reduce itching.
- It keeps your scalp moisturized.
- It relieves symptoms associated with psoriasis.
- It is a shampoo cum conditioner.
Cons:
- It has SLS.
Ratings: 4.3/5.
15. Nizoral Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner:
Nizoral scalp Psoriasis shampoo and conditioner is the best shampoo for pimples on the scalp. It helps you deal with plaque, scaling of scalp psoriasis, redness, irritation with the help of medicated ingredients found in its formulation. In addition, the product doesn’t irritate your skin since it doesn’t contain preservatives or artificial fragrances.
Key Ingredients: 3% Salicylic acid.
Pros:
- It cleanses gently.
- Salon-quality results.
- Unique formula.
- It reduces redness and itching.
- It keeps your hair clean and conditioned.
- It has a pleasant fragrance.
Cons:
- It might make the hair dry for some people.
Ratings: 4.4/5.
How to Use Scalp Acne Shampoos:
Here are some simple steps you can follow to use the shampoos for scalp acne efficiently unless there is a specific procedure mentioned on the product:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply a little bit of the scalp acne shampoo of your choice to the wet hair.
- Use gentle circular motions to massage your scalp.
- Let it soak in for about two to five minutes.
- Now rinse off your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Don’t wait to consult a dermatologist if you are experiencing frequent scalp breakouts that are irritating. There can be an underlying condition that might result in scalp acne. In addition, the scalp acne might become more severe if you leave it without treatment. So, choose a shampoo for scalp acne mentioned in this article that suits your hair type and needs to reap the benefits. Finally, don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. How frequently can we wash our hair with scalp acne?
Ans: Cleansing your hair every two to three days is a solid idea if you deal with zits and excess oil, though how often you wash your hair is totally up to you. Use your fingertips and gentle motions while exfoliating your scalp.
Q2. Are there any medications that help with scalp acne?
Ans: Talk to your doctor immediately if you start to experience hair loss and your OTC therapies don’t work. Your doctor might recommend the following prescriptions to reduce inflammation for severe or persistent cases.
- Steroid creams.
- Antibiotics or antihistamines.
- For severe acne, isotretinoin.
- Light therapy.
- Steroid injections.
- Clearing pores through physical extractions.
Q3. How long will it take for scalp acne to heal?
Ans: It typically takes four to eight weeks for the acne treatments to work on the scalp. To avoid recurrences, you may also have to keep treating the area. It is best to wash your hair frequently by using a mild everyday shampoo.
