9 Best Salicylic Acid Shampoos for Dandruff and Flakiness - Women's Concepts (2024)

Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo

Hunting for a shampoo that does it all? This is a best-seller and even snagged Amazon’s Choice label. It cleans your scalp and hair with salicylic acid, getting rid of all the gunk like sebum and leftover products without removing the good oils. Plus, it’s packed with hair-boosters like biotin, folic acid, and niacinamide, not to mention natural extracts and menthol for that fresh feel. Whether you’ve got fine, thin, or natural hair, or even if it’s color-treated, this is one of the best salicylic acid shampoos you can grab.

Redken Extreme Shampoo

If your hair craves protein-rich formulas, pick Redken Extreme Shampoo. The star in this shampoo is a protein strength complex that contains amino acids and arginine to nourish the hair roots and reduce breakage and split ends. Besides repairing and fortifying damaged hair, the shampoo also cleanses, conditions, and soothes inflamed scalp with citric and salicylic acids. It’s alcohol-free, so it won’t cause irritations or scalp inflammation, but if you don’t like SLS, avoid this one, as it has plenty of it.

Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo

Whether you have dandruff, scalp psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, Neutrogena T/Sal can help. The magic is in its simplicity—it’s got just one active ingredient, 3% salicylic acid, which is a proven champ at tackling itchiness, dryness, and flaking. And don’t worry about the extra stuff messing with your hair; this shampoo is free of added colors, preservatives, and fragrances. So, you can focus on getting that healthy scalp.

CLn Shampoo

CLn Shampoo is another dermatologist and clinically tested shampoo for the treatment of dermatitis and dandruff. It effectively cleanses the scalp prone to flaking and itching while thoroughly removing the buildup of dead skin cells and debris with salicylic acid and citric acid. Besides, this shampoo contains glycerin to hydrate your hair without clogging pores, and it has a formula free of drying alcohol, fragrance, parabens, or triclosan.

Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo

If you like organic formulas, Aveda Invati Shampoo is something you should try. While it’s not specifically a dandruff shampoo, it’s loaded with soothing stuff like salicylic acid, turmeric extract, and lactic acid. These ingredients work together to gently scrub away scalp buildup and unclog pores. Plus, it’s got a bonus: it can reduce hair shedding by a whopping 53%. So if you’re after stronger, thicker hair without drying out your scalp, this salicylic acid-infused shampoo could be your new go-to.

Biolage R.A.W. Antidandruff Shampoo

As one of our favorites, Biolage R.A.W. has a triple-threat of exfoliating agents: willow bark, lactic acid, and a solid 2.9% of active salicylic acid. These ingredients team up to kick out all the bad stuff—think excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. The result? A flake-free, healthier scalp in no time. But wait, there’s more! It’s also got rosemary for its antioxidant kick, which can help boost blood flow and make your hair grow longer and stronger. Plus, it hydrates and soothes with glycerin and natural plant extracts.

Biolage Cooling Mint Scalpsync Shampoo

If you’re after something a bit gentler but still effective, check out Biolage Cooling Mint Scalpsync Shampoo. This one is a breath of fresh air for your irritated skin. It removes excess oil and grime, all while making your hair look and feel healthier. Got wavy, curly, or fine hair? No worries, it’s a fit for all and specifically targets those annoying flakes and dandruff. The best part? Your hair feels super refreshed after each wash. If you find Biolage R.A.W. a bit too intense, this Cooling Mint version is your go-to for sensitive scalps.

Klorane Shampoo with Chamomile and Salicylic Acid

Blond or light brown locks? Klorane Shampoo could be your new haircare hero. This shampoo is a blond’s best friend, thanks to its chamomile extract that brightens and amps up those golden highlights. But it’s not just about the color; it’s packed with good-for-your-hair ingredients like vitamin C, citric acid, and yes, salicylic acid. This trio offers a scalp cleanse, nourishes your strands, and gives you that antioxidant shield to keep dandruff and itchiness at bay. Plus, if you’re into clean beauty, you’ll be happy to know it’s free from parabens, SLS, and silicones.

Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Treatment

Not a shampoo, but definitely a game-changer for your scalp: meet Sunday Riley Clean Rinse. If you’re dealing with dandruff, dermatitis, or just a flaky scalp, this treatment’s got your name on it. It’s packed with glycolic and salicylic acids that go the extra mile to kick out all the gunk clogging your hair follicles. Moreover, rose clay and hazel are added to clear out leftover impurities, all without robbing your scalp of its natural oils. And let’s talk nutrients: this formula is loaded with calcium, panthenol, zinc, and vitamins B, C, and E to give your hair the TLC it needs to grow. Plus, it’s got fatty acids, jasmine oil, and rosewater to hydrate your scalp without making your hair look like an oil slick.

Ana Vasilescu is the founder of Women's Concepts and a certified skincare consultant. She has over five years of experience working in the beauty editorial industry and over a decade in clinical research. Find her on LinkedIn or Instagram.