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Bacteria, dead skin cells, or sebum can clog your hair follicles and lead to acne breakout on the scalp. Acne can also be caused by hormonal imbalances. Irrespective of the cause, if you have acne problems on your scalp, you need the best scalp acne shampoo to tackle it.
Scalp acne shampoos are formulated by combining natural ingredients that prevent pore buildup and keep the scalp clean. Keep scrolling as we bring you a list of the best scalp acne shampoos to help you eliminate those stubborn breakouts on your scalp.
Top Picks
11 Best Scalp Acne Shampoos
1. Best Moisturizing:Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Formulated with puretea tree oil, rosemary, and lavender, this shampoo helps clean the scalp and prevents dirt and product buildup. It is effective in moisturizing dry hair and hydrating the scalp for healthier-looking hair.This shampoo for acne-prone skin works well on oily hair, color-treated hair, dry hair, and normal hair. Thisvideoreview will help you learn more about this shampoo.
Pros
- Effectively clarifies scalp and hair
- Washes away flakes
- Rich in essential oils
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May have a strong smell
2. Best Pure And Natural:Puriya Plant Based Tea Tree Shampoo
Image:Pam Muñoz Ryan (author)
Treat your itchy, flaky, and dry scalp with this mildshampoofor scalp acne treatment. It is infused with natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, sage, arnica, and rosemary.The sulfate-free clarifying shampoo deeply hydrates dry scalp and hair and has a pleasant fragrance.It is pH balanced and is free of parabens and sodium chloride. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Pros
- Works on brittle and damaged hair
- Mild and gentle formulation
- Effectively removes buildup
- Adds shine and luster
- Works well on all hair types
Cons
- May not ease itching
3.Best Unscented:CLn Shampoo For Scalp Acne
Created to treat dandruff, dermatitis, and folliculitis, this anti-dandruff shampoo for head acne is unscented.It is formulated with sodium hypochlorite and salicylic acid and effectively removes dead skin cells and unwanted oils from the scalp.It works on normal to oily hair.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of triclosan, parabens, and antibiotics
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-drying
Cons
- May cause hair fall
Quick tip4. Best Soothing:Ovante Folliculit Solution Shampoo
Ovante’s shampoo for scalp treatment is formulated to clean and deeply hydrate the scalp and hair.It is a soothing treatment with vitamin A and various essential oils and helps prevent scalp breakouts and itching.
Pros
- Promotes hair growth
- Eliminates dandruff
- Less foam for better absorption
- Helps make hair voluminous
Cons
- May have an unpleasant fragrance
5. Best For Unclogging Pores:Teenology Shampoo For Teens
Rich in aloe vera, vitamin B5, comfrey, and peppermint extract, this shampoo soothes irritation in the scalp, breaks down oil, nourishes hair, and treats dandruff. Unclog your pores and wash away dead skin cells with this sweet mint-scented shampoo for the scalp. Check out this product reviewvideoand pick the best-suited one for your needs.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Free of sulfates, silicones, gluten, and parabens
- Treats acne on forehead, back, and scalp
- Lathers and cleanses well
Cons
- May cause hair fall
Caution6.Best Vegan:BioB Prebiotic Natural Hair Shampoo
Get beautiful and luscious-looking hair with the soap-free BioB Prebiotic Natural Hair shampoo, whichcontains the goodness of shea butter, cocoa butter, and aloe vera.It is suitable for treating different scalp and hair issues, including acne, dryness, itchiness, dandruff, damage, and odor. This vegan shampoo reduces hair fall, improves hair growth, restores the hair’s natural PH level, and adds shine.
Pros
- Free of parabens, SLS, and mineral oil
- Suitable for treating seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis
- Strengthens the scalp’s immune system
- Vegan friendly
- Vanilla and oatmeal scent
- Easy-to-use pump bottle
Cons
- May take time to show results
- Bottle may be smaller than expected
7. Best Antibacterial:Acne Zap Shampoo For Scalp Acne
Created for safe acne treatment, this medicated scalp care product is an effective antibacterial formula for oily, itchy, and greasy scalp and acne. It works well on different types of hair and leaves you with a clarified scalp and healthy-looking hair
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Formulated for kids and adults
- Doesn’t dry out hair
Cons
- May have an unpleasant smell
8. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
The drugstore shampoo by Neutrogena is a therapeutic formulation that prevents scalp buildup. The dermatologist-recommended product helps prevent acne breakouts and clears the scalp.
Pros
- Effective in treating dandruff
- Soothes psoriasis
- Helps reduce itching
- Quick results
Cons
- May smell unpleasant
9. Best Unscented:Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Infused with 3% salicylic acid, Neutrogena’s T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo is suitable for people with dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Its formula is free of harmful skin irritants such as preservatives, colors, and fragrances. The gentle shampoo reduces bumps, clears crusty scalp residue, and relieves itching and flaking caused by scalp build-up.
Pros
- Quick-acting formula
- Controls scalp build-up
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Suitable for people with dry skin
Cons
- May not be easy to rinse off
Did you know?10. Best Organic:Avalon Organics Shampoo
Made of plant-based and other natural ingredients, the scalp-treating shampoo by Avalon Organics balances the scalp’s moisture levels and soothes inflammation. Created especially for thin hair, it has been infused with the goodness of tea tree essential oil, beta-glucan, aloe, quinoa protein, and vitamin E to strengthen the hair cuticles and make the strands look healthy and shiny.
Pros
- Soothes irritated scalp
- Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, colors, and preservatives
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO ingredients
Cons
- Might not lather well
11. Best Anti-Fungal:DS Laboratories Dandrene Shampoo
The anti-dandruff shampoo for acne has been formulated to control irritation, scaling, soreness, and flaking. It helps exfoliate and fight against the different causes of dandruff. This anti-dandruff, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterialhair producttreats the root cause of the problem.
Pros
- Clinically proven formula
- Dandrene and pyrithione zinc strengthens the formulation
- Works well on red, oily, and itchy scalp
- Makes hair softer
Cons
- May have a strong smell
How To Choose The Right Scalp Acne Shampoo?
Here are some points to consider while purchasing a scalp acne shampoo.
1.Ingredients:Choose shampoos rich in ingredients, including salicylic acid, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil, as they effectively treat acne.
2.Chemical-free formulation:Products free from SLS, sulfates, parabens, and other chemicals effectively treat the scalp gently.
3.Scalp condition:Some shampoos are formulated to soothe redness on the scalp and ease inflammation, others are effective on dandruff, and a few strengthen the hair follicles. Select the right shampoo based on your needs.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have compiled a list of the best scalp acne shampoos to clean the hair and scalp while preventing pore build-up. Specifications, pros, and cons are offered for each enumerated product to give you the detailed information. We have included details about components, chemical-free formulations, and scalp problems to help you find the right shampoo. You can also browse the buying guide to make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can hair products cause scalp acne?
Yes, some hair products may cause scalp acne if they contain pore-clogging ingredients. Check the list of ingredients in a product and avoid anything that is comedogenic.
2. How often should I wash my hair with scalp acne shampoo?
Scalp acne is itchy and painful, and you may feel like washing your hair every day. However, wash your hair only when it is greasy or when you feel irritated due to sweat. Overwashing your hair may strip off essential oils and nutrients from the scalp.
3.洗发水适合头皮痤疮吗?
Shampoos specially formulated to eliminate scalp acne or minimize acne breakouts are effective. However, avoid oil-based shampoos as they may aggravate your scalp acne(1).
4. Is an apple cider vinegar shampoo good for scalp acne?
Many beauty experts recommend using apple cider vinegar shampoo for scalp acne as it has microbial properties. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence or research to claim that apple cider vinegar shampoo can eliminate or minimize scalp acne.
5. How long does it take to clear scalp acne?
You can get rid of acne anywhere between four and six weeks after you stop using products that clog pores(2).
The best scalp acne shampoos can keep your scalp clean, unclog hair follicles, and reduce the symptoms of acne. In addition, they can keep your hair moisturized and hydrated in the long run. We have included shampoos made of natural ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, and jojoba oil that can help treat your scalp effectively. When choosing such a shampoo, check the ingredients to understand if it suits your hair type and ensure it does not contain any unpleasant fragrances or allergens that may irritate your scalp. Once you find a suitable choice, you can flaunt your healthy hair.
Infographic: What Not To Use When You Have Scalp Acne?
Scalp acne is a condition characterized by inflamed hair follicles on the scalp. It can cause itchiness and small pimples, requiring proper care and treatment for relief. To better manage scalp acne, avoiding certain hair products and using scalp acne shampoos is essential. Explore the infographic below to learn what not to use when you have scalp acne.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
References:
- Scalp Acne
https://www.acne.org/scalp-acne - Are Your Hair Care Products Causing Breakouts?
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/hair-products
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