According to a 2016-study, eight out of every 10 people suffering from psoriasis end up suffering from scalp psoriasis too? Therefore, if you’ve started seeing signs and symptoms of psoriasis in your scalp too, know that you’re not alone.
There are lots of people like you in the world. The only problem is that it can be a little more difficult to deal with psoriasis when it appears on the scalp. The reason for this is your hair.
While there are various ways of dealing with scalp psoriasis, all of them may not be good for your hair. Further, the products you’ve been using to take care of your hair till now may not be fit for use anymore because they can aggravate scalp psoriasis. As a result, the first step to dealing with scalp psoriasis is to change these products. Naturally, you have to begin by changing the shampoo you use.
Shampoos that are intended for people suffering from scalp psoriasis are different from mainstream shampoos. First, they are developed to relieve the discomfort caused by scalp psoriasis, which means itching and inflammation. They’re also designed to help clarify the scalp and remove any scaling and flaking that may occur because of scalp psoriasis.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo |
| 4.75/5.0 |
| Active Ingredient: Coal Tar |
| Volume: 8 ounces |
| Cost per ounce: $0.77 per ounce |
| The most effective psoriasis shampoo in the budget price segment, this product has the ability to combat the severest of problems and is even available in multiple variants. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Neutrogena Extra Strength T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo |
| 4.75/5.0 |
| Active Ingredient: Coal Tar |
| Volume: 6 ounces |
| Cost per ounce: $1.31 per ounce |
| The most popular psoriasis shampoo with multiple strength and active ingredient variations, all of which excel at providing relief to psoriasis sufferers. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Sphagnum Botanicals PsoriAid Shampoo & Conditioner Set |
| 4.75/5.0 |
| Active Ingredient: Peat Mud |
| Volume: 2 x 8.45 ounces |
| Cost per ounce: $2.36 per ounce |
| A truly unique but incredibly effective psoriasis shampoo based on an exotic and rare ingredient called peat mud sourced from Scandinavian countries in Northern Europe. |
| Check Amazon |
However, the most important difference between shampoos developed specifically for psoriasis and mainstream or generic shampoos is that they’re categorically made to not worsen scalp psoriasis.
This is why we’ve created this guide on the best shampoos for psoriasis. We’ve gone through the market looking for the best shampoos, analyzed them, and shortlisted the 10 best ones. On this page, you’ll find them listed along with in-depth reviews for each one.
However, before we get to the reviews, we recommend learning a little more about psoriasis since that will not only help you choose the right shampoos for psoriasis but also use them wisely. We’ve laid out everything in a simple but clickable navigation panel below. You can use it to skip sections of the page or return to sections you’ve already read.
- How Is Psoriasis Different from Dandruff?
- What Do Shampoos for Psoriasis Do?
- How to Use A Shampoo for Psoriasis?
- What Ingredients Should You Look For?
- Top 10 Shampoos for Psoriasis Comparison Table
- Top 3 Budget Shampoos for Psoriasis: Detailed Reviews
- Top 4 Value Shampoos for Psoriasis: Detailed Reviews
- Top 3 Premium Shampoos for Psoriasis: Detailed Reviews
How Is Psoriasis Different from Dandruff?
A lot of people confuse psoriasis with dandruff. As a result, they try to treat scalp psoriasis with anti-dandruff shampoos. At best, the wrongly chosen shampoos are ineffective but at worse, they can end up making scalp psoriasis worse and more aggressive. This is why it is important to know how to differentiate between these two problems.
Dandruff is caused by bacterial infections in the scalp. When there’s a buildup in the scalp, bacteria take root in it and use it as a medium for growth. Psoriasis, however, is different. Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that directly results in inflammation of the skin and the scalp.
This is a chronic but non-contagious problem wherein the body’s immune system mistakenly sends out signals to speed up skin cell growth. Due to overproduction, these skin cells then start accumulating on the surface of the skin. Their accumulation results in scaling or crusting on the skin or the scalp.
This scaling and plaque crusting can be uncomfortable because it prevents the skin from breathing and getting moisturized like it is supposed to be. The excessive dryness along with the inherent inflammation caused by a malfunctioning immune system can even result in irritation, itching, and pain.
Visibly, the buildup caused by scalp psoriasis will appear to be scaly and silvery. Dandruff, on the other hand, looks flaky and white. Further, while dandruff and psoriasis can both cause irritation, pain is not very common in the case of dandruff.
What Do Shampoos for Psoriasis Do?
Psoriasis is a condition that has no cure. It cannot even be prevented since it is a result of a malfunctioning immune system. This is why psoriasis shampoos are categorically designed to manage psoriasis symptoms. How they go about managing these symptoms varies according to which ingredients they contain.
Even so, broadly speaking, psoriasis shampoos will perform one or more of the following functions.
- Clarify Buildup: The buildup caused by psoriasis tends to accumulate to a point that it becomes very thick and heavy. Psoriasis shampoos are designed to soften and loosen the scaling and plaque crusting on the scalp, before facilitating its removal from the scalp.
- Slow Down Cell Growth: The stronger psoriasis shampoos in the market are also designed to slow down skin cell growth in the scalp since one of the causes of psoriasis scaling is accelerated cell growth. By slowing down this growth, these shampoos delay relapse of the problem.
- Soothe the Scalp: Psoriasis is such a big problem because of the kind of discomfort it can cause. When allowed to grow in intensity, psoriasis can result in severe dryness, itching, soreness, pain, and even bleeding. Sometimes, people with scalp psoriasis even experience hair thinning and hair loss. All these problems, however, are a result of inflammation in the scalp. Most psoriasis shampoos contain ingredients that soothe and calm this inflammation to deliver relief to the user.
How to Use A Shampoo for Psoriasis?
The most important thing you need to know before you start using psoriasis shampoos is that they’re meant to work on the scalp rather than your hair. As a result, they often end up being extremely drying on the hair.
In fact, the stronger a psoriasis shampoo is, the higher the chances will be that it will leave your hair dry. For these reasons, it is always a good idea to follow the use of a psoriasis shampoo with a normal shampoo and a conditioner. While the psoriasis shampoo will treat the scalp, the normal shampoo will clean the hair, and the conditioner will ensure that it is moisturized properly.
In addition to using another shampoo and conditioner, you also need to be careful how you use the psoriasis shampoo. The idea is to keep the effects of the psoriasis shampoo to the scalp and not allow it to affect the hair, especially if it is long.
You start by wetting your hair and applying the psoriasis shampoo to the scalp. If you’re using a coal tar shampoo, we suggest ensuring that you apply it all over your scalp as it can slow down skin cell growth. On the other hand, if you’re using a salicylic acid psoriasis shampoo, you can limit the application area to where the scaling is because these types of shampoos mainly aim at removing the buildup and have no impact on the rate of cell growth.
You’re supposed to massage the shampoo into the scalp and then let it rest for up to 15 minutes. The more severe your scaling problem, the longer you should leave it in place. However, anything more than 15 minutes is not advisable because these shampoos are pretty strong. You can finish by rinsing the shampoo off normally and following up with a decent shampoo and conditioner.
As to how often you should be using a psoriasis shampoo, typically doctors, manufacturers, and experts suggest twice a week. However, all this depends on the severity of your problem and the strength of the psoriasis shampoo you’re using.
People whose psoriasis problem is particularly intense may have to use their psoriasis shampoo every day or every other day for the first week or ten days. The idea is for the shampoo to loosen and remove the excessive scaling and plaque crusting. Once the accumulated layer is removed, however, these people have to reduce the frequency of their use to once or twice a week.
In terms of shampoo strength, lightweight shampoos can be used more frequently than heavy-duty options. For instance, if you’re using a light salicylic acid-based psoriasis shampoo, it is possible to use it every other day.
For those of you who are dealing with a severe and resilient case of scalp psoriasis, one of the best strategies would be to use stronger psoriasis shampoos once or twice a week and use milder psoriasis shampoos in-between.
What Ingredients Should You Look For?
Psoriasis shampoos are most commonly based on two ingredients.
The first is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid has inherent clarification properties which are why it is such a big hit when it comes to shampoos designed to work against dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. However, salicylic acid’s primary ability is to soften and remove built-up layers on the scalp. It does nothing to slow down skin cell regeneration in the scalp.
Further, some people have been known to react poorly to excess quantities of salicylic acid. For instance, it can cause irritation, inflammation, and even hair loss when used in excess over extended periods.
The other ingredient commonly found in psoriasis shampoos is coal tar. This is the same substance that is used to pave roads. Coal tar is a very strong substance that is as great at removing buildup as it is at slowing down cell growth.
It also has soothing qualities that come in very handy when scalp psoriasis is accompanied by severe irritation and itching. This is why coal tar-based shampoos are almost always recommended to people with the severest cases of psoriasis.
At the same time, some studies have found coal tar to be slightly carcinogenic. These carcinogenic properties, however, only come into play with exposure to excessive quantities of coal tar over decades.
This is why coal tar psoriasis shampoos can only be used once or twice a week. While for the first week or two you can use these shampoos every other day, you cannot keep this up for long because of coal tar’s long-term harmful properties.
In contrast, you can use salicylic acid-based psoriasis shampoos as often as you want without worrying about health hazards except for the risk of allergic reactions. However, it is important to remember that even salicylic acid-based psoriasis shampoos can be very strong. Used too often, they will dry your hair to a point that you start seeing hair loss.
Other than salicylic acid and coal tar, some psoriasis shampoos may contain other ingredients that are beneficial against psoriasis. For instance, sulfur is known to be as effective as salicylic acid at removing scaling on the scalp.
Similarly, ketoconazole can be found in psoriasis shampoos for its clarifying properties even though it is more commonly used against dandruff.
Further, you can even find some exotic ingredients in these types of shampoos such as essential oils and peat mud for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
In addition to these Over the Counter (OTC) formulations of psoriasis shampoos, there are also prescription-only options based on various types of steroids. Since these are prescription-only treatments, you can only get them after consulting a dermatologist.
Top 10 Shampoos for Psoriasis Comparison Table
Top 3 Budget Shampoos for Psoriasis: Detailed Reviews
1. Solimo Extra Strength Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
Solimo is a brand owned by Amazon. The e-commerce giant uses the brand to manufacture a wide variety of products in the most popular market segments. Since there are a lot of people suffering from scalp psoriasis, it isn’t surprising that there’s a Solimo psoriasis shampoo as well.
Called the Extra Strength Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo, this product is based on 1% coal tar. It is very effective against the kind of scaling and plaque crusting that scalp psoriasis ends up causing. Further, it leaves the hair shiny and more manageable.
Because this psoriasis shampoo is based on coal tar, it smells like new tires too. There aren’t many people who like this scent, especially in their hair. You will likely have the same problem which is why we suggest getting a nice-smelling conditioner.
In terms of ease of use, this shampoo rates pretty well. While it doesn’t generate the same type of lather that normal shampoos do, it still produces some. This is because it contains sulfates. Solimo also says that their psoriasis shampoo is without parabens. However, when you look at the ingredient list, you’ll find parabens listed in it.
This product is also rated to be cruelty-free. Further, the company says that it is made exclusively in the US but it does use some components from abroad.
This is one of the cheapest psoriasis shampoos on the market especially when you buy the bigger pack. The bigger pack contains six six-ounce bottles. Your other option would be the single bottle and that too isn’t very expensive. The company even supports its product with a satisfaction guarantee. Availing of this guarantee will get you a full refund within one year of your purchase.
In case you find this product a bit too strong, you can always choose the lighter version because it contains 0.5% coal tar instead of 1%.
Who’s it for: If you’re looking for the cheapest, effective coal tar-based psoriasis shampoo, try the Solimo brand from Amazon.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 6 x 6 ounces |
| Active ingredients: 1% Coal tar, sulfates, coconut-based cleansers, and parabens |
| The Pros |
|---|
| A fairly effective psoriasis shampoo |
| Produces average lather |
| A cruelty-free rated product |
| Made in the US |
| Backed by 100 percent satisfaction guarantee |
| Can be purchased in two pack sizes |
| Lesser strength variant also available |
| A very cheap psoriasis shampoo |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Everyone doesn’t like the coal tar scent |
| Contains sulfates |
| Contains parabens |
2. MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo (Best Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
This is the best psoriasis shampoo in the budget price segment, especially if your scalp psoriasis symptoms are particularly severe. The reason for this is that this shampoo is based on 3% coal tar, making it one of the strongest psoriasis shampoos in the market, irrespective of the price bracket.
Its strength allows it to be very effective against all types of scalp psoriasis symptoms too. This shampoo can deal with everything from scaling and plaque deposits to the resultant irritation, inflammation, itchiness, and redness. In fact, this psoriasis shampoo is so effective that it is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
While coal tar is the main reason why this psoriasis shampoo is so effective, cleansing agents in the shampoo play a role in removing scaling too. For instance, this shampoo contains sulfates which not only help clean the scalp but also produce a lot of lather.
Additionally, this shampoo’s formula also contains parabens. Excessive, prolonged exposure to parabens can lead to hormonal imbalances. Along with the slightly carcinogenic tendencies of coal tar, this means that you need to be careful about using this shampoo sparingly.
However, you should know that the company provides a salicylic acid variant too. While it doesn’t have health concerns associated with it, the salicylic acid variant will not be as strong as this one.
The best way to deal with your psoriasis problem would be to use this shampoo once or twice a week while using the salicylic acid variant in-between. You also have the option of using the salicylic acid variant every day and using this formula in one of its other formats such as moisturizing cream, gel treatment, or even ointment.
Since this shampoo is based on coal tar, it smells of coal tar. The scent isn’t something that anyone will like. Fortunately, it is neither very strong nor does it linger for too long in the hair.
Despite being one of the most effective psoriasis solutions in the industry, this shampoo is still priced extremely competitively. In fact, it is one of the cheapest options in the market right now.
Who’s it for: If you’re on a tight budget but want a strong shampoo for scalp psoriasis, get the MG217.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 8 ounces |
| Active ingredients: 3% Coal tar, sulfates, coconut-based cleansers, hydrolyzed collagen, parabens |
| The Pros |
|---|
| A very strong psoriasis shampoo |
| Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation |
| Produces sufficient lather |
| Other variants of the same formula available too |
| A salicylic acid-based version available too |
| A cheaply priced psoriasis shampoo |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Everyone doesn’t like the coal tar scent |
| Contains sulfates |
| Contains parabens |
3. Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo and Conditioner
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
Psoriasis shampoos are typically so strong that they leave the hair very dry. While some active ingredients are more drying than others, all have the same effect. This is why this medicated product from Dermarest is so important.
It offers the functions of both a shampoo and conditioner in the same bottle. Further, it is strong enough to be suitable for even those people who are suffering severe scaling and plaque buildup. However, it will not be able to slow down the return of all that crusting.
The reason for this is the fact that this psoriasis product is based on 3% salicylic acid and not coal tar. The salicylic acid in this shampoo is complemented by a zinc complex that also helps remove buildup. Like all psoriasis shampoos, this one also provides relief from inflammation, irritation, itching, and redness.
However, because its formula incorporates hydration agents, it is less drying than its counterparts. The moisturizing ingredients you’ll find in this shampoo are candlenut, provitamin B5, Chinese rhubarb extract, safflower flower extract, and tea tree leaf extract.
Even though it contains sulfates, this shampoo isn’t as drying as the other psoriasis shampoos on the market. The sulfates do help this shampoo produce a lot of lather though. This product is completely free of all types of parabens.
This 2-in-1 psoriasis shampoo and conditioner would also be a good choice for people who are very sensitive to strong scents. It is completely unscented. For most of you, this product will have no smell but if you’re someone with a super nose, you might be able to detect a very faint and generic medicated scent.
Like the MG217 coal tar-based psoriasis shampoo we’ve reviewed above, this one is also recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation. It also happens to be as pocket-friendly as that product.
Who’s it for: If you’re in the early stages of scalp psoriasis, have dry hair, and don’t like strong scents, try this one from Dermarest.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 2 x 8 ounces |
| Active ingredients: 3% Salicylic acid, sulfates, coconut-based cleansers, candlenut, provitamin B5, Chinese rhubarb extract, safflower flower extract, and tea tree leaf extract |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Very good at removing scaling and plaque crusting |
| Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation |
| It is an unscented product with a very mild medicated smell |
| Produces average lather |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| A cheaply priced psoriasis shampoo |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Only suited to remove psoriasis scaling and not slow down its return |
| Contains sulfates |
Top 4 Value Shampoos for Psoriasis: Detailed Reviews
4. Medicasp Coal Tar Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0
Psoriasis shampoos that are based on salicylic acid tend to be on the mild side while those that contain 1% or more coal tar tend to be very strong. Most psoriasis shampoos available in the market can be grouped in one of these two categories.
However, what do you do if you want a psoriasis shampoo somewhere in the middle of these two groups? You go for the Coal Tar Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo from Medicasp.
This is a psoriasis shampoo that is based on coal tar but in a smaller concentration. Its formula incorporates only 0.5% coal tar. This makes it gentler than most coal tar-based psoriasis shampoos but slightly stronger than most salicylic acid-based shampoos.
As a result, if you have mild scalp psoriasis and salicylic acid-based psoriasis shampoos haven’t worked for you but you don’t want to go for the heavy-weights, you can ease yourself into it with this product.
However, it is important to remember that because of its milder nature, this shampoo may not work for a lot of you. If it does work for you, though, it will counter all the problems you’ve been facing including redness, irritation, itching, inflammation, and flaking.
You also need to remember that even though it is mild, it is still based on coal tar. This means that it smells strongly of coal tar and you’ll have to get used to the scent.
Additionally, this shampoo also contains sulfates. Despite their presence, it doesn’t produce a lot of lather. Fortunately, it doesn’t contain any other synthetic substances such as parabens.
This product is also fairly pocket-friendly, even though it doesn’t qualify for the budget price segment.
Who’s it for: If you have a mild version of scalp psoriasis and salicylic acid shampoos that haven’t worked, try this one from Medicasp.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 6 ounces |
| Active ingredients: 0.5% Coal tar, sulfates, and coconut-based cleansers |
| The Pros |
|---|
| A relatively mild psoriasis shampoo |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| An affordably priced psoriasis shampoo |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t work for everyone |
| Everyone doesn’t like the coal tar scent |
| Contains sulfates |
| Doesn’t produce a lot of lather |
5. Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis & Psoriasis Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
If you’ve been dealing with scalp psoriasis for a long time, then it is likely that you’ve heard of Sebulex. Before its discontinuation, the Sebulex Shampoo was particularly popular amongst psoriasis sufferers.
The Sebex Medicated Shampoo has a formula that is very similar to Sebulex. Therefore, if you’re one of those people who miss Sebulex, this shampoo will appeal to you, even though some say that it is a pale imitation of the real thing.
This shampoo is manufactured by Rugby Laboratories which is located on America’s border with Canada. In fact, the company’s facilities straddle the border and some of their manufacturing facilities are located in Canada.
This product is different from all other psoriasis shampoos in this guide too. While most psoriasis shampoos depend on only one ingredient to cope with the symptoms of scalp psoriasis, this one combines two.
The two key ingredients this one uses 2% salicylic acid and 2% sulfur. These two ingredients combine especially well because they both work in the same way i.e., by focusing on removing plaque deposits and scaling.
Further, the combination of these two ingredients makes this a particularly strong psoriasis shampoo even though it doesn’t contain any coal tar. In fact, this psoriasis shampoo is so strong that it can handle all but the severest of scalp psoriasis cases.
Even so, while it will remove the toughest of crusting and scaling, it will not offer coal tar’s benefit of slowing down skin cell regeneration. Its strength also means that this shampoo is very good against seborrheic dermatitis and generic dandruff.
Other than sulfur and salicylic acid, this shampoo also contains sulfates and coconut-derived cleansers. These two ingredients ensure that this product produces a lot of lather. The formula is otherwise clean and doesn’t contain things like parabens and silicones.
The presence of sulfur in this shampoo’s formula, however, means that it smells of this chemical. The smell isn’t something that everyone likes especially since it tends to linger well after the hair has dried.
Being a generic version of a branded product, this psoriasis shampoo isn’t very expensive to buy and use. It has an affordable list price that should be within the financial reach of most people.
Who’s it for: If you’ve tried salicylic acid to no avail and are not ready to try coal tar yet, go for this sulfur and salicylic acid-based psoriasis shampoo.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 4 ounces |
| Active ingredients: 2% Colloidal sulfur, 2% salicylic acid, coconut-based cleansers, and sulfates |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Very good at removing scaling and plaque crusting |
| Combines salicylic acid and sulfur |
| Produces sufficient lather |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| An affordably priced psoriasis shampoo |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Only suited to remove psoriasis scaling and not slow down its return |
| Everyone doesn’t like the sulfur scent |
| Contains sulfates |
6. Neutrogena Extra Strength T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
Neutrogena is the most popular brand when it comes to psoriasis shampoos simply because it offers so many different options.
The product we’re reviewing here is the Extra Strength T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo but the company also offers the Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula and the Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo.
The Original Formula variant is based on %0.5 coal tar while the T/Sal variant is based on 3% salicylic acid. The product we’re reviewing here is the strongest of them all, though. It is developed on the company’s Neutar Technology and contains 1% coal tar extract, making it one of the most effective psoriasis shampoos in the market right now.
This product can handle virtually every symptom of scalp psoriasis including flakiness, itchiness, redness, and inflammation. In fact, it is so effective that the company has obtained the National Psoriasis Foundation’s recognition for it.
However, like most psoriasis shampoos based on coal tar, this one smells very strongly of new tires. This is not a scent that anyone likes, particularly since it is so strong. The same is true for the Original Formula as well. The T/Sal variant, on the other hand, has a very faint medicinal scent that is much more tolerable.
Further, these products contain sulfates and coconut-derived cleansers which is how they can produce the amount of lather that they can.
All these products are very competitively priced. They’re neither too expensive nor very cheap.
Who’s it for: If you want a super-effective but affordable psoriasis shampoo along with a choice of lots of variants, try one of these from Neutrogena.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 6 ounces |
| Active ingredients: 1% Coal tar, sulfates, and coconut-based cleansers |
| The Pros |
|---|
| A very effective psoriasis shampoo |
| Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation |
| Based on proprietary Neutar Technology |
| Produces sufficient lather |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Lesser strength variant also available |
| A salicylic acid-based version available too |
| An affordably priced psoriasis shampoo |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Everyone doesn’t like the coal tar scent |
| Contains sulfates |
7. Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo and Conditioner
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
Nizoral’s Psoriasis Shampoo and Conditioner is the best salicylic acid-based shampoo in the market. It is considered to be the best because it is far more effective than all competing salicylic acid-based psoriasis shampoos in the industry.
The reason for its effectiveness is the fact that its formula contains a slew of highly beneficial natural ingredients in addition to 3% salicylic acid. These include ingredients like provitamin B5, vitamin E, tea tree oil, green tea extract, and vitamin C.
While the salicylic acid content of this shampoo helps it cut through the worst of psoriasis fueled scalp scaling and plaque deposits, these other ingredients supplement the relief further.
Effectively, this psoriasis shampoo is able to counter all the usual symptoms including irritation, itching, inflammation, and redness. However, as effective as this psoriasis shampoo is, its effectiveness doesn’t come close to coal tar-based shampoos because it cannot stop or even slow down accelerated skin cell generation in the scalp.
Further, this shampoo doesn’t contain any moisturizing ingredients, which is why it can leave the hair a bit too dry. You should make sure that you have a good conditioner that you can use after this shampoo.
If you don’t want excessive drying, Nizoral offers an even lighter shampoo. The other product is based on 1% Ketoconazole and will not dry your hair excessively. However, you should know that the Ketoconazole variant will be weaker than the salicylic acid variant.
The scent of this psoriasis shampoo is also quite special. It has a very fresh and clean smell that comes from the tea tree oil it contains. It is a scent that most people end up liking.
This product doesn’t even contain any artificial substances such as sulfates, parabens, and silicones. It still manages to produce sufficient lather to even satisfy people who are used to more mainstream shampoos.
This product is also competitively priced and will not force you to break the bank.
Who’s it for: If you’ve tried coal tar-based psoriasis shampoos and they didn’t work for you, get this Nizoral psoriasis shampoo.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 11 ounces |
| Active ingredients: 3% Salicylic acid, provitamin B5, vitamin E, tea tree oil, green tea extract, and vitamin C |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Very good at removing scaling and plaque crusting |
| More effective than most salicylic acid-based psoriasis shampoos |
| Has a fresh and clean tea tree scent |
| Produces sufficient lather |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Ketoconazole variant also available |
| An affordably priced psoriasis shampoo |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Only suited to remove psoriasis scaling and not slow down its return |
| Can leave hair a bit too dry |
Top 3 Premium Shampoos for Psoriasis: Detailed Reviews
8. DHS Tar Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
DHS shampoos are different from mainstream shampoos because they’re almost always designed with a specific purpose in mind. In most cases, the specific purpose is to cater to people with a health condition or disease. For psoriasis, the company offers two options.
The first is the Tar Shampoo and the second is the DHS SAL Shampoo. The Tar Shampoo that we’re reviewing here is based on 0.5% coal tar while the Sal shampoo is based on 3% salicylic acid. Neither is stronger or weaker than the other but it is possible that their performance varies from person to person.
It all depends on your specific case. If you have a lot of plaque deposits or scaling, we suggest choosing the Sal Shampoo but if your deposits are not heavy but keep coming back, we suggest the Tar variant. The reason for this is that the Tar variant can slow down skin cell regeneration along with countering itching and inflammation.
Both the shampoos produce a lot of lather because they contain sulfates and coconut-based cleansers. For the same reason, they tend to leave the hair a bit too dry. Neither contains parabens, though.
Both shampoos are also supposed to be unscented. While the Sal variant is truly scentless, the coal tar version does smell like brand new tires. However, there is no added fragrance in either.
You will also have the option of choosing between two bottle sizes. The bigger one carries eight ounces of the product while the smaller one has half of that capacity.
We’ve included this product in the expensive category but its price is closer to products listed under the value category than other expensively priced products. However, if you buy the smaller bottle, it will cost you quite a bit on a per-ounce basis.
Who’s it for: If you want a mild, coal tar-based psoriasis shampoo, try this one from DHS.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 8 ounces |
| Active ingredients: 0.5% Coal tar, sulfates, and coconut-based cleansers |
| The Pros |
|---|
| A relatively mild psoriasis shampoo |
| Supposed to be unscented |
| Produces sufficient lather |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Can be purchased in two bottle sizes |
| A salicylic acid-based variant also available |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Doesn’t work for everyone |
| Everyone doesn’t like the coal tar scent |
| Contains sulfates |
| Can leave hair a bit too dry |
9. Sphagnum Botanicals PsoriAid Shampoo & Conditioner Set (Top Pick)
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0
The PsoriAid Shampoo and Conditioner Set from Sphagnum Botanicals is completely unique. This is a psoriasis shampoo that is not based on any of the usual active ingredients found in such shampoos. This means everything from sulfur and salicylic acid to coal tar.
Instead, it uses peat mud. Peat mud is the classic example of an exotic ingredient since it is sourced from specific bogs or marshes located in Scandinavian and North European countries. Surprisingly and unlike other exotic ingredients, peat mud is both, a traditional remedy and cutting-edge technology.
It has been used since ancient times in the Scandinavian countries for its ability to resolve skin issues. Even so, outside of that region, peat mud hasn’t been very well-known.
However, now studies are being conducted on this natural ingredient with very encouraging results. According to Sphagnum, peat mud has been studied by scientists at the National Institutes of Health in the US and found to be beneficial against problems like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
The company says that peat mud is beneficial against these problems and especially psoriasis because it contains a special blend of natural acids – fulvic, humic, and hymatomelanic. Of these, fulvic acid is the most beneficial against psoriasis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known for its ability to facilitate nutrient absorption and toxin drainage.
While it doesn’t seem like much, most people who have used this shampoo and conditioner set have said that it works very well against psoriasis. In fact, most of them even say that this product produces great results without making the scalp and hair dry like virtually every other psoriasis shampoo does.
While peat mud has inherent moisturizing qualities, this shampoo’s excellent hydration properties are also a result of the fact that its formula incorporates argan oil and olive oil. The conditioner is even more effective because it incorporates aloe vera juice and provitamin B5 into the formula.
The formula is 100 percent natural and doesn’t contain any synthetic substances. This includes sulfates, parabens, and silicones. The shampoo makes up for the absence of sulfates by replacing them with coconut-derived cleansers. These cleansers allow it to lather richly.
Since this product doesn’t contain coal tar or sulfur, its scent isn’t unpleasant. In fact, it has a natural, earthy scent with very mild and faint herbal notes.
This product is available in other variants too. For instance, you can get the shampoo separately or get the formula in the shower cream form, other than the shampoo and conditioner set we’re reviewing here. All products are cruelty-free as well.
Because of its exotic ingredients, this set is priced expensively. However, the company does try to support its products with a very impressive customer service team.
Who’s it for: If you want a unique psoriasis shampoo that is neither based on coal tar or salicylic acid, get this one from Sphagnum.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 2 x 8.45 ounces |
| Active ingredients (Shampoo): Peat, coconut-based cleansers, argan kernel oil, olive oil |
| Active ingredients (Conditioner): Peat, aloe vera leaf juice, olive oil, argan kernel oil, and provitamin B5 |
| The Pros |
|---|
| This is a very effective psoriasis shampoo |
| Boasts of a very unique formula |
| Based around an exotic ingredient called peat mud from Europe |
| Comes with a matching conditioner |
| Has an earthy scent with herbal notes |
| Produces sufficient lather |
| Doesn’t contain sulfates |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Doesn’t contain silicones |
| It is rated to be cruelty-free |
| Other variants of the same formula available too |
| Backed by a very good customer service team |
| The Cons |
|---|
| This is an expensively priced psoriasis shampoo |
10. Kenkoderm Therapeutic Shampoo
Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0
Kenkoderm is a brand with a very romantic beginning. The founder of this brand developed this Therapeutic Shampoo when her husband started experiencing severe psoriasis flares.
The product’s performance is as good as its founding story too. It is capable of handling the worst types of scaling and crusting caused by scalp psoriasis. It will even combat itching, inflammation, and irritation for you. However, it will not slow down the return of all that buildup. As a result, if you stop using it at regular intervals, you can expect the scaling to return.
The reason for this is that this shampoo is based on 3% salicylic acid and as good as salicylic acid is at removing scaling, it cannot slow down skin cell regeneration the way that coal tar can.
The one quality that sets this particular psoriasis shampoo apart from all its competing products is the fact that it literally has no scent. It is a completely unscented product which means that will be perfect for you if you’re allergic to scents or have a very sensitive nose.
The formula of this product does contain sulfates which is why it is capable of producing such thick lather. Of course, the presence of coconut-derived cleansers helps in this regard too. There are no other artificial substances in this shampoo including parabens and silicones.
The biggest flaw of this product is its cost which we think is because it is exclusively manufactured domestically. If it wasn’t the exorbitant price of this psoriasis shampoo, it could’ve been one of the best in the market. As it is, it is unbelievably costly even if you buy it in bulk. There are two pack sizes for you to choose from – a four-pack and a single pack.
Who’s it for: If you want a completely unscented psoriasis shampoo and are willing to pay for that feature, try Kenkoderm.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Product weight: 4 x 4 ounces |
| Active ingredients: 3% Salicylic acid, sulfates, and coconut-based cleansers |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Very good at removing scaling and plaque crusting |
| It is a completely unscented product |
| Produces average lather |
| Doesn’t contain parabens |
| Can be purchased in two pack sizes |
| Manufactured in the US |
| The Cons |
|---|
| This is an expensively priced psoriasis shampoo |
| Only suited to remove psoriasis scaling and not slow down its return |
| Contains sulfates |
Contents
- How Is Psoriasis Different from Dandruff?
- What Do Shampoos for Psoriasis Do?
- How to Use A Shampoo for Psoriasis?
- What Ingredients Should You Look For?
- Top 10 Shampoos for Psoriasis Comparison Table
- Top 3 Budget Shampoos for Psoriasis: Detailed Reviews
- Top 4 Value Shampoos for Psoriasis: Detailed Reviews
- Top 3 Premium Shampoos for Psoriasis: Detailed Reviews
