17 Best Hairstylist-Recommended Scalp Acne Shampoos To Try In 2024

The evilest curse for people with oily skin is scalp pimples. And the only remedy is finding the best shampoo for scalp acne. A good anti-acne formula for the scalp will give you relief from itchiness, control excess oil, soothe inflammation, and treat acne pimples. Such a shampoo will also help control triggers and prevent further breakouts. In this article, check out the 17 best shampoos for scalp acne and find a solution to your ever-annoying, itchy scalp acne.

What Is Scalp Acne?

Scalp acne appears as small bumps or pimples on the scalp or along the hairline. These bumps can be painful, itchy, and prone to irritation. Scalp acne is triggered by the following:

•  Excessive oil or sebum production.
•  Clogged pores of the scalp and hair follicles due to dirt, product residue, grime, dead skin, and excess oil.
•  Infestation of bacteria, fungi, and microscopic bugs.
•  Irregular hair washing ritual.
•  Accumulation of dirt and sweat.

Here are a few treatments you need to know about if you have scalp acne.

How To Treat Scalp Acne

Similar to face acne, scalp acne can also be treated with mild medications. Your dermatologist may prescribe shampoos to reduce breakouts. These shampoos contain a few specific ingredients that help soothe acne and pimples on your scalp.

Ingredients To Look For In Scalp Acne-Fighting Shampoos

•  Benzoyl Peroxide: It neutralizes the bacteria known to cause acne, propionibacterium acnes.
•  Tea Tree Oil: This essential oil has antibacterial properties that eliminate acne-causing bacteria on the scalp as well as facial acne.
•  Salicylic Acid: It cleanses the scalp and removes dead cells, flakes, and scales.
•  Ketoconazole: This antifungal agent reduces itching, acne, and scalp inflammation.
•  Glycolic Acid: It exfoliates the scalp and removes excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt, or impurities.
•  Ciclopirox: This ingredient helps treat skin and scalp conditions. It is commonly added to many dandruff shampoos and relieves itching.

Now you know what to look for in these acne-fighting shampoos, here is our list of the top shampoos that help reduce acne breakouts.

These Are The 17 Best Scalp Acne Shampoos To Try In 2024

1. Best Hypoallergenic: CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo

4.1

Image: Cln

BUY ON AMAZON | $36

This shampoo is formulated with active ingredients such as salicylic acid and sodium hypochlorite that cleanse unwanted oils, dead sin, product residue, and shine-reducing debris clogging the pores. Sodium hypochlorite purifies the scalp and helps prevent infections, eczema, and atopic dermatitis. Salicylic acid exfoliates the scalp and unclogs scalp pores without disrupting the oil balance. The product is clinically proven to remove excess oil and dry flakes from the scalp and treat itchiness. It also helps remove product build up caused by dry shampoo and styling product usage.

This dermatologist-tested shampoo contains glycerin, which conditions the hair and balances its moisture levels. It helps treat irritation-prone scalp conditions like dermatitis, dandruff, and folliculitis. This hair product makes your hair luscious and the scalp healthy. It removes any microbes, allergens, and bacteria that can trigger scalp breakouts or severe scalp acne.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 2,916 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

2. Best Fragrance-Free: CLn Moisture Rich Gentle Shampoo

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON | $36

This shampoo helps treat itching, flaking, and scalp irritations caused by dermatitis, dryness, psoriasis, and eczema. It contains nourishing ingredients like sodium hypochlorite and glycerin. Sodium hypochlorite soothes the scalp prone to eczema, atopic dermatitis, and scalp folliculitis. This ingredient cleanses the hair without stripping its natural oils. Glycerin helps retain hair moisture and conditions your scalp without clogging the pores. The moisture-rich, dermatologist-tested formula with special conditioners helps hydrate and nourish your scalp and hair. It does not contain any pore-clogging ingredients and aids in scalp acne treatment.

Quick Tip

Focus on massaging the shampoo on your scalp rather than your hair for improved and faster results.

3. Best Lightweight: OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Shampoo

4.4

Image: Ogx

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.97

This shampoo is formulated with peppermint, tea tree oil, and witch hazel to purify the scalp without stripping hair moisture. This sulfate-free shampoo makes your hair shiny, moisturized, rejuvenated, and healthy. Tea tree oil stimulates the scalp, peppermint extract relieves the senses, and witch hazel removes buildup and nourishes the scalp. This product has the fragrance of peppermint, vanilla, and tea tree oil. Watch this video to check out a tester’s experience of using this product.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 10,572 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

4. Best Long-Lasting: Ovante Acne Zap Shampoo

3.7

Image: Ovante

BUY ON AMAZON | $29.99

The Ovante Acne Zap Shampoo is a therapy for greasy and flaky scalp. It soothes the scalp and reduces itching, inflammation, and irritation. The mild formula with antibacterial properties eliminates excess oiliness, bumps, and head pimples. It tackles symptoms of scalp acne quite well. This soothing scalp treatment formula is enriched with tea tree oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, and patchouli oil. It helps treat seborrhea and dandruff, leaving your hair shiny and more manageable.

Pro Tip

Apply a leave-in serum to nourish your hair after shampooing.

5. Best For All Hair Types: Dr.Witch Tea Tree Therapy Conditioning Shampoo

3.7

BUY ON AMAZON | $27.99

This shampoo is formulated with an exclusive herbal blend to soothe and relieve your irritated, dry, and itchy scalp. It reduces bumps, flaking, dandruff, dryness, sores, and redness on the scalp. This plant-based shampoo helps treat oiliness, eczema, hair thinning, and scalp sensitivity. It is made with willow bark extract, chamomile, calendula, tea tree oil, hemp seed oil, aloe vera juice, red clover, and elderflower extracts. These ingredients stimulate the hair follicles and reduce hair loss. This pH-balanced shampoo removes hard water minerals, product buildup, excess oil, and other impurities. It helps restore the lost volume and shine of your hair.

6. Best Frizz Control: Yes To Scalp Relief Shampoo

4.2

Image: Yes To

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.99

This shampoo by Scalp Relief moisturizes your dry, flaky, and itchy scalp. It contains tea tree oil, sage oil, and salicylic acid, which gently cleanse and hydrate the scalp, preventing dandruff. The refreshing fragrance of this anti-frizz shampoo helps calm your irritated scalp. This dermatologist-tested shampoo is formulated with 97% natural ingredients that help stimulate your scalp without clogging the pores. It is clinically proven to relieve dry and itchy scalp within eight days.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 10,731 rave reviews on Amazon.

7. Best Cruelty-Free: Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo

4.4

Image: Maple Holistics

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.95

This Tea Tree Shampoo from Maple Holistic purifies the oily scalp and greasy hair. It imparts shine and volume, restoring your hair’s natural balance. This shampoo contains nourishing ingredients blended with premium essential oils, which remove buildup. It reduces flakes and hair loss without using any harsh additives. This product has a flowery, herbal fragrance of lavender and rosemary. Check out this video to explore a tester’s experience of using this product.

Quick Tip

Follow up with Maple Holistics Tea Tree conditioner after shampooing for a complete nourishing hair care regime.

8. Best Color-Safe: Botanic Hearth Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

4.2

Image: Botanic Hearth

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.37

The Botanic Hearth Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is formulated with clarifying and nourishing ingredients like pure apple cider vinegar, apple extract, argan oil, and coconut oil. Apple cedar vinegar detoxifies the scalp, removes buildup, and strengthens your hair. The mild and breakthrough formulaof this scalp detox shampoo helps restore dull, dry, and color-treated hair, making them luscious and radiant.

9. Best Gentle Formula: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

4.5

Image: Neutrogena

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.66

The T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo helps relieve scalp itching and flaking. It is a dermatologist-recommended treatment that removes any crusty scalp buildup. This shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid, which clarifies the scalp and prevents flakes. You will notice an improvement in your scalp condition just after one wash. This hair care product helps treat dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema.

10. Best Plant-Based Formula: Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

4.1

Image: Baebody

BUY ON AMAZON | $18.95

The Baebody Tea Tree Oil removes impurities and restores the natural luster of your tresses. Be it itchiness, flakes, or dandruff, this shampoo relieves your scalp and making hair healthy. This product contains tea tree oil which heals, soothes, and cleanses the scalp, removing buildup. It is made with natural ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, camellia seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and botanical keratin. These nourishing ingredients soften and strengthen your hair, enhance elasticity, and control frizz.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 2,679 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

11. Best pH-Balanced Formula: MG217 Medicated Psoriasis Shampoo

4.4

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.58

The Medicated Psoriasis shampoo treats scalp irritation and inflammation caused by dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. It soothes and relieves itching, scaling and flaking, while moisturizing the scalp. This shampoo is formulated with conditioners and natural extracts that soothe, hydrate, protect the scalp and hair. It contains 3% coal tar, which cleanses scalp buildup for a clear scalp. Check out this video detailing the reviewer’s experience of using this product.

12. Best For Oily Hair: Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo

4.2

Image: Maple Holistics

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

The Degrease Shampoo from Maple Holistics removes scalp buildup and excess oil. It detoxifies the scalp and improves hair health. This shampoo is made with jojoba, peach kernel, lemon, and basil oils. These ingredients nourish the scalp and prevent dandruff and flaking.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 1,914 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

13. Best For Adding Shine: Dandrene Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

4

Image: Dandrene

BUY ON AMAZON | $29.99

The Dandrene’s Anti-Dandruff shampoo exfoliates and cleanses the scalp to combat dandruff. It is clinically proven to destroy the fungus that causes dandruff. This shampoo is dermatologist-recommended and clinically proven. It contains 2% zinc pyrithione, which reduces flaking, scaling, irritation, and itchiness. It prevents excess sebum production, redness, and foul odor and helps with scalp exfoliation. The Antipelliculaire technology conditions the scalp, retains hair moisture, and imparts a healthy shine. This product also helps treat scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

14. Best For Soothing The Scalp: Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo

4.3

Image: Aveeno

Now 40% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.52

The Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo contains natural ingredients like oats and apple cider vinegar. Oats soothe the scalp, and apple cider vinegar removes buildup and dirt. This soothing shampoo adds shine and boosts volume, replenishing your hair from the roots to the tips. It does not contain sulfates, dyes, or parabens. This product is cruelty-free, color-safe, and suitable for all hair types.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 1,121 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

15. Best Dermatologist-Recommended: Kenkoderm Therapeutic Shampoo

4

Image: Kenkoderm

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.99

The Kenkoderm Therapeutic Shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid, which relieves scalp itching and flaking. It removes buildup and prevents flakes from becoming crusty. This shampoo helps treat various scalp conditions such as psoriasis, dandruff, and dermatitis. It does not contain any harsh colorants or fragrances that may aggravate sensitive skin.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 2,360 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

16. Best Sulfate-Free: Jupiter Balancing Shampoo

4.1

Image: Jupiter

BUY ON AMAZON | $27

This Balancing Shampoo from Jupiter relieves scalp itchiness, flaking, irritation, and redness. It controls dandruff, reduces excess sebum production, removes buildup, and soothes the scalp. This shampoo has been clinically proven to reduce hair breakage by 30%. It contains zinc pyrithione, coconut oil, decylene glycol, and algae extract. Zinc pyrithione reduces irritation and flaking, and coconut oil prevents dryness and hydrates the scalp. Glycol balances sebum production, and algae extract with its anti-aging properties nourishes the scalp. This hair product helps treat damaged hair as well as dry hair.

17. Best Soap-Free: AROMASE 5α Juniper Scalp Purifying Liquid Shampoo

4.3

Image: Aromase

BUY ON AMAZON | $24.99

The Aromase 5α Juniper Scalp Purifying Liquid Shampoo deep cleanses and exfoliates the scalp to remove excess sebum and dandruff. It contains citric acid and glycolic acid, that have proven efficacy in soothing irritations and allergies. Glycolic acid makes the scalp healthy and enhances its self-protective mechanism.

This product is infused with aloe vera leaf, pro-vitamin B3, panthenol, and glycerol, which moisturize the scalp and regulate its environment. The 5α avocuta balances oil production, and junniper communis prevents itchiness and inflammation. This treatment option is best if you have fungal infection or sensitive scalp. This shampoo with 5.5 pH promotes hair growth and treats acne, dandruff, psoriasis, dermatitis, hair dryness, and hair loss.

Infographic: The Dos And Don’ts Of Using Scalp Acne Shampoos

Dealing with scalp acne can be an uncomfortable experience. However, using the right shampoo can make all the difference. Medicated shampoos are a common remedy, but it is crucial to use them properly to prevent aggravated or damaged skin. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the dos and don’ts of using a scalp acne shampoo.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

If you experience frequent scalp breakouts, do not wait for too long before consulting a dermatologist. Scalp acne can be a sign of an underlying condition. The small bumps or pimples on the scalp might induce pain, and itchiness, and cause extreme irritation. While they may seem like small pimples, without proper treatment, they may become severe. This is where scalp acne shampoos come into the picture! These can be your ultimate saviors to combat the issue. The CLn Healthy Scalp Shampoo works wonders in unclogging pores and improving overall hair health, while the Ovante Acne Zap Shampoo improves hair manageability and reduces dandruff. For effective removal of scalp buildup and boosting natural shine, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo can surely be the best choice! With these shampoos, you will notice fewer breakouts and your scalp will feel cleaner. So scroll up and take your pick from our list.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach with considerable knowledge of hair care. She knows how difficult it is to deal with scalp breakouts and has found the perfect solution. She has conducted thorough research and selected the best shampoos to deal with scalp acne for the benefit of her readers. The right anti-acne formula for the scalp can reduce acne pimples, control excess oil, reduce inflammation, and reduce itching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get scabs on my scalp?

• Dry scalps are the most common reason for developing scabs on hair, Hot water showers, harsh shampoos, and high mineral content in water can cause dry scalp and develop scabs.
• Oily scalps too lead to excessive irritation and result in scabbing.
• Dandruff, lice, and ringworms can also cause scabs.

What shampoo is best for scalp acne?

The Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo is the best for treating scalp acne. This nourishing shampoo is blended with high-quality essential oils that eliminate dirt and grime from your scalp. In addition, it helps maintain the pH balance of your scalp.

How often should you wash your hair if you have scalp acne?

Wash your hair every two to three days to eliminate all the dirt, grime, and pollutants that can lead to the formation of scalp acne.

How do you unclog your scalp pores?

• Wash your scalp with antibacterial soap or anti-dandruff shampoo.
• Apply an exfoliating scalp mask to your hair.
• Use a leave-in scalp treatment that features hyaluronic acid.
• Apply a scalp sun protector to prevent the damaging effects of sun rays.

What shampoo is good for sores on the scalp?

The Dr.Witch Tea Tree Therapy Conditioning Shampoo is a plant-based formula containing willow bark extract, chamomile, tea tree oil, etc. that soothes and relieves sores on the scalp.

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Jill TurnbullHairstylist

   

Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide. Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns....more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products. She has previously worked as a scriptwriter for an educational technology company and...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more