How often should I use my shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis?

It depends on the ingredients. Gentler formulas, like those containing salicylic acid, may be used several times a week (or, in some cases, even every day). Always check the directions on the bottle of shampoo you choose to treat your seborrheic dermatitis for specific info on often you should use the product for best results. If you're still unsure, contact your dermatologist for guidance.

Does washing your hair more often help with seborrheic dermatitis?

Yes, it does. That's because the buildup of sebum (oil) on the scalp can lead to increased yeast growth on the scalp, which contributes to seborrheic dermatitis. Dr. Kamangar recommends using an anti-dandruff shampoo two to three times a week, depending on your oily your hair gets. And make sure to use a dandruff conditioner along with your dandruff shampoo, otherwise a regular conditioner may wash away the active ingredient that has been deposited on the skin, says Dr. Zeichner.

What makes seborrheic dermatitis worse?

Cold weather, hormonal changes, and stress all can potentially make the condition worse. It's also worth noting that seborrheic dermatitis is chronic, so it'll likely need ongoing treatment.

Should I use dry shampoo if I have seborrheic dermatitis?

Unless the dry shampoo has ingredients that cause scalp irritation, which can worsen seborrheic dermatitis, dry shampoo should be OK to use, Dr. Kamangar says.

The 8 Best Shampoos for Seborrheic Dermatitis of 2024

Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoos — Verywell Health / Brian Kopinski

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that presents as red patches with overlying greasy, yellow scales. While the root cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, it’s thought to be an inflammatory response to yeast on the skin. Yeast lives on everyone’s skin as part of our natural microbiome. Still, some people’s immune systems are just more sensitive to an overabundance of it, leading to redness, itching, and flaking, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai. The condition can be persistent and uncomfortable, but many over-the-counter shampoos contain active ingredients to help with symptoms.

We researched dozens of shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis and evaluated them for active ingredients, efficacy, and moisturizing factors. A medical dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the following information to ensure accuracy in terms of ingredient efficacy.

Active Ingredients to Look For

Yeast that causes seborrheic dermatitis is technically a fungus, so antifungal ingredients are the best way to address the issue at its source. Some ingredients used in seborrheic dermatitis shampoos are both antifungal and antimicrobial. Still, other ingredients are not proven to fight the growth of yeast itself but are anti-inflammatory and exfoliating to help reduce irritated patches. Ingredients to look for include:

Zinc pyrithione: Zinc pyrithione is an antimicrobial that is often listed as the active ingredient in OTC dandruff shampoos. Because zinc has powerful antifungal properties, it’s good at killing yeast overgrowth.
Selenium sulfide: Selenium sulfide is an antifungal that can slow down the overgrowth of yeast on your scalp and skin. It can be a little harsher than zinc pyrithione, so it's best to start slow by using the product only a couple of times per week at first (then building up from there), keeping an eye out for skin irritation.
Ketoconazole: This has more uses than some of the other antifungals on this list, and can be prescribed to treat conditions including athlete’s foot, tinea versicolor, and ringworm. Ketoconazole shampoo should only be used for the first 2 to 3 weeks with a maximum of three times per week, and then thereafter should be used no more than twice per week, says William Gaunitz, FWTS certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology.
Salicylic acid: This BHA works to remove dead cells that build up on the surface of the skin and form unsightly, stubborn, and itchy patches of scaly or flaky skin, Dr. Zeichner says. If your seborrheic dermatitis consists of thick crust or patchy scales, it can help to choose a shampoo with salicylic acid.
Coal tar: While other formulations, such as selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione, treat the yeast count on the scalp, tar also has anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease signs of inflammation more quickly, says Faranak Kamangar, MD, board-certified dermatologist.
Tea tree oil: This natural oil has been shown to help with itchiness and greasiness associated with dandruff. However, tea tree oil is not as well-studied as antifungals like zinc, ketoconazole, and selenium sulfide.
Hydrating ingredients: Some medicated shampoos can be very drying, which can create brittle hair that is prone to breakage. If your hair is already dry, choose a shampoo with added hydrating ingredients such as shea butter.

Ingredients to Avoid

People with seborrheic dermatitis may benefit from avoiding certain ingredients in shampoos. According to Dr. Kamangar, these ingredients include:

Fragrances: They can be irritating to the skin and may exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.
Sulfates: Sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are commonly used as foaming agents in shampoos. However, they can strip the scalp of its natural oils and contribute to dryness and irritation.
Harsh detergents: Shampoos with stripping ingredients, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate, can be harsh on the scalp and may worsen seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.
Parabens: These are preservatives commonly found in cosmetic products, including shampoos. Some people with seborrheic dermatitis may be sensitive to parabens and may experience skin irritation.
Alcohol-based ingredients: Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol can be drying and irritating to the scalp, so it's best to avoid shampoos containing high concentrations of alcohol.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo at IHerb ($20)

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Best Medicated:

Nioxin Scalp Recovery Anti-Dandruff Medicating Cleanser Shampoo at Amazon ($60)

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Best for Color-Treated Hair:

Superzero Soothing Scalp Shampoo Bar for Flaky and Itchy Scalps at Amazon ($28)

Jump to Review

Best for Babies:

Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Shampoo & Body Wash at Amazon ($15)

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Scalp:

Sebamed Everyday Shampoo at Amazon ($45)

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Best for Natural Hair:

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo at Amazon ($7)

Jump to Review

Best 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner:

Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner at Amazon ($10)

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Best for Every Hair Type:

Kérastase Symbiose Antidandruff Hydrating Shampoo at Amazon ($42)

Jump to Review

In This Article

Active Ingredients to Look For
Ingredients to Avoid
Our Picks
Our Experts
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Health

Best Overall

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Amazon

View On IHerb $20 View On Target $16 View On Walgreens $22

Pros

Contains antifungal ingredients
Doctor-recommended
Use twice a week

Cons

May cause dryness

Why We Recommend It

This antifungal shampoo is available at many major pharmacies and works to prevent yeast growth while relieving flaking, scaling, and itching caused by dandruff. Gaunitz highly recommends this pick because it contains 1% ketoconazole.

Ketoconazole is an antifungal, which works very efficiently to decrease the fungus that builds up in the area between unexfoliated skin cells, Gaunitz says. This shampoo lathers quickly, absorbing into the scalp to relieve common symptoms caused by dandruff and leaving your hair smelling fresh.

To see the best results, it’s recommended to use this shampoo every three to four days for up to eight weeks and to leave it on for five to 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Gaunitz notes that there is also a 2% version; however, it's prescription only and is only necessary if you've already tried the OTC 1% version and it hasn't worked for you.

Keep In Mind

This shampoo contains sulfates and alcohol, two potentially drying ingredients. If you have a sensitive scalp or very dry hair, you might want to try another option that's free of sulfates and alcohol.

Key Specs

Active Ingredients: Ketoconazole 1% | Size: 7 fl oz | Uses: Flaking, scaling and itching of the scalp associated with dermatitis

Best Medicated

Nioxin Scalp Recovery Anti-Dandruff Medicating Cleanser Shampoo

Amazon

View On Amazon $60

Pros

Contains antifungal ingredients
Pleasant smell

Cons

Not as strong as prescription shampoos

Why We Recommend It

Formulated with 1% pyrithione zinc and green tea extracts, this antifungal shampoo is ideal for relieving the itchiness and flakiness associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Pyrithione zinc is a potent antifungal, antimicrobial ingredient that helps reduce dandruff flakes. Plus, zinc is suitable for sensitive scalps as it's not as irritating as other active ingredients such as salicylic acid, says Kamangar.

Nioxin's anti-dandruff shampoo helps restore the scalp's natural balance and provides soothing moisture protection. What’s extra nice about this particular shampoo is that it doesn’t have the unpleasant smell of medicated dandruff shampoos but is light and soothing. For the best results, use it at least three times a week.

Keep In Mind

1% pyrithione zinc is the strongest zinc concentration you can get over the counter. But if your seborrheic dermatitis isn't responsive to this shampoo, consider visiting a dermatologist for a prescription steroid solution, Dr. Kamangar says.

Key Specs

Active Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione 1% | Size: 1 L (33.8 oz) | Uses: Flaking, scaling and itching of the scalp associated with dermatitis

Best for Color-Treated Hair

Superzero Soothing Scalp Shampoo Bar for Flaky and Itchy Scalps

Superzero Tea Tree & Rosemary Shampoo Bar

Sephora

View On Amazon $28 View On Superzero.com View On Sephora $28

Pros

Contains tea tree oil
Sulfate-free
Travel-friendly

Cons

Doesn't contain medicated ingredients

Why We Recommend It

SuperZero's Soothing Scalp Shampoo is color-safe and sulfate-free, which means it won't strip the hair of its natural oils or fade its shade with frequent use. Made with a blend of tea tree oil and shea butter, this shampoo perfectly calms the scalp by relieving irritation and itchiness and boosting moisture. Tea tree oil is used as a natural alternative to antifungal agents for treating scalp seborrheic dermatitis.

This shampoo goes the extra mile by helping repair hair bonds and smoothing the hair's outer cuticle layer, protecting your colored strands even further. We especially love that this shampoo is easy to apply and can be used just like a soap bar. Simply wet the bar and your hair, and lather it onto your scalp. The soap bar format also means this pick is plastic-free and zero-waste. And because it's not a liquid like most shampoos, you can chuck it in your carry-on without worrying about interrogations from TSA.

Keep In Mind

It doesn't contain any medicated ingredients such as ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, or selenium sulfide so you may need a stronger product for persistent flakes.

Key Specs

Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil | Size: One bar | Uses: Flaking, scaling and itching of the scalp

Best for Babies

Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Shampoo & Body Wash

Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash

Amazon

View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $15 View On Walgreens $15

Pros

Pediatrician-approved for infants and children
Can be used as a body wash
No irritating fragrances or dyes

Cons

Can take multiple uses to see results

Why We Recommend It

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition in children, especially in babies under three months. It usually begins with cradle cap but can also start on the face or diaper area. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo is pediatrician-approved and contains the active ingredient pyrithione zinc to help fight off flaking, itching, and scaling.

This shampoo also doubles as a body wash, a bonus considering seborrheic dermatitis isn’t always exclusive to the scalp area. What's more, this formula is free of any potentially harmful ingredients, such as fragrances, dye, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, and BPA.

Keep In Mind

You'll start to see results in your kid's skin after one or two washes at the earliest, but you're more likely to see significant improvement after a week or two of consecutive use.

Key Specs

Active ingredient: Pyrithione zinc 0.95% | Size: 8 fl oz | Uses: Scaling, redness, itching, and flaking associated with dermatitis or “cradle cap” in babies

Best for Sensitive Scalp

Sebamed Everyday Shampoo

Amazon

View On Amazon $45 View On Sebamedusa.com

Pros

It's pH-balanced
Sulfate-free and color-safe
Moisturizing

Cons

Not medicated

Why We Recommend It

Dr. Kamangar recommends people with sensitive scalps look for products that are hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and sulfate-free, and SebaMed fits the bill. This shampoo is formulated to improve the health of your strands and scalp.

We also love that this shampoo is very mild, so it's great for everyday use. Its pH-balanced formula is designed to optimize scalp health, making it safe to use for any hair type and problem, including psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. So, if you’re dealing with dandruff, the soap-free shampoo works to rid dryness and add moisture back into the skin. The result: far less itching and relief for your tired hands.

Keep In Mind

This shampoo isn't medicated and doesn't contain active ingredients, such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or pyrithione zinc.

Key Specs

Active Ingredients: None | Size: 33.8 fl oz | Uses: Dandruff and itchiness associated with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis

Best for Natural Hair

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Amazon

View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $8 View On Neutrogena.com

Pros

Thick and lathers well
Widely available
Fragrance-free

Cons

Recommended to use at least twice a week

Why We Recommend It

Curly, coily, and full hair types can make the scalp challenging to access for thorough washing, so you'll want to pick a shampoo that’s equipped to penetrate the scalp. Dr. Kamangar recommends choosing a product designed to sit on the scalp for at least five minutes or longer. Neutrogena's T-Sal shampoo is a great choice for this because it's thick and lathers well, yet it's sulfate-free, so it doesn't strip the hair of its natural moisturizing oils.

This shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that removes the dead cells that build up on the surface of the skin, causing itchy and uncomfortable patches, says Dr. Zeichner. Salicylic acid is also gentler than other active ingredients.

Keep In Mind

Neutrogena recommends using this shampoo at least twice a week for best results. So, if you're used to washing your hair less frequently, you might not see the greatest symptom improvement.

Key Specs

Active Ingredients: 3% salicylic acid | Size: 4.5 fl oz | Uses: Dandruff and itchiness associated with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis

Best 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner

Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner

Amazon

View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $8 View On Walgreens $10

Pros

Contains antifungal ingredients
Widely available
Easy to use

Cons

May not be moisturizing for coarse hair

Why We Recommend It

If you're not into a multi-step hair-care routine, Selsun Blue's two-in-one shampoo and conditioner is a simple solution to seborrheic dermatitis. This easy-to-use pick comes recommended by Dr. Kamangar because it has the active ingredient 1% selenium sulfide, which works as an antifungal and contains the highest dosage available over the counter. Not only that, but this shampoo-conditioner combo also contains moisturizing ingredients.

Dr. Kamangar recommends leaving this Selsun Blue product on your scalp for at least a few minutes on the scalp to help better relieve those dandruff symptoms. And, with a combination shampoo-and-conditioner product like this one, you can rest assured it won't dry out your hair like other anti-dandruff shampoos might.

Keep In Mind

If your hair is coarse, brittle, or prone to breakage, the conditioner in this product may not be enough to smooth your hair. So you might still want to use a separate moisturizing conditioner afterward. Dr. Zeichner recommends using a conditioner with an antifungal component, so that the active ingredients remain on your scalp.

Key Specs

Active Ingredients: 1% selenium sulfide | Size: 11 fl oz | Uses: Prevent and eliminate itchy scalp and visible flakes

Best for Every Hair Type

Kérastase Symbiose Antidandruff Hydrating Shampoo

Sephora

View On Amazon $42 View On Sephora $42

Pros

Contains antifungal ingredients
Color-safe and sulfate-free
Has moisturizing ingredients

Cons

Not sold in drugstores

Why We Recommend It

Kerastase's anti-dandruff shampoo is formulated with 1% pyrithione zinc, which Dr. Kamangar says is potent yet gentle, even for sensitive scalps. In a brand-conducted clinical study, 90% of participants said they experienced reduced dandruff symptoms after 24 days of use.

This shampoo is sulfate-free, so it's safe for color-treated or processed hair, and it won't leave your strands dry. It's also suitable for straight, wavy, or curly hair that ranges from fine to thick. For best results, use this shampoo twice a week.

Keep In Mind

Kerastase's shampoo isn't as widely available as drugstore brands, so don't expect to spot this at your pharmacy.

Key Specs

Active Ingredients: 1% Zinc pyrithione | Size: 8.5 fl oz | Uses: Flaking, scaling and itching of the scalp associated with dermatitis

Our Experts

To come up with this list of the best shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis, we spoke to hair and skin experts, including dermatologists and trichologists, on what to look for in an effective shampoo as well as their top picks. The experts we spoke to include:

Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai
William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology
Faranak Kamangar, MD, board-certified dermatologist

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use my shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis?

It depends on the ingredients. Gentler formulas, like those containing salicylic acid, may be used several times a week (or, in some cases, even every day). Always check the directions on the bottle of shampoo you choose to treat your seborrheic dermatitis for specific info on often you should use the product for best results. If you're still unsure, contact your dermatologist for guidance.
Does washing your hair more often help with seborrheic dermatitis?

Yes, it does. That's because the buildup of sebum (oil) on the scalp can lead to increased yeast growth on the scalp, which contributes to seborrheic dermatitis. Dr. Kamangar recommends using an anti-dandruff shampoo two to three times a week, depending on your oily your hair gets.
And make sure to use a dandruff conditioner along with your dandruff shampoo, otherwise a regular conditioner may wash away the active ingredient that has been deposited on the skin, says Dr. Zeichner.
What makes seborrheic dermatitis worse?

Cold weather, hormonal changes, and stress all can potentially make the condition worse. It's also worth noting that seborrheic dermatitis is chronic, so it'll likely need ongoing treatment.
Should I use dry shampoo if I have seborrheic dermatitis?

Unless the dry shampoo has ingredients that cause scalp irritation, which can worsen seborrheic dermatitis, dry shampoo should be OK to use, Dr. Kamangar says.

Why Trust Verywell Health

April Benshosan is an experienced health journalist and editor whose work highlights her passion for arming people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. She has dry, thick hair that's sometimes prone to dandruff and has personally tested some of the recommended shampoos on this list.