The Best Shampoos for Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a skin condition believed to be linked to the immune system. The condition causes the body to create a buildup of skin cells, which form itchy, flaky scales on the body. This disease is not curable but is treatable, and since it can crop up anywhere — including the scalp — you may need several types of treatment to find relief. 

If you have psoriasis of the scalp, then you need to use a shampoo that can assist with treating and managing your condition. This way, you can enjoy a less irritated scalp and can keep your flaking, scaling skin under control. 

Luckily, several types of shampoo are on the market to combat various hair and scalp issues. We’ve compiled a list of the best shampoos for psoriasis to make your quest for ideal hair care easier. Your dermatologist can help you narrow down your options to choose the shampoo that is best for you, your budget, and your condition. 

Remember: Many skin and hair care professionals, like dermatologists, recommend using multiple products on the hair and scalp to achieve the best results. We’re hoping you find one shampoo that can be your favorite for tackling the psoriasis issues that bother and affect you the most, but if you find more than one shampoo to make your treatment more customized, we’re excited for you there, too! 

Enjoy the following list of top psoriasis shampoos to give you great relief and make your hair look amazing, too. 

1. Blu Atlas Classic Shampoo 

Gentle on the hair and scalp but able to provide stellar results, this is the shampoo we trust most to tackle any psoriasis breakout with ease. We love this shampoo for psoriasis sufferers because it’s vegan and uses natural ingredients that won’t weigh hair down or irritate a sensitive scalp. 

How does this shampoo work for psoriasis? Vegan biotin works to help strengthen both hair and skin, allowing your scalp to feel both cleansed and refreshed, and tired stresses get much-needed smoothing. Saw palmetto stops hair loss at the source, and jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural production of sebum so you can nourish your scalp without making it greasy. 

We love this shampoo because it’s 99% natural in its composition. When you have psoriasis, anything can trigger your sensitive skin and cause a flare up, so it’s best to use a product as natural as possible while still getting clean and healthy hair and scalp. It’s even vegan and cruelty-free, so you can use this shampoo without guilt.

While this is our number one choice for the best shampoos for psoriasis, there are many more to consider. Read on and explore the remaining 16 contenders on our list. 

2. Dove Dermacare Scalp Shampoo

A lot of the best shampoos to treat psoriasis are going to be anti-dandruff in design and use, and this is alright by us so long as they are not too drying or harsh on the scalp. Dove is known for its innovative beauty and hygiene products, so this shampoo caught our attention. 

This pH-balanced formula leaves hair silky smooth and shiny while also treating the scalp. Shea butter and coconut oil nourish tresses, and soothing components help reduce the scalp’s redness and inflammation. The addition of zinc pyrithione helps to tackle the itchiness and flakiness of the scalp, too, so with continued use, you can be practically flake-free. 

We like this shampoo for our list because it’s from an affordable brand that’s easy to access in most department stores. This goes to show that you don’t have to have an expensive prescription shampoo treatment to treat a psoriasis-ridden scalp. 

3. DHS SAL Shampoo

We chose this shampoo for our list because it contains salicylic acid, an effective ingredient in shampoo to treat psoriasis. Salicylic acid works to break down the scales that psoriasis produces so they can be removed for a cleaner, fresher, and less itchy scalp. 

While this shampoo is hard on psoriasis scales, it’s gentle on the rest of your hair. Removing the excess scaly skin cells on your scalp helps open your hair to the rest of the nutrients your shampoo gives you and reinforces the root and hair follicles. 

We like this shampoo because it gets to the source of your concern, which is the management of an itchy, dry, scaly scalp. Use regularly for the best results, and remember: less is more. If you have scalp sensitivity, consider using this shampoo every other day until your scalp has gotten used to the salicylic acid, or use it as instructed by your skin care specialist. 

4. Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo

We like Neutrogena’s T/Sal Shampoo for one reason — it contains a solution for several types of scalp concerns, including psoriasis. We put this shampoo on our list because Neutrogena is a trusted and affordable skin and hair care brand many people are familiar with. They understand that when a person has psoriasis, they often have other skin conditions too. 

The salicylic acid ingredient, along with other effective ingredients, breaks down the psoriasis scales that make your scalp itchy and can tackle keratosis and other skin conditions of the scalp. If you like a T/gel shampoo but not its harsh side effects, this shampoo is worth giving a try, especially if you have big issues with scalp buildup and irritation. 

Give this shampoo a go if you’ve had previous issues with dandruff shampoos containing heavier ingredients, such as coal tar. This shampoo can be far more gentle than its competitors, making it a clear winner in our book.

5. Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner

Not everyone likes a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, but it can be beneficial if you want to shower and go and not have to worry about putting multiple products on your hair. You can even use a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner if you have psoriasis, which makes us excited to put this product on our list. 

Here we see the 3% volume of salicylic acid again, which is great because it helps control skin cell buildup and makes hair more manageable. It’s the other additives that we love, including tea tree oil, vitamins B5, E, and C, and the fact that this is a sulfate and paraben-free shampoo. It’s also free of other ingredients your sensitive skin doesn’t need, including dyes and fragrances. 

Consider this shampoo/conditioner combo your go-to for calming down your itchy, red scalp. You’ll get nourished and hydrated hair as well. 

6. Lolavie Restorative Shampoo 

Treating and nourishing the scalp is the name of the game when choosing a shampoo for psoriasis. You need to make your scalp happy and healthy, or the rest of your hair care efforts may be in vain. 

This is where Lolavie comes in. This restorative shampoo aims to help you nourish and grow healthier hair from the roots and follicles down. Vegan in design and nearly entirely composed of natural ingredients, this can be the shampoo your scalp has been longing for. 

This shampoo is on our list for psoriasis sufferers who need a strong shampoo because it’s gentle yet effective and can hydrate the scalp while doing the same for the hair. With bamboo, chia seeds, and B vitamins, this can be a shampoo that will give you noticeable results from the scalp down to the roots of your hair. 

7. Yes to Tea Tree Scalp Relief Shampoo

If you want a more natural and simple approach to tackling your dry and itchy scalp condition or if you have mild psoriasis without heavy scaling, then this is a shampoo to try. We like that it’s cost-effective and uses tea tree oil as a main ingredient for soothing an irritated scalp. 

What else is there to love? We love that this shampoo also has sage oil, the first we’ve seen of our selected shampoos. Sage oil (also known as clary sage oil) is full of vitamins that encourage healthy hair growth and a happier scalp, including vitamins A, B, and C. The ingredient is great for battling excess sebum production, dandruff, and even hair loss due to stress and other factors. 

This shampoo is even formulated with salicylic acid to tackle the more stubborn psoriasis outbreaks, making this an ideal shampoo for regular use. Tea tree oil can take some getting used to, so consider pairing this shampoo with a milder plain shampoo for dilution until you get used to its powerful essence. 

8. Philip B. Anti-flake Relief Shampoo

Looking for some relief for your super itchy, dry scalp? This shampoo calls itself the scalp savior, which made us curious about what it could do! This shampoo doesn’t have any coal tar in it, which surprised us, so what does this shampoo have that can help make an itchy scalp less painful and irritated? 

It turns out that this shampoo has lots of fun and intriguing ingredients that make us eager to add this shampoo to our list. It uses natural and botanical ingredients to soothe the scalp, including hops, thyme, lavender (which you’ll notice by the divine scent), Italian white truffle oil, and even burdock! 

Is this a shampoo or a magic spell? You decide — and see for yourself why we chose this unique shampoo for our list of the best shampoos for psoriasis. You may find your new favorite!

9. MG217 Psoriasis Shampoo

You’ll notice what we did right away with this shampoo — that it’s recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation. This is good news for those of us with very severe psoriasis symptoms that are difficult to treat. After all, if you can’t get through the thick scaling and patchy skin, then you can’t address the itchiness and other irritations. 

We like MG217 Psoriasis Shampoo because it has medicated components that promise to relieve those with seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis of itchy, red scalp. When the buildup is better managed and dissolved, it’s easier to treat the rest of the hair. Sometimes it’s best to choose a super-strong, maximum-strength psoriasis shampoo, even if it’s used just a few times a week, to get consistent results and retain control of your scalp.

The main component of this shampoo is coal tar, which is commonly found in lots of dandruff shampoos. It also contains salicylic acid for a one-two punch treatment for stubborn scalp conditions. Expect to see results in a month or so, although you can achieve results much sooner. 

10. Dermarest Psoriasis Shampoo

We’ve got another conditioner and shampoo combination for treating psoriasis, which is medicated for maximum relief. This is another shampoo/conditioner treatment that is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Unsurprisingly, this shampoo contains salicylic acid, which we’d expect in a quality shampoo for treating an itchy and dry scalp. What did surprise us, though, is that this shampoo has zinc in it. Zinc benefits the scalp and hair by helping to combat bacteria and buildup on the scalp, so it’s an ideal dandruff preventive. If you have darker hair or your more immediate concern is dandruff, this is the shampoo to take off the shelf and give it a try. 

As a bonus, it has been tested by dermatologists. It’s also unscented, so if you want a no-nonsense approach to hair and scalp care, this is a good shampoo for your needs. It’s great for all hair types and skin sensitivities. Use this shampoo and conditioner combination whenever your scalp starts to itch or your dandruff starts to flake. 

11. Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo

There’s a lot of power in this little bottle of shampoo if you want to tackle dandruff and a red and itchy scalp regularly. While the strength of the salicylic acid in this shampoo isn’t surprising or entirely unique, the fact that this is also a fragrance and dye-free product is, so we’ve included this shampoo on our list. 

Since it’s wise to use more than one scalp solution for your hair, this shampoo is a great one to have on hand when your normal shampoo isn’t tackling your dandruff or when you feel some stubborn scaling buildup start to occur. Since this is a little bottle of shampoo, it’s great to have in your travel bag for washing your hair after a particularly sweaty workout or a swim in the pool. 

As a bonus, this shampoo is dermatologist-designed, which means it’s got some professional backing. Consider this your go-to shampoo when you need a prescription-strength solution for your dry scalp needs, even if you only use this product every now and again.

12. Honey Gold Shampoo Bar

A first on our list is an environmentally-friendly shampoo bar made with natural ingredients like bamboo and honey to give the scalp a nice anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment and the hair a cleansing that won’t be too harsh. A shampoo bar is a great addition to our list because it’s fun to use — simply lather it like you would a bar of soap and apply it to the hair.

We’re not here to talk about application. We’re here to talk about results. How does a shampoo bar compare to its counterparts for treating psoriasis? Quite well, actually. The antioxidants in this shampoo bar protect the hair and scalp against damage, which means you get healthy and happy tresses and a healthy and non-itchy scalp. 

This shampoo bar uses natural ingredients and is super gentle. Use this shampoo bar in addition to other psoriasis shampoos to help keep your skin and hair relaxed. You may also consider using a conditioner bar to hydrate your hair further.

The bonus to using a shampoo bar is great — you have an easier time traveling with and storing this shampoo, and you’ll be surprised how long a single bar can last. It may even outlast the other traditionally bottled shampoos you’re used to using. 

13. Derma E Scalp Relief Shampoo

If you want to make your scalp feel refreshed and hydrated due to psoriasis and other issues, try this dermatologist-recommended shampoo that allows Mother Nature to take control. Special herbal blends help soothe even the angriest, most irritated scalps for quick relief to end the scratching, dandruff, and irritated skin associated with psoriasis. 

What’s in the herbal blend is what puts this natural shampoo on our list: bearberry, neem, and burdock work together to reinstate healthy skin and help reduce scaling and dandruff associated with psoriasis. This herbal blend is natural and doesn’t include dyes and fragrances, which is great if you have sensitive skin or don’t want additives that can irritate your skin and scalp.

Another thing we noticed is that there are no mineral oils in this shampoo. Enjoy cleansing your hair and scalp and reinvigorating your whole head of hair with this delightful shampoo that is free of all the additives you don’t really want. 

14. SEEN Skin Caring Shampoo 

This is a shampoo designed by dermatologists and fully intended to help repair the skin while cleaning the hair. If this is your goal, then this is a shampoo worth checking out and adding to your hair hygiene routine. It’s great for all hair types, too, so if you’re worried about curls going limp or thin hair looking greasy, never fear. This shampoo will have your scalp and hair covered for shiny tresses and a clean and healthy scalp. 

This is a vegan and cruelty-free shampoo (not an easy feat for a powerhouse healing shampoo) that won’t clog your pores and is safe for even the most sensitive skin. It uses sugar-free silicone to help nourish the hair and scalp for guilt-free cleansing. 

We put this shampoo on our list because it’s a hair and scalp booster. We know that battling psoriasis on your scalp is no fun, and neither is having dry and brittle hair. Why not get the best out of your hair and skin by investing in a product that will love you back? Even its fresh and earthy scent will invigorate your hair and scalp.

15. Nutrafol Scalp Microbiome Shampoo

This shampoo focuses on the entire root of the problem when it comes to a dry and itchy scalp, which is just what we want to hear. You need a healthy scalp to produce healthy hair, and when you have psoriasis, this can be far more difficult to achieve than it can be for other people. 

With this shampoo, you can hydrate and nourish the scalp while repairing the damage to roots and skin with its antioxidant-rich berries. You’ll find vegan proteins and microbiome-supporting prebiotics in this shampoo so your scalp can get and stay healthy.

It’s reported that all users of this shampoo see improvement in their hair and scalp, so we’re excited about this one!  As a bonus, the yummy fragrance in this shampoo is all-natural as well. This makes this shampoo even more beneficial and enriching to try.

16. Phillip Adam Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

You read that right — apple cider vinegar plays a starring role in this shampoo, and for a good reason. Apple cider vinegar is great for cleansing the hair and stripping it of excess oils and odors, and it can also be great for soothing a scaly, patchy scalp. 

Another benefit is that it doesn’t smell either. When apple cider vinegar is dried, it leaves no odor behind. It’s a great natural cleanser that you can use for your hair and as a cleaning aid for your home. If you like a more natural hair product, this is for you. If you have sensitive skin, dilute your shampoo with a plain shampoo variety or with water before applying it to the scalp and hair.

We put this natural shampoo on our list because apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse in its own right for battling all kinds of bodily woes, including psoriasis. There are no crazy preservatives, and this shampoo is about as simple as you can get for keeping your hair and scalp happy and itch-free. 

17. Honorable Mention: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

We couldn’t quite complete our list of the best shampoos for psoriasis without mentioning a name brand in hair and beauty. This shampoo features tea tree oil for soothing and calming an irritated scalp and can be a great treatment to keep dandruff and other psoriasis woes at bay. 

We like how this shampoo is formulated to be super-soothing for the pain associated with psoriasis by having tea tree, peppermint, and lavender in the mix. The result is a noticeable relief from an itchy scalp. You can use this shampoo whenever you feel your scalp needs a break.

Just watch out: the combination of all these soothing, cooling oils can be a bit strong at first. Do a test on a small patch of hair and skin before diving into a rich lather. Your scalp will appreciate the gentle approach to this powerful shampoo.

If you have any open sores or deep itching on your scalp, speak to your dermatologist or another medical professional before changing to any new shampoo. It’s normal to have periods of a super sensitive scalp, and it’s wise to take it easy with hair and skin care routines until things have cleared to where you can comfortably treat your condition. 

Combine two or more of these shampoo products for the best results, or pair them with their accompanying conditioners and other hair care items. Your dermatologist will guide you to the best shampoo for your hair and scalp issues, and you may need to rotate through products as your condition changes. 

You can have glorious and beautiful hair without sacrificing your scalp. With so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find a psoriasis shampoo that meets your needs and budget. Here’s to a healthier scalp and shiny, smooth hair!