Best Salicylic Acid Shampoos of 2025

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Salicylic acid shampoos are a type of hair care product that is designed to address various scalp issues such as dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps to exfoliate the scalp and remove dead skin cells, which can clog hair follicles and cause irritation. These shampoos are also effective in reducing oiliness and improving hair texture. They come in different strengths and formulations, so it is advisable to seek professional advice to determine the best one for your hair and scalp type.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Salicylic Acid Shampoos
Sea Magik Salicylic Acid Shampoo for Scalp Health
The Sea Magik Shampoo is designed to provide ultimate hair health by remineralising, cleansing, and hydrating both your hair and scalp. It helps to remove dirt and grime, leaving your hair feeling soft and silky. With over 40 years of experience, Sea Magik has perfected the infusion of mineral salts into their products, ensuring effective relief from various skin concerns. This powerful shampoo contains active ingredients like Salicylic Acid and Organic Seaweed, which work together to soothe and protect your hair and skin.
Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Oily Scalp
Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo is designed for daily use on oily scalps, effectively removing excess oils and combating dandruff from the first wash. You will appreciate the reduction in flaking and oiliness, leaving your hair feeling fresh and clean. With a gentle melon and jasmine fragrance, it makes the washing experience enjoyable. The shampoo contains Piroctone Olamine and Salicylic Acid, which work together to fight dandruff without stripping away your scalp's natural oils.
Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp
The Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo is designed for those with sensitive scalps, providing a gentle and effective solution to combat dandruff. Its unique formula contains Salicylic Acid and Piroctone Olamine, which work together from the first wash to break down dead skin cells and alleviate irritation. You will appreciate how it cleanses your hair while relieving dryness and tightness caused by external factors. Additionally, 93% of users have reported relief from itching, making it a reliable choice for tackling dandruff discomfort.
Neutrogena T/Gel Scalp Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo is designed to combat dandruff effectively from the very first wash. It has a clinically proven formula that helps to relieve and prevent dryness and itchiness associated with dandruff. You will find that it effectively fights flakes, ensuring your scalp feels comfortable. Additionally, with regular use, this shampoo can prevent dandruff from reappearing for up to 24 hours, giving you peace of mind throughout the day.
OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Itchy Scalp
OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is designed to combat flakes and soothe your scalp. Formulated with Salicylic Acid, it helps fight dandruff effectively, giving you a healthier scalp. You will appreciate the soothing relief provided by propanediol caprylate, which tackles irritation and dryness. In a clinical study, all participants reported less flaking and itching after just 28 days of use. This shampoo is sulfate-free, making it a gentle choice for your hair care routine.
Dr Oz Anti-Fungal Hair Care Shampoo
Dr Oz Shampoo is a premium product from the North East of England, designed to tackle common scalp issues. It boasts anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help combat infections such as folliculitis, psoriasis, and dandruff. By promoting a healthy environment on your scalp, this shampoo encourages stronger, shinier hair growth. Its unique tri-formula, which combines the power of Tea Tree Oil, Salicylic Acid, and Sodium Hypochlorite, ensures that you receive maximum benefits for your hair and scalp care routine.
Clever Soap Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Salicylic Acid
The Clever Soap Anti-Dandruff is designed to combat dandruff effectively. With 1% Piroctone Olamine, it fights bacteria while soothing your scalp, leaving your hair clean and free from visible flakes. The inclusion of 0.5% Salicylic Acid helps to exfoliate your scalp, removing excess oil and loosening dry skin for a healthier feel. This shampoo is also suitable for those with flaky, red, and irritated scalps, making it a great choice for individuals suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema.
Neutrogena T/Gel Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Dry Hair
The Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo is specially formulated to tackle dandruff from the very first wash. This dermatologically-tested product not only helps to eliminate flakes but also soothes the itchiness associated with dandruff. It contains powerful ingredients like Piroctone Olamine and Salicylic Acid, which effectively combat hair flakiness without stripping the scalp of its natural oils. Additionally, this moisturising shampoo works to repair dry and damaged hair, leaving it feeling nourished and protected after each use.
Briogeo Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The Briogeo Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is perfect for anyone struggling with scalp flaking, itchiness, or redness caused by dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. It gently cleanses your hair and scalp without removing essential moisture, ensuring your locks remain hydrated. This shampoo features 3% salicylic acid and hydrating lactic acid to effectively exfoliate and soothe your scalp. Safe for all hair types, including colour-treated and chemically-treated hair, it helps maintain a healthy scalp while enhancing overall hair vitality.
Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Oily Hair
Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo is designed for daily use, effectively combating dandruff from the very first wash. Its anti-dandruff action deeply cleanses the scalp, removing excess oil and helping you achieve a fresh feeling. Formulated with salicylic acid and pyroctone olamine, it reduces flaking, making it perfect for those with a sensitive scalp. You will notice visible results immediately, as this shampoo leaves your hair healthy and revitalised, ensuring a clean and dandruff-free appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does salicylic acid do in shampoo?
Salicylic acid works in shampoo by breaking down dead skin cells. This is scientifically proven to help treat conditions that affect the scalp, like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
2. Can I wash my hair with salicylic acid?
Most of the time, salicylic acid is used in relatively small quantities as part of a hair health and dandruff prevention shampoo. Use it as frequently as you would a normal shampoo to free up and wash away excess skin sebum to keep your hair and scalp in optimal condition.
3. Does salicylic acid affect hair?
Thus, salicylic acid could cause a detachment of the cornified cells on the surface of the skin and in the hair follicles.
During our salicylic acid shampoo research, we found 88 salicylic acid shampoo products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 28,541 customer reviews through our big data system to write the salicylic acid shampoos list. We found that most customers choose salicylic acid shampoos with an average price of £6.79.
The salicylic acid shampoos are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of salicylic acid shampoos, including Sea Magik, Neutrogena, Ouai, Dr Oz, Clever Soap. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 177 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.