Complete Guide to Dandruff Shampoo: 10 Options (Plus, Why Most of Them Will Leave You Wanting More)

Many of us are well familiar with the symptoms of dandruff. This condition typically involves itching and flaking of the skin on the scalp, eyebrows, hairline, face, chest, or back. These skin flakes may be white and small or larger, greasier, and more yellowish in color.

If you have experienced dandruff symptoms, you're definitely not alone. Dandruff is one of the most common skin conditions in the world. It affects around 50% of the adult population across the globe and an estimated 50 million Americans [1].

Mild to moderate dandruff cases can usually be treated with anti-dandruff shampoos. But it's always best to have a good look at the ingredient list of these products before purchasing them.

In this article, we'll compare 10 of the most popular and unique brands of anti-dandruff shampoos and take a closer look at the main ingredients inside each product.

Let's jump right in!

Table of Contents: 

• What is the Cause of Dandruff?
• How Does Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Work?
• Why Most Dandruff Shampoos Will Leave You Wanting More
• 10 Popular Anti-Dandruff Shampoos to Explore
• The Shampoo That Checks Every Box

What is the Cause of Dandruff?

Contrary to popular belief, most dandruff cases aren't the result of a dry scalp. The real culprit is, in fact, a fungus that cannot be seen with the naked eye called Malassezia [2].

Malassezia is a group of fungi that can normally be found on the scalp. The proliferation of Malassezia, or the rapid increase in the population of this fungus, can lead to dandruff [3]. Essentially, Malassezia feeds on sebum, an oily substance on your skin, and breaks it down into by-products (mainly oleic acid) that many people worldwide are sensitive to.

Malassezia is also linked to seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that resembles dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can cause an itchy and flaky scalp and scalp irritation and redness.

The best way to tackle both Malassezia-linked skin conditions is by targeting the fungus responsible for them. However, this can be tricky.

The fungus has its own mechanism of defense called the biofilm, which acts as a protective barrier that shields the fungus from potential threats like your anti-dandruff shampoo and treatments.

How Does Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Work?

Because dandruff is more so linked to Malassezia rather than scalp dryness, any hair and scalp treatment that solely hydrates and moisturizes the scalp will not be the most effective means of treating dandruff.

Instead, anti-dandruff shampoos usually contain antifungal ingredients that will help to reduce and control the population of Malassezia on your scalp.

A medicated dandruff shampoo may contain any of the following ingredients:

• Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole helps treat dandruff by reducing and slowing the growth of Malassezia. It works by preventing the fungus from producing ergosterol, which is the main component of the cell wall, and this disrupts the growth of the fungus.

• Selenium sulfide: This medication can help relieve itching and a flaky scalp and reduce scalp irritation and redness. It can also remove dead skin and scaly, dry flakes from the scalp.

• Pyrithione zinc: Also known as zinc pyrithione, this antifungal agent helps to treat dandruff by inhibiting the growth of the Malassezia fungi. It also has antimicrobial properties, so it can help control the population of bacteria and other microorganisms that may contribute to a flaky and itchy scalp.

• Salicylic acid: This ingredient is commonly used to manage dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It helps to maintain your scalp's moisture and get rid of dead skin cells and flakes.

• Coal tar: This medication can be used to treat flaking, scaling, itching, and an irritated scalp. However, coal tar shampoo typically isn't the first treatment choice for dandruff, as some research has shown that a non-tar anti-dandruff formula often shows more beneficial effects than a coal tar shampoo.

You may also notice that some anti-dandruff shampoos contain more natural ingredients, such as tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and apple cider vinegar, which are also known for their antifungal properties.

Before starting any medicated shampoo for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, pay attention to its ingredient label. If you have any doubts, it's always best to seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist, especially if your dandruff does not improve with these dandruff shampoo treatments.

Why Most Dandruff Shampoos Will Leave You Wanting More

Many dandruff shampoos on the market contain at least one active ingredient with antifungal properties. But this doesn't automatically make the product ideal or safe for treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. There are several other factors to consider when picking a dandruff shampoo.

Let's explore areas where the most popular anti-dandruff shampoos may fall short.

#1 Many contain sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, fragrances, and other toxic ingredients.

Sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are commonly used as they create a rich lather that you would expect from soaps and shampoos.

However, they strip away too much moisture from the skin and scalp, which dries out the scalp and makes it more prone to irritation.

Parabens are another chemical commonly found in shampoos and beauty products. This chemical helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life, but some research suggests that it may also be associated with a risk of skin irritation [4].

Some studies have also shown that parabens affect hormones in the body and possibly raise the risk of breast cancer, though more in-depth and conclusive studies need to be conducted to confirm these findings [5].

Synthetic fragrances used in shampoos may be associated with skin irritation, inflammation, and dryness.

If you wish to start chemicals in your daily life, your shower is a great place to start since your skin is the biggest organ of the body. Have a good look at the ingredients list of the product you wish to purchase to ensure it does not contain chemicals that are potentially toxic or can irritate your skin.

#2 Many shampoos contain oils that can feed the fungus.

The Malassezia fungus feeds on sebum, which are natural oils that your body produces to prevent your skin from drying out.

Apart from sebum, the fungus also enjoys feeding on longer-chain fatty acids with a carbon chain containing 12 to 24 carbons. In contrast, shorter-chain fatty acids (those with 10 or fewer carbon atoms per chain) are less likely to promote the growth of this fungus.

Many shampoos contain coconut, jojoba, almond, or olive oil, which contain longer-chain fatty acids. Thus, these oils may serve as food and fuel for Malassezia growth. Furthermore, almond and olive oil contain oleic acid, a fatty acid that has been shown to induce dandruff-like symptoms, itching, and flaking in people susceptible to the condition [6].

The only Malassezia-safe oils are MCT oil and squalane oil, which is a modified version of squalene oil. The oils typically don't contain longer-chain fatty acids that feed Malassezia.

Note: Do not confuse carrier oils with essential oils. Essential oils like peppermint or rosemary oil need to be diluted before application on the skin, while carrier oils such as coconut, olive, or almond oil can be applied directly to the skin. Plus, essential oils aren't made of fatty acids (they have a misleading name), so they do not feed Malassezia.

#3 Not all shampoos contain ingredients that target the fungal biofilm.

As discussed earlier, the fungus creates a protective barrier that shields it from the effects of antifungal agents and medication. It's important to deactivate this shield to target Malassezia effectively.

Some ingredients that can help to neutralize the Malassezia biofilm include the following:

• Apple cider vinegar

• Sugar alcohols (e.g., xylitol)

• Selenium sulfide

• High-quality colloidal silver

• Lactoferrin

Without ingredients that can weaken the Malassezia biofilm, the antifungal agents are less effective at clearing the fungus.

Keep an eye out for these ingredients when purchasing an anti-dandruff shampoo.

#4 Few shampoos contain ingredients that can help to nourish and strengthen your hair.

A holistic anti-dandruff shampoo should help to nourish and strengthen your hair.

The following natural remedies can help to promote strong, healthy, and lustrous hair:

• Aloe vera

• Colloidal oat

• Nettle

• Apple cider vinegar

• Green tea

• Rosemary oil

• Peppermint oil

Each ingredient above has different properties and offers various benefits, from enhancing scalp blood circulation and promoting hair growth to nourishing the hair follicles and protecting hair strands from radical damage.

If possible, look out for a product that contains ingredients like the above that can help improve your hair's strength, health, and texture.

10 Popular Anti-Dandruff Shampoos to Explore

The following is a list of some of the most popular anti-dandruff shampoos. If you're looking for the best dandruff shampoos to include in your scalp and hair care routine, this list might help you out.

Note: This list is not ranked in any specific order.

Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo 

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: No

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: Yes

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: Yes

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: Yes

This Head and Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo contains 1% selenium sulfide that can combat Malassezia and dandruff more effectively than ordinary anti-dandruff shampoos. It's also infused with manuka honey, which has antifungal properties. The honey also helps to hydrate and nourish the scalp and hair for vibrant, healthier strands.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: No

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: Yes

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: No

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: No

The Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is branded as the only anti-dandruff shampoo in the world that contains 1% ketoconazole, which is an antifungal medication. This medicated shampoo is said to be suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair and chemically-processed hair.

Dermazen's Cleansing Dandruff Hair Shampoo

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: Yes

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: Yes

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: Yes

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: Yes

Dermazen's Cleansing Dandruff Shampoo contains a holistic blend of ingredients, including apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, xylitol, and aloe vera, as well as rosemary and peppermint essential oil. From disrupting the Malassezia biofilm to clearing away the fungus and nourishing the scalp and hair—these ingredients play key roles in reducing seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff symptoms.

Harry's Anti-Dandruff 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: No

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: Yes

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: Yes

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: Yes

Harry's Extra Strength 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner helps to relieve itchiness, flaking, and irritation linked to more serious cases of dandruff. It contains 2% pyrithione zinc to help combat the fungus, as well as essential oils and other ingredients that can help remove excess oil and promote healthier follicles and strands. Due to its 2-in-1 nature, this product also acts as a conditioner that softens and nourishes hair.

Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: No

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: No

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: Yes

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: Yes

The Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with 1% zinc pyrithione to help solve dryness and itch and reduce symptoms of dandruff. However, it contains coconut and sunflower seed oil that may feed the Malassezia fungus.

Neutrogena T/Gel

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: No

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: Yes

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: No

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: No

Neutrogena T/Gel is a dermatologist-recommended formulation that helps to clear away scalp buildup while relieving the itch and flaking. It contains 3% salicylic acid to help control dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

True+Real Therapeutic Plus Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: No

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: Yes

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: No

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: No

The True+Real Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains 0.5% coal tar to relieve flaking and itching. This formulation prevents the buildup of dead skin cells on the scalp by encouraging skin cell turnover.

Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: No

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: No

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: Yes

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: Yes

With two active ingredients, the Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo is said to help control symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatits. It contains 2.2% salicylic acid and 2.4% sulfur, which both have scientifically-backed antifungal properties.

Jupiter Dandruff Shampoo 

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: No

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: No

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: Yes

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: Yes

The highlight ingredients inside the Jupiter Balancing Shampoo include 1% zinc pyrithione, squalane, coconut oil, and sugar kelp extract. This shampoo is best suited for mild to moderate cases of dandruff. Coconut oil and squalane can help hydrate the hair and scalp. However, the use of coconut oil in this shampoo may not be suitable for Malassezia-related conditions like dandruff.

Avalon Organics Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

• Free of Potentially Toxic/Irritating/Drying Ingredients: No

• Free of Fungus-Feeding Oils: Yes

• Disrupts Fungal Biofilm: Yes

• Nourishes Hair Strands and Follicles: Yes

The Avalon Organics Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains 2% salicylic acid to control flaking, itching, and scaling. Some other highlight ingredients in this shampoo include tea tree oil, which has antifungal properties, as well as aloe vera and essential oils that can help promote a healthier scalp and hair.

The Shampoo That Checks Every Box

The Dermazen Cleansing Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with simplistic and natural ingredients that work together to combat itching and flaking while soothing the scalp and nourishing the hair.

Two important ingredients in this shampoo are apple cider vinegar and xylitol, which can help to disrupt the fungal biofilm and weaken the fungus. This shampoo also leverages the antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil and dead sea salt to clear away the Malassezia fungus.

Apart from that, the Dermazen Cleansing Shampoo also contains green tea, nettle, aloe vera, rosemary essential oil, and peppermint essential oil. Collectively, these natural ingredients can help boost hair growth, enhance hair health, and promote blood flow to scalp follicles.

This formulation can be used alone or together with a safe shampoo that does not contain any ingredients that can fuel Malassezia growth.

Most importantly, you do not have to worry about the presence of toxic ingredients or Malassezia-feeding oils. You won't find parabens, sulfates, fragrances, or hard-to-pronounce chemicals in the Cleansing Dandruff Shampoo.