Best Dandruff Shampoos For Scalp Blinded Tested by Dermatologists

Struggling with persistent flakes, an itchy scalp, or embarrassing white specks on your shoulders? This is an extremely common story we hear from patients. Dandruff affects millions of people, but finding the right treatment can require loads of trial and error. That's why our team of dermatologists decided to perform blind testing of the top anti-dandruff shampoos on the market. Our comprehensive guide cuts through the marketing hype to reveal which products truly deliver results for various scalp conditions, from mild flaking to severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. We aren’t sponsored by any of these companies, to provide the most impartial opinion. As always with our other product reviews, this evidence-based article was curated for a diverse audience, accounting for patients with dry scalp, oily hair, curly hair, or color-treated hair. Below the results section, we will also discuss the root cause of dandruff,. help you gain a deeper understanding of active ingredients like zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide, and select the best dandruff shampoo for your specific needs. 

Our Favorite Shampoos to Treat Dandruff


Best overall for everyday dandruff (and budget pick!)

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (1% pyrithione zinc)

  • Why it’s great: Workhorse, very well-studied pyrithione zinc formula; affordable, accessible, and effective for garden-variety dandruff for most people

  • Drawbacks: None that we experienced, but may not work as effectively for severe dandruff

  • Active Ingredient: pyrithione zinc (glossary)

  • Price per unit: $ 0.48 per fl oz (best for budget)

  • SkinSafe rating: A (‘A’ = top allergen free, according to skinsafeproducts.com)

  • Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:

    • “gets rid of flakes, leaves scalp clean, and doesn’t seem to negatively impact my hair when used daily.”


Best for those with severe dandruff

Selsun Blue Antidandruff Shampoo (1% selenium sulfide)

  • Why it’s great: 1% selenium sulfide is gold standard clinical strength anti-dandruff ingredient at a price that is extremely hard to beat. This is a classic tried and true product

  • Drawbacks: None that we experienced, but selenium sulfide may not be suitable for color treated hair

  • Active Ingredient: selenium sulfide (glossary)

  • Price per unit: $ 0.61 per fl oz

  • SkinSafe rating: A

  • Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:

    • “can be slightly drying but very effective for flaky scalp”


Best for greasy scalp

T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo by Neutrogena (3% salicylic acid)

  • Why it’s great: Keratolytic ingredient salicylic acid 3% results in a “stripped-clean” feel that people with oily, itchy scalps may prefer

  • Drawbacks: Leaving on for more than a few minutes may result in excessive dryness

  • Active Ingredient: salicylic acid (glossary)

  • Price per unit: $ 1.54 per fl oz (2x average)

  • SkinSafe rating: A+

  • Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:

    • “I think I know which product this is; it definitely helps with flakes”


Best for users with dry or sensitive skin

Vanicream Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (2% pyrithione zinc)

  • Why it’s great: Probably the gentlest medicated option: higher-strength pyrithione zinc, but in a Vanicream base designed for allergy-prone skin

  • Drawbacks: Often found out of stock on Amazon

  • Active Ingredient: pyrithione zinc (glossary)

  • Price per unit: $ 2.06 per mL (3x more expensive than average)

  • SkinSafe rating: A+

  • Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:

    • “Seems like a very mild product with minimal odor”


Best for users with color treated hair

Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (microdosed pyrithione zinc)

  • Why it’s great: Elegant formula marketed as color-safe that pairs zinc pyrithione with a more moisturizing base than the typical drugstore dandruff shampoo

  • Drawbacks: Contains fragrances and silicones

  • Active Ingredient: pyrithione zinc (glossary)

  • Price per unit: $ 1.24 per mL (2x average)

  • SkinSafe rating: A

  • Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:

    • “hair feels soft and manageable instead of stripped”


Next
Next

Best Dermatologist-Tested Niacinamide Serums for Reducing Redness, Inflammation, and Discoloration