In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsHow Dandruff Shampoos WorkPicking the Right Dandruff Shampoo for Your Hair TypeIngredients to Look For in a Dandruff ShampooWhen Healthcare Providers Want You to KnowWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderHow We Tested the Best Dandruff ShampooWhat to Look ForOur ExpertsWhy Trust Verywell Health
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
How Dandruff Shampoos Work
Picking the Right Dandruff Shampoo for Your Hair Type
Ingredients to Look For in a Dandruff Shampoo
When Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
When to See a Healthcare Provider
How We Tested the Best Dandruff Shampoo
What to Look For
Our Experts
Why Trust Verywell Health
Verywell Health / Sarac Luckey
Dandruff can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition. It mayoccur for several reasons including sensitivity to hair care products, irritated skin, or most commonly malassezia(a yeast-like fungus). All of which can lead to the inflammation that causes flaking, redness, and itching. Depending on thecause, dandruff shampoos may offer relief. When deciding which shampoo to use, it’s important to consider thetype of dandruffyou’re experiencing, your hair type, and how frequently you wash your hair.To find the best dandruff shampoos available today, we spent hours researching and testing the most popular products on the market,evaluating formulation, effectiveness, method, and price. We also consulted board-certified dermatologistOrit Markowitz, MD, FAAD, a leading dermatologist, skin cancer specialist, and the CEO and Founder of OptiSkin Medical in New York City, for her insights on which ingredients to look for and what to avoid. Then, ourMedical Expert Boardreviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. These are thedandruff shampoos that we found were effective in relieving itch, soothing inflammation, and removing buildup.How Dandruff Shampoos WorkDandruff shampoo works tocurb a flaky, itchy scalp. What they target depends on the ingredients. Dandruff shampoos usually contain antifungals or corticosteroids.Antifungals keep fungus from growing, which, in turn,reduces the fungi that cause dandruff. Some common antifungals in dandruff shampoo areketoconazole, bifonazole, selenium sulfide, ciclopirox olamine, and zinc pyrithione.Corticosteroidsare anti-inflammatory, which helpsreduce irritation, and thus flaking.Fluocinoloneis a common corticosteroid in dandruff shampoos.Coal taris another common ingredient that acts as an antifungal and anti-inflammatory ingredient used to treat both dandruff and psoriasis.Picking the Right Dandruff Shampoo for Your Hair TypeYou should factor in your specific hair type when choosing a dandruff shampoo. There are a variety of formulas designed for color-treated, dry, and curly hair types. For example,your hair and scalp may need an extra moisture boost, sohydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe veraare just as important as the flake-fighter ingredients mentioned above.Ingredients to Look For in a Dandruff ShampooThe common ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos arezinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and coal tar.These can all effectively reduce dandruff, says Markowitz. However, finding the right ingredient that works best for you may take some trial and error. If you prefer more natural ingredients,coconut oil, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegarare effective alternatives. Tea tree oil is also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.That being said, some dandruff shampoos, such as tar-based shampoos and selenium sulfide shampoos, can cause discoloration of the hair and scalp. Read the instructions carefully to see how long (or short) the shampoo should stay in before rinsing thoroughly.When Healthcare Providers Want You to KnowBest use:It’s always best to read the shampoo’s instructions for how often it should be used. It may be best to alternate regular shampoo with dandruff shampoo. For example, try using a dandruff shampoo two or three times a week and a regular shampoo on the other days. If you have dry hair, you may benefit from less shampooing overall.Duration:Dandruff can last for weeks. If you’ve been using a dandruff shampoo for several weeks and aren’t seeing an improvement in the flakiness, itchiness, or irritation of your scalp, talk to your healthcare provider or dermatologist. They can point you in the right direction for a better shampoo or other skin-based treatments. Sometimes, even after treatment was successful, dandruff may come back. So, you may need to restart dandruff treatment every once in a while.When to See a Healthcare ProviderYour dermatologist and sometimes your stylist can help determine what is causing theflakes in your hairand the best treatment options. It may be wise to visit a dermatologist if you notice dandruff persisting or worsening after using a dandruff shampoo.Our Top PicksBest Prescription-Strength:Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Shampoo at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest for Everyday Use:SALENeutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo at Amazon$11$8Jump to ReviewBest for Itch Relief:Jupiter Balancing Shampoo at Hellojupiter.comJump to ReviewBest for Flakiness:R+Co Water-Activated Enzyme Exfoliating Shampoo at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Scalp:Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo at Walmart$29Jump to ReviewBest for Color-Treated Hair:Olaplex Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo at Olaplex.comJump to ReviewBest for Buildup:Amika Exfoliating Jelly Scalp Scrub at Loveamika.comJump to Review
Dandruff can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition. It mayoccur for several reasons including sensitivity to hair care products, irritated skin, or most commonly malassezia(a yeast-like fungus). All of which can lead to the inflammation that causes flaking, redness, and itching. Depending on thecause, dandruff shampoos may offer relief. When deciding which shampoo to use, it’s important to consider thetype of dandruffyou’re experiencing, your hair type, and how frequently you wash your hair.
To find the best dandruff shampoos available today, we spent hours researching and testing the most popular products on the market,evaluating formulation, effectiveness, method, and price. We also consulted board-certified dermatologistOrit Markowitz, MD, FAAD, a leading dermatologist, skin cancer specialist, and the CEO and Founder of OptiSkin Medical in New York City, for her insights on which ingredients to look for and what to avoid. Then, ourMedical Expert Boardreviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. These are thedandruff shampoos that we found were effective in relieving itch, soothing inflammation, and removing buildup.
Dandruff shampoo works tocurb a flaky, itchy scalp. What they target depends on the ingredients. Dandruff shampoos usually contain antifungals or corticosteroids.Antifungals keep fungus from growing, which, in turn,reduces the fungi that cause dandruff. Some common antifungals in dandruff shampoo areketoconazole, bifonazole, selenium sulfide, ciclopirox olamine, and zinc pyrithione.
Corticosteroidsare anti-inflammatory, which helpsreduce irritation, and thus flaking.Fluocinoloneis a common corticosteroid in dandruff shampoos.Coal taris another common ingredient that acts as an antifungal and anti-inflammatory ingredient used to treat both dandruff and psoriasis.
You should factor in your specific hair type when choosing a dandruff shampoo. There are a variety of formulas designed for color-treated, dry, and curly hair types. For example,your hair and scalp may need an extra moisture boost, sohydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe veraare just as important as the flake-fighter ingredients mentioned above.
The common ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos arezinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and coal tar.These can all effectively reduce dandruff, says Markowitz. However, finding the right ingredient that works best for you may take some trial and error. If you prefer more natural ingredients,coconut oil, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegarare effective alternatives. Tea tree oil is also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.
That being said, some dandruff shampoos, such as tar-based shampoos and selenium sulfide shampoos, can cause discoloration of the hair and scalp. Read the instructions carefully to see how long (or short) the shampoo should stay in before rinsing thoroughly.
Your dermatologist and sometimes your stylist can help determine what is causing theflakes in your hairand the best treatment options. It may be wise to visit a dermatologist if you notice dandruff persisting or worsening after using a dandruff shampoo.
Our Top PicksBest Prescription-Strength:Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Shampoo at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest for Everyday Use:SALENeutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo at Amazon$11$8Jump to ReviewBest for Itch Relief:Jupiter Balancing Shampoo at Hellojupiter.comJump to ReviewBest for Flakiness:R+Co Water-Activated Enzyme Exfoliating Shampoo at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Scalp:Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo at Walmart$29Jump to ReviewBest for Color-Treated Hair:Olaplex Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo at Olaplex.comJump to ReviewBest for Buildup:Amika Exfoliating Jelly Scalp Scrub at Loveamika.comJump to Review
Best Prescription-Strength:Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Shampoo at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest for Everyday Use:SALENeutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo at Amazon$11$8Jump to ReviewBest for Itch Relief:Jupiter Balancing Shampoo at Hellojupiter.comJump to ReviewBest for Flakiness:R+Co Water-Activated Enzyme Exfoliating Shampoo at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest for Dry Scalp:Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo at Walmart$29Jump to ReviewBest for Color-Treated Hair:Olaplex Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo at Olaplex.comJump to ReviewBest for Buildup:Amika Exfoliating Jelly Scalp Scrub at Loveamika.comJump to Review
Best Prescription-Strength:Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Shampoo at Amazon$16Jump to Review
Best Prescription-Strength:Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Shampoo at Amazon$16
Best Prescription-Strength:
Best for Everyday Use:SALENeutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo at Amazon$11$8Jump to Review
Best for Everyday Use:SALENeutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo at Amazon$11$8
Best for Everyday Use:
SALE
Best for Itch Relief:Jupiter Balancing Shampoo at Hellojupiter.comJump to Review
Best for Itch Relief:Jupiter Balancing Shampoo at Hellojupiter.com
Best for Itch Relief:
Best for Flakiness:R+Co Water-Activated Enzyme Exfoliating Shampoo at Amazon$36Jump to Review
Best for Flakiness:R+Co Water-Activated Enzyme Exfoliating Shampoo at Amazon$36
Best for Flakiness:
Best for Dry Scalp:Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo at Walmart$29Jump to Review
Best for Dry Scalp:Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo at Walmart$29
Best for Dry Scalp:
Best for Color-Treated Hair:Olaplex Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo at Olaplex.comJump to Review
Best for Color-Treated Hair:Olaplex Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo at Olaplex.com
Best for Color-Treated Hair:
Best for Buildup:Amika Exfoliating Jelly Scalp Scrub at Loveamika.comJump to Review
Best for Buildup:Amika Exfoliating Jelly Scalp Scrub at Loveamika.com
Best for Buildup:
Best Prescription-StrengthHead & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense ShampooPHOTO: Target$16 at Amazon$16$13 at Walmart$10 at Target
Best Prescription-StrengthHead & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Shampoo
Best Prescription-Strength
Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Shampoo
PHOTO: Target
$16 at Amazon$16$13 at Walmart$10 at Target
ProsReadily available at many retailersFast and effectiveReduces oiliness on scalpConsDoesn’t lather as well as regular shampoos
ProsReadily available at many retailersFast and effectiveReduces oiliness on scalp
Readily available at many retailers
Fast and effective
Reduces oiliness on scalp
ConsDoesn’t lather as well as regular shampoos
Doesn’t lather as well as regular shampoos
Key Specs:
Why We Recommend It
Head & Shoulders has been one of the most well-recognized brands of dandruff shampoo for decades. For multi-symptom relief and prescription strength, we choseHead & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Shampooas our best overall. This formulatreats existing dandruff and helps prevent recurrenceswith the active ingredientselenium sulfidewhen used as directed.
Our hair and scalp felt cleaner after the first use. We saw significant improvement after three to four uses. After a month, our hair looked healthier, shinier, and we had no noticeable flakes. Head & Shoulders alsoreduced the oiliness and itchiness on our scalp,especially around the hairline.
Keep in Mind
We wished it was a bit foamier, however, we think the lather is a small sacrifice to make for a healthier scalp.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Erika RealsPHOTO: Verywell Health / Erika Reals
Best for Everyday UseNeutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic ShampooPHOTO: Amazon$11$8 at Amazon$8 at Walmart$8 at Target
Best for Everyday UseNeutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Best for Everyday Use
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
PHOTO: Amazon
$11$8 at Amazon$8 at Walmart$8 at Target
ProsAlcohol-, fragrance-, and preservative-freeTreats seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasisGentle enough for everyday useConsSmall product size
ProsAlcohol-, fragrance-, and preservative-freeTreats seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasisGentle enough for everyday use
Alcohol-, fragrance-, and preservative-free
Treats seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis
Gentle enough for everyday use
ConsSmall product size
Small product size
We loved that this shampoo did not feel or smell medicinal or overpowering. It containsmenthol, which aids in reducing itchiness and soothing the scalp. Overall, this product surpassed our expectations for its low price.
It lathered a little less than typical shampoo, and the bottle is pretty small so it may not last as long as other options on this list.
PHOTO: Verywell HealthPHOTO: Verywell Health
Best for Itch ReliefJupiter Balancing ShampooPHOTO: JupiterView on Hellojupiter.com
Best for Itch ReliefJupiter Balancing Shampoo
Best for Itch Relief
Jupiter Balancing Shampoo
PHOTO: Jupiter
View on Hellojupiter.com
ProsCertified veganSafe for color- and chemically-treated hairConsSmall product packaging for the price
ProsCertified veganSafe for color- and chemically-treated hair
Certified vegan
Safe for color- and chemically-treated hair
ConsSmall product packaging for the price
Small product packaging for the price
Jupiter Balancing Shampoois designed totreat mild to moderate dandruff with zinc pyrithionewhile it protects and softens hair using coconut oil, squalene, and sugar kelp extract. This formula is free from harmful sulfates, phthalates, and parabens, andsafe for all hair types. The moisture-rich ingredients make it our top choice for itch relief.
We noticed an improvement right away and all of the itchiness subsided within two weeks with regular use. The thick consistency of the shampoo spread evenly throughout our hair and scalp, but it did not create a dense lather as we hoped.It cleansed well without being too drying or oily.
For maximum dandruff control and itch relief, it is recommended to use this shampoo with every wash.
Best for FlakinessR+Co Water-Activated Enzyme Exfoliating ShampooPHOTO: R+Co$36 at Amazon$36 at TargetView on Randco.comProsVegan and gluten-freeWarm, relaxing scentVisibly reduces flakinessConsMay dull the brightness of blonde hairKey Specs:Key Ingredient:Alpha hydroxy acid |Scent:Deep Waves |Usage:Once a week in place of regular shampooWhy We Recommend ItR+Co Submarineis a water-activated enzyme exfoliator.Alpha hydroxy acid safely and gently removes flakiness without abrasive beads or granules. Other active ingredients such as bilberry extract, fermented radish root, and tomato extractreduce inflammation and odor while nourishing the scalp and hairwhen used once a week in place of regular shampoo.The “Deep Waves” fragrance is a warm, romantic scent with notes of cardamom, pineapple, tangerine, lavender, bamboo, and blonde woods, and it reminded us of a spa. When we applied Submarine to our scalp, there was a tingling sensation—almost as if we could feel it working. It did a great job of cleansing our scalp. Plus,we saw a visible reduction in flakes immediately.By the second use, the flakiness was completely gone. It worked better than we anticipated and a little went a long way.Keep in MindWe saw a slight dull in the brightness of our blonde hair when using this shampoo. However, we think that’s a small price to pay for a noticeable reduction in flakes and inflammation.PHOTO: Verywell Health / Allison WidmerPHOTO: Verywell Health / Allison Widmer
Best for FlakinessR+Co Water-Activated Enzyme Exfoliating ShampooPHOTO: R+Co$36 at Amazon$36 at TargetView on Randco.com
Best for FlakinessR+Co Water-Activated Enzyme Exfoliating Shampoo
Best for Flakiness
R+Co Water-Activated Enzyme Exfoliating Shampoo
PHOTO: R+Co
$36 at Amazon$36 at TargetView on Randco.com
ProsVegan and gluten-freeWarm, relaxing scentVisibly reduces flakinessConsMay dull the brightness of blonde hair
ProsVegan and gluten-freeWarm, relaxing scentVisibly reduces flakiness
Vegan and gluten-free
Warm, relaxing scent
Visibly reduces flakiness
ConsMay dull the brightness of blonde hair
May dull the brightness of blonde hair
Key Ingredient:Alpha hydroxy acid |Scent:Deep Waves |Usage:Once a week in place of regular shampoo
R+Co Submarineis a water-activated enzyme exfoliator.Alpha hydroxy acid safely and gently removes flakiness without abrasive beads or granules. Other active ingredients such as bilberry extract, fermented radish root, and tomato extractreduce inflammation and odor while nourishing the scalp and hairwhen used once a week in place of regular shampoo.
The “Deep Waves” fragrance is a warm, romantic scent with notes of cardamom, pineapple, tangerine, lavender, bamboo, and blonde woods, and it reminded us of a spa. When we applied Submarine to our scalp, there was a tingling sensation—almost as if we could feel it working. It did a great job of cleansing our scalp. Plus,we saw a visible reduction in flakes immediately.By the second use, the flakiness was completely gone. It worked better than we anticipated and a little went a long way.
We saw a slight dull in the brightness of our blonde hair when using this shampoo. However, we think that’s a small price to pay for a noticeable reduction in flakes and inflammation.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Allison WidmerPHOTO: Verywell Health / Allison Widmer
Best for Dry ScalpBriogeo Scalp Revival ShampooPHOTO: Briogeo$29 at Walmart$44$29 at Walmart$42 at Target
Best for Dry ScalpBriogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo
Best for Dry Scalp
Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo
PHOTO: Briogeo
$29 at Walmart$44$29 at Walmart$42 at Target
ProsGluten-free, cruelty-free, and veganGets rid of itchiness and flakinessGentle enough for daily useConsTea tree oil scent may be overwhelming for some
ProsGluten-free, cruelty-free, and veganGets rid of itchiness and flakinessGentle enough for daily use
Gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
Gets rid of itchiness and flakiness
Gentle enough for daily use
ConsTea tree oil scent may be overwhelming for some
Tea tree oil scent may be overwhelming for some
Briogeo enlists a powerful blend of salicylic acid, AHA, and Binchotan charcoal in their Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo todraw out impurities, gently exfoliate the scalp, and cleanse lackluster locks. This fragrance-free formula is made of 92% naturally derived ingredients, includingtea tree oil and lactic acid to soothe itchiness, irritation, and flakiness. It’s gentle enough to use daily on most hair types.
We loved thatBriogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoomade a huge impact on reducing the amount of dandruff we had. There was a noticeable difference after the first couple of washes. We experienced sticker shock at the higher price point, but the shampoo delivered. It performed incredibly well atreducing dandruff flakes in number and size and eliminating itchiness.
Tea tree oil is the dominating scent, which was a bit overpowering initially since this shampoo is labeled as “fragrance-free.” Similarly to other dandruff shampoos, this one does not produce the thick lather that we’re accustomed to.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Stella YuPHOTO: Verywell Health / Stella Yu
Best for Color-Treated HairOlaplex Bond Maintenance Clarifying ShampooPHOTO: OlaplexView on Olaplex.comView on Beautyplussalon.com$30 at SephoraProsEasily lathers and rinses cleanOne-weekly treatmentReduces buildup, flakes, and itchinessConsRequires purchase of additional shampooKey Specs:Key Ingredient:Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |Scent:Unspecified scent |Usage:Once a week in place of regular shampooWhy We Recommend ItOlaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoois aonce-weekly treatmentto remove product buildup and impurities while it repairs and strengthens hair bonds. It cleanses and volumizes limp tresses, addingsoftness, shine, and color clarity.The fresh, clean scent and rich lather made us feel as if this shampoo was really getting the job done. We don’t consider Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo hydrating, so we were sure to condition right after using it. We noted that the shampoo worked to significantlyreduce flakes and alleviate itchiness. The positive effects lasted a few days before the buildup became noticeable again. We added this clarifying shampoo to our weekly routine for a deep, refreshing clean.Keep in MindBecause this is only a weekly treatment, you’ll need to purchase an additional shampoo for more frequent washes.PHOTO: Verywell Health / Gibreel MartinezPHOTO: Verywell Health / Gibreel Martinez
Best for Color-Treated HairOlaplex Bond Maintenance Clarifying ShampooPHOTO: OlaplexView on Olaplex.comView on Beautyplussalon.com$30 at Sephora
Best for Color-Treated HairOlaplex Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Best for Color-Treated Hair
Olaplex Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
PHOTO: Olaplex
View on Olaplex.comView on Beautyplussalon.com$30 at Sephora
ProsEasily lathers and rinses cleanOne-weekly treatmentReduces buildup, flakes, and itchinessConsRequires purchase of additional shampoo
ProsEasily lathers and rinses cleanOne-weekly treatmentReduces buildup, flakes, and itchiness
Easily lathers and rinses clean
One-weekly treatment
Reduces buildup, flakes, and itchiness
ConsRequires purchase of additional shampoo
Requires purchase of additional shampoo
Key Ingredient:Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |Scent:Unspecified scent |Usage:Once a week in place of regular shampoo
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoois aonce-weekly treatmentto remove product buildup and impurities while it repairs and strengthens hair bonds. It cleanses and volumizes limp tresses, addingsoftness, shine, and color clarity.
The fresh, clean scent and rich lather made us feel as if this shampoo was really getting the job done. We don’t consider Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo hydrating, so we were sure to condition right after using it. We noted that the shampoo worked to significantlyreduce flakes and alleviate itchiness. The positive effects lasted a few days before the buildup became noticeable again. We added this clarifying shampoo to our weekly routine for a deep, refreshing clean.
Because this is only a weekly treatment, you’ll need to purchase an additional shampoo for more frequent washes.
PHOTO: Verywell Health / Gibreel MartinezPHOTO: Verywell Health / Gibreel Martinez
Best for BuildupAmika Exfoliating Jelly Scalp ScrubPHOTO: AmikaView on Loveamika.comProsFree from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and petrolatumEases oiliness and itchinessHas a calming, mellow scentConsDoesn’t lather wellKey Specs:Key Ingredient:Sea salt, salicylic acid |Scent:Amika signature scent|Usage:Once a week in place of regular shampoo or as neededWhy We Recommend ItAmika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoois unique in every way. As the name implies, the jelly consistency, made of sea salt, salicylic acid, pink clay, charcoal, and Indian cress removes buildup and deep cleans the scalp. The signature scent is a mellow proprietary blend with hints of orange blossom, sandalwood spice, amber, and vanilla. The applicator tip makes it easy to apply directly to the scalp.This treatment worked better the more we used it. Most notably,it eased oiliness and itchiness. It also lessened flakiness. Over time, we felt like it gave us a deep clean that reduced buildup and kept our dandruff at bay.Keep in MindWe felt inclined to use more of the product because it doesn’t lather like typical shampoo. And we would have liked a bit more of the exfoliating particles, but we got a good scrub with Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoo as-is.
Best for BuildupAmika Exfoliating Jelly Scalp ScrubPHOTO: AmikaView on Loveamika.com
Best for BuildupAmika Exfoliating Jelly Scalp Scrub
Best for Buildup
Amika Exfoliating Jelly Scalp Scrub
PHOTO: Amika
View on Loveamika.com
ProsFree from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and petrolatumEases oiliness and itchinessHas a calming, mellow scentConsDoesn’t lather well
ProsFree from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and petrolatumEases oiliness and itchinessHas a calming, mellow scent
Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and petrolatum
Eases oiliness and itchiness
Has a calming, mellow scent
ConsDoesn’t lather well
Doesn’t lather well
Key Ingredient:Sea salt, salicylic acid |Scent:Amika signature scent|Usage:Once a week in place of regular shampoo or as needed
Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoois unique in every way. As the name implies, the jelly consistency, made of sea salt, salicylic acid, pink clay, charcoal, and Indian cress removes buildup and deep cleans the scalp. The signature scent is a mellow proprietary blend with hints of orange blossom, sandalwood spice, amber, and vanilla. The applicator tip makes it easy to apply directly to the scalp.
This treatment worked better the more we used it. Most notably,it eased oiliness and itchiness. It also lessened flakiness. Over time, we felt like it gave us a deep clean that reduced buildup and kept our dandruff at bay.
We felt inclined to use more of the product because it doesn’t lather like typical shampoo. And we would have liked a bit more of the exfoliating particles, but we got a good scrub with Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoo as-is.
Over the course of a 12-week period, our team tested more than 20 dandruff shampoos, using them according to package directions. We monitored our hair and scalp every week noting how well the shampoo cleansed our scalp and hair, if it was too harsh or drying, the scent, and how long it took to reduce or eliminate dandruff. To choose our top dandruff shampoos, we rated each product based on the following criteria:
What to Look for in a Dandruff Shampoo
As a health writer with over eight years of experience,Brittany Leitnerunderstands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won’t break the bank.
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2). doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019Additional ReadingAldhalimi MA, Hadi NR, Ghafil FA.Promotive Effect of Topical Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin on Hair Growth in Male Mice.ISRN Pharmacol. 2014;2014:1-5. doi:10.1155/2014/575423Reeder NL, Kaplan J, Xu J, et al.Zinc Pyrithione Inhibits Yeast Growth through Copper Influx and Inactivation of Iron-Sulfur Proteins. AntimicrobAgents and Chemother.2011;55(12):5753-5760. doi:10.1128/aac.00724-11Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS.Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo.J Am Acad Dermatol. 47.6 (2002): 852-855.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2). doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019Additional ReadingAldhalimi MA, Hadi NR, Ghafil FA.Promotive Effect of Topical Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin on Hair Growth in Male Mice.ISRN Pharmacol. 2014;2014:1-5. doi:10.1155/2014/575423Reeder NL, Kaplan J, Xu J, et al.Zinc Pyrithione Inhibits Yeast Growth through Copper Influx and Inactivation of Iron-Sulfur Proteins. AntimicrobAgents and Chemother.2011;55(12):5753-5760. doi:10.1128/aac.00724-11Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS.Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo.J Am Acad Dermatol. 47.6 (2002): 852-855.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2). doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019
Aldhalimi MA, Hadi NR, Ghafil FA.Promotive Effect of Topical Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin on Hair Growth in Male Mice.ISRN Pharmacol. 2014;2014:1-5. doi:10.1155/2014/575423Reeder NL, Kaplan J, Xu J, et al.Zinc Pyrithione Inhibits Yeast Growth through Copper Influx and Inactivation of Iron-Sulfur Proteins. AntimicrobAgents and Chemother.2011;55(12):5753-5760. doi:10.1128/aac.00724-11Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS.Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo.J Am Acad Dermatol. 47.6 (2002): 852-855.
Aldhalimi MA, Hadi NR, Ghafil FA.Promotive Effect of Topical Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin on Hair Growth in Male Mice.ISRN Pharmacol. 2014;2014:1-5. doi:10.1155/2014/575423
Reeder NL, Kaplan J, Xu J, et al.Zinc Pyrithione Inhibits Yeast Growth through Copper Influx and Inactivation of Iron-Sulfur Proteins. AntimicrobAgents and Chemother.2011;55(12):5753-5760. doi:10.1128/aac.00724-11
Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS.Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo.J Am Acad Dermatol. 47.6 (2002): 852-855.
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