Does psoriasis shampoo work?

It depends on a couple of things, Dr. Ilyas says, like the severity of your symptoms and the overall role they’re playing in your psoriasis management. “Psoriasis shampoos can help dislodge scale and reduce inflammation in the scalp as part of an overall management routine,” she notes, adding that they often work best when used to maintain symptoms that have already been treated with other methods . If your symptoms are mild, regular use of a psoriasis shampoo may improve your symptoms. But if your symptoms are more severe, Dr. Ilyas explains, an OTC psoriasis shampoo on its own may not be as effective in addressing your inflammation and scaling.

What is the best shampoo to get rid of psoriasis?

According to the dermatologists we interviewed, the best shampoo for psoriasis contains either salicylic acid, coal tar, or a combination of the two. Dr. Ilyas recommends the brands Keralyt, MG217, and DHS, while Dr. Campbell suggests Neutrogena T/Sal or Nizoral (all of which are included on our list).

What shampoos should you avoid if you have psoriasis?

Dr. Palm says it’s important to avoid any unnecessary irritants, like sulfates, fragrances, dyes, and alcohol. When your scalp is already inflamed, cutting down on the amount of added ingredients—especially ones that tend to increase irritation—can make a big difference in the amount of improvement you see when using these products.

How much should you expect to spend on shampoo for psoriasis?

Psoriasis shampoos can run a bit more expensive than regular shampoos, says Dr. Ilyas, and you often get products sold in smaller bottles, too. In some cases, a four- or eight-ounce bottle can cost $15 or $20. But there’s a catch that might work in your favor: “Although these products are called ‘shampoos,’ they are truly scalp treatments, not shampoos,” says Dr. Ilyas. In other words, you don’t need to apply enough to lather and cleanse your hair, and the manufacturer of your chosen product may recommend only using it two or three times per week rather than every day. “Apply [these shampoos] to the scalp and rinse them out, [then] follow up with a shampoo for the rest of your hair,” advises Dr. Ilyas. “Avoid wasting the product on the rest of your hair, as it won’t necessarily give you that ‘clean’ [feeling], but will waste product and money unnecessarily.”

The 12 Best Shampoos for Psoriasis of 2023

If you have psoriasis on your scalp, you need a shampoo that does more than just cleanse: You need a shampoo designed to target the tell-tale psoriasis symptoms of redness, itching, scaling, flaking, and inflammation. People with severe scalp psoriasis often need prescription-strength scalp treatments, but people with mild to moderate psoriasis may get a lot of symptom relief from working a medicated shampoo into their daily or weekly routine.

“There are two components to psoriasis: inflammation and scaling,” says Erum N. Ilyas, MD, a dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group. “There are some ingredients that address one or the other, or both. The most effective psoriasis shampoos will include anti-inflammatory ingredients and exfoliating ingredients to reduce scaling and flaking.”

It’s not quite as simple, though, as picking any psoriasis shampoo off the shelf; you’ll need to know which ingredients treat which symptoms, which ingredients to avoid, and whether a shampoo is safe for your hair type. We interviewed three dermatologists and researched more than two dozen shampoos designed to manage your scalp psoriasis to find the best products across several different ingredient- and symptom-profiles.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Dermarest Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best for Buildup:

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Natural:

Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Coal Tar:

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

DHS SAL Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Shampoo and Conditioner:

Nizoral Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Fragrance-Free:

Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Salicylic Acid:

Keralyt Anti-Dandruff Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Anti-Dandruff:

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Health

Walmart

Pros

Targets itching, flaking, and scaling
Inexpensive
Can help with moderate cases of scalp psoriasis

cons

Strong smell that lingers after washing
Can be drying to hair
Coal tar can stain clothing

When it comes to shampoos for scalp psoriasis, MG217 is one of the most popular ones around: Not only does the brand come expert-recommended by the dermatologists we spoke to, its products have received the National Psoriasis Foundation’s seal of recognition as being a safe and beneficial product. This particular product, the medicated shampoo with a 3 percent concentration of coal tar, gets our best overall pick for just how effectively it reduces the worst symptoms of scalp psoriasis.

“[Psoriasis] causes the skin cells to grow quickly, resulting in buildup that can turn into dry, itchy, scaly patches that are inflamed,” says Melanie Palm, MD, dermatologist at Art of Skin MD. “Coal tar helps to minimize scaling by slowing down the growth of skin cells on your scalp and reducing itchiness and discomfort.”

MG271’s medicated conditioning shampoo also tackles itching and flaking, and we love that it comes in an 8-ounce bottle for less than $10. Plus, you can start by only applying twice per week, so you should be able to stretch a single bottle for a long time. This is also helpful with regard to the product’s smell, which—like most coal tar products—isn’t great. But you only need to subject yourself to the odor a few times per week, and we think the benefits are worthwhile. It’s also important to note that coal tar can stain clothing and towels, so keep that in mind during application.

Price at time of publication: $6

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: 3% coal tar | Best For: Mild to moderate psoriasis | Size: 8 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: Yes}

Walgreens

Pros

Cleanses and conditions scalp
Inexpensive
National Psoriasis Foundation seal of recognition

Cons

Can be drying to scalp
May not reduce flaking

This isn’t the only product on this list to come in under $10, but we recommend Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner as our best budget pick because it’s a shampoo and conditioner all in one, balancing out the 3 percent salicylic acid concentration with soothing, nourishing ingredients like green tea extract and kukui nut oil (which has a reputation for being highly moisturizing). That means you don’t have to spend a lot to reap Dermarest’s benefits and you may not have to invest as much in heavy-duty conditioners to repair hair damage, either.

Speaking of benefits, Dermarest helps cut down on both itching and buildup when used at least twice per week, and for $8 you get a full 8-ounce bottle. It has received the seal of recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation and—as a total bonus—it’s relatively fragrance-free, making application totally painless.

Price at time of publication: $8

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: 3% salicylic acid| Best For: Mild to moderate psoriasis | Size: 8 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: Yes}

Amazon

Pros

Breaks down scaling and buildup
Inexpensive
National Psoriasis Foundation seal of recognition

Cons

Difficult to lather
May leave residue on hair

Breaking up thick, tough plaque on your scalp when you have psoriasis is not an easy task, but our experts recommend Neutrogena’s T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo for anyone with super stubborn buildup. Its 3 percent salicylic acid concentration helps clear up pesky scaling, continuing to work even after you’ve rinsed it out, and may even prevent future buildup, too.

Also a favorite product of the National Psoriasis Foundation, T/Sal is fragrance-, dye-, and preservative-free, and can be used at least twice per week. While it might be slightly drying to some hair types, it’s safer for color-treated hair than some of its competitors. You don’t get a ton of product here (only 4.5 ounces), but it’s inexpensive at $7 per bottle and doesn’t have a particularly strong or offensive odor, making it an MVP in the world of psoriasis shampoos.

Price at time of publication: $7

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: 3% salicylic acid| Best For: Mild to moderate psoriasis | Size: 4.5 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: Yes}

Amazon

Pros

Non-medicated for gentle relief
Can be used daily
Protects skin barrier

Cons

Not for moderate scalp psoriasis
More expensive than other options

Don’t let Wild Naturals’ lack of medicated ingredients in its Eczema Psoriasis Shampoo fool you: It’s loaded with naturally beneficial ingredients and void of any harsh or irritating ones, making it a solid contender for treating mild cases of scalp psoriasis.

On the good-for-you side is manuka honey, aloe vera, and coconut oil, which Dr. Ilyas says has gained a lot of attention in skin and hair care products recently. “It’s a proven emollient that can effectively hydrate the skin, and it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, [which] can be beneficial for dry, flaky scalps," she says.

And on the not-so-good-for-you side of things, this Wild Naturals shampoo contains no fragrances, sulfates, parabens, dyes, or preservatives, making it relatively safe for people of all ages to use as often as needed. It’s a bit pricier than other shampoos at $20 for an 8-ounce bottle, but its soothing, anti-flaking, and anti-itching results are worth it.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: aloe vera, manuka honey, coconut oil | Best For: Mild psoriasis | Size: 8 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: No}

Amazon

Pros

Keeps working after rinsing
Can be used daily
Targets itching and flaking

Cons

Can be drying to scalp
Strong, unpleasant smell

Neutrogena’s T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is like the sibling to its T/Sal Shampoo (also featured on this list!), except formulated with coal tar instead of salicylic acid. This means it can really tackle psoriasis symptoms like itching, flaking, redness, and irritation—and while it looks, at first, like it has a lower concentration of coal tar than our best overall pick, MG217, there’s a little bit of a twist.

While T/Gel only has a 1 percent concentration of coal tar, it has a 4 percent concentration of coal tar extract, which Neutrogena says helps it continue working to fight your symptoms even after you rinse it out of your hair. Yes, it’s stinky like all coal tar products, but unlike its competitors, it can be used daily without damaging your hair and comes in a large 16-ounce bottle to cut down on trips to the store to restock.

Price at time of publication: $17

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: 1% coal tar | Best For: Mild to moderate psoriasis | Size: 16 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: No}

Amazon

Pros

Reduces itching and buildup
Formulated for sensitive skin
Safe for color- and chemically-treated hair

Cons

Can be drying to hair
Only sold in a small bottle

We chose DHS Sal Shampoo for our sensitive skin pick because it’s free of dyes, fragrances, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), an ingredient that may cause allergic dermatitis and photosensitivity. It’s formulated to be safe for both skin allergies and people with color- or chemically-treated hair, especially when used in conjunction with DHS Color Safe Shampoo.

This 3 percent salicylic acid concentration helps reduce dryness, itching, and inflammation, as well as scalp buildup. It’s a smaller bottle at 4 ounces, but reasonably priced at $12 compared to other brands. Plus, you don’t have to use it every day; one to three times a week, per the manufacturer, should be enough to see the effects. With just seven ingredients and almost nothing in the way of common allergy irritants, we think DHS Sal Shampoo is a good fit for people with scalp psoriasis and sensitive skin.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: 3% salicylic acid | Best For: Mild to moderate psoriasis | Size: 4 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: No}

Walmart

Pros

Contains salicylic acid and natural ingredients
2-in-1 formula cleanses and conditions
Starts working right away

Cons

Can be drying to hair and scalp
More expensive than other options

Another dermatologist-favorite brand, Nizoral is a popular choice when it comes to choosing a psoriasis-friendly shampoo—but what we like about the Nizoral Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner is that it includes all the benefits of a salicylic acid shampoo with all the nourishing benefits of a quality conditioner.

We also like that this shampoo-conditioner combination is free from all the major irritants, like sulfates, dyes, alcohol, preservatives, and parabens, and that it comes in a fairly large, 11-ounce bottle for $20. Salicylic acid and tea tree oil work together to reduce redness, irritation, and flaking while also soothing the scalp. The Shampoo & Conditioner also contains green tea and a vitamin blend, which boost the product’s conditioning properties. Plus, it starts working right away, relieving some symptoms after the first use.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: 3% salicylic acid | Best For: Mild to moderate psoriasis | Size: 11 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: No}

Amazon

Pros

Reduces itching and buildup
No strong odor
Safe for color- and chemically-treated hair

Cons

Difficult to lather

If you have sensitive skin or just don't want to deal with scented products, we like Kenkoderm's Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo. Their salicylic acid formula completely free from any fragrance and is gentle enough for color and chemically-treated hair.

From a psoriasis perspective, Kenkoderm takes its fragrance-free shampoo and performs just as well as competitor brands: it calms itching and dandruff, and removes thick, crusty plaque buildup. It can be used about twice per week and isn’t as drying as some other psoriasis shampoos. The only thing we don’t love is that it comes in a small, 4-ounce bottle for $15—but if you really can’t stand the smell of any hair care products, this fragrance-free option really works.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: 3% salicylic acid | Best For: Mild to moderate psoriasis | Size: 4 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: No}

Amazon

Pros

Highest concentration of salicylic acid
Easy to apply
Moisturizes and exfoliates

Cons

Salicylic acid concentration may be irritating to some
Works better when left on for several minutes

High concentrations of salicylic acid can be irritating for some people, but if you’ve got a tolerant scalp and want the most salicylic acid you can find in a shampoo, look no further than Keralyt 5 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. With a 5 percent concentration of salicylic acid, Keralyt is designed to smooth and exfoliate rough, scaly, crusty patches of scalp buildup while barely breaking a sweat.

Keralyt can be used in the shower, as a shampoo, or applied several minutes before you shower to dry hair as a pre-shampoo treatment. It does typically need to be left on for a while to see the maximum benefits; Keralyt suggests starting with 5 minutes and then working your way up to an hour if your dermatologist approves. It can also be used daily until you see improvement, at which point you may be able to reduce usage. The biggest downside is that a single bottle costs $24, and it’s not a huge bottle, either (only 6 ounces). But if you need your psoriasis shampoo to pack a big salicylic acid punch, Keralyt has it.

Price at time of publication: $24

^{Key Specs:
Key ingredients: Key ingredients: 3% salicylic acid | Best For: Mild to moderate psoriasis | Size: 6 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: No}

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Anti-fungal ingredient reduces dandruff
Targets flaking and itching
Only needs to be used twice per week

Cons

Not specifically formulated for psoriasis
More expensive than other options

Dandruff shampoos can’t always help with psoriasis symptoms, but according to Caren Campbell, MD, a San Francisco-based dermatologist, the anti-fungal ingredient ketoconazole can often be beneficial, especially if your biggest symptom is dandruff. If you’re looking to greatly reduce the amount of flaking on your scalp, Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo may be an effective product to combat your mild psoriasis symptoms.

Ketoconazole is a research-backed treatment for dandruff, and Nizoral contains a 1 percent formulation that only needs to be used twice per week for results. This particular formulation also doesn’t have an offensive smell, starts working immediately, and can be used on color- and chemically-treated hair.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: 1% ketoconazole | Best For: Mild psoriasis | Size: 7 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: No}

Amazon

Pros

Contains salicylic acid and natural ingredients
Soothing and cooling
Vitamin B5 keeps scalp healthy

Cons

No specific amount of salicylic acid indicated
Not for moderate psoriasis

There are three ingredients we love in DERMA-E Scalp Relief Shampoo: salicylic acid to clear away dead skin cells and prevent buildup, tea tree oil to soothe, and vitamin B5 to hydrate. Combined, these ingredients make for an ultra-nourishing psoriasis treatment that resolves your symptoms and leaves you with a healthier scalp overall.

Tea tree oil, especially, is a beneficial ingredient when combined with salicylic acid.

“[Tea tree oil] is known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties…against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mites,” says Dr. Ilyas. “When added to scalp exfoliators, it [can address] some of the underlying triggers for scalp inflammation that result in scaling and itching.”

Overall, DERMA-E Scalp Relief Shampoo is a clean and gentle formula—free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrances, colorants, or petrolatum—that fights mild psoriasis symptoms with a multi-pronged approach focusing on keeping your scalp nourished rather than stripped down and dried out.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: salicylic acid, tea tree oil | Best For: Mild psoriasis | Size: 10 fl oz | Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation: No}

How We Selected the Best Shampoos for Psoriasis

To find the best shampoos for psoriasis, we consulted with three dermatologists and searched the web for products with salicylic acid, coal tar, or one of their other expert-recommended ingredients. If a product could be used on all hair types, including color-treated hair, included extra nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, or was recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation as a safe product for people with psoriasis, we prioritized it over some of its competitors.

We also used what we know about shopping for shampoos—and our experience identifying shampoos for various conditions, like thinning hair and dandruff—to search for products that contain one or more of the dermatologist-recommended ingredients while avoiding common irritants, like fragrances, parabens, and dyes.

What to Look for in a Psoriasis Shampoo

Ingredients

According to Dr. Ilyas, there are a number of shampoos sold OTC that can help you manage your scalp psoriasis. For the most part, the two ingredients you’ll choose between (or combine for maximum efficacy) are salicylic acid and coal tar.

“Salicylic acid…breaks apart superficial skin cells to help remove dead skin cells from the surface,” she explains, “[and] coal tar can help with itching and calm the skin as well.”

However, there are several other ingredients you might see frequently popping up in your psoriasis shampoo, including popular dandruff-fighting ingredients like selenium sulfide. While not specifically formulated to treat psoriasis, Dr. Ilyas says selenium sulfide shampoos can be beneficial because they are antimicrobial and an effective treatment for hyperkeratosis, or thickening of the skin.

Finally, to make psoriasis shampoos less harsh, Dr. Palm says some formulations incorporate soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil to help calm irritation and offset some of the typical smell associated with these products (if you don’t already know, coal tar, in particular, can be…pungent!).

Scalp Psoriasis Symptom Severity

There are two things to note here; the first is that dandruff and psoriasis are two different conditions. As we noted, some dandruff shampoos may be beneficial in reducing mild cases of psoriasis that include flaking, but on their own, they may not be enough to relieve all your symptoms—and just because you have dandruff doesn’t mean you have psoriasis.

“Redness and flaking on the scalp can be attributed to a number of conditions, including but not limited to scalp psoriasis,” says Dr. Palm. “It’s critical to determine that scalp psoriasis is, in fact, what’s ailing you, which can be done by a board-certified dermatologist.”

Secondly, OTC shampoos for psoriasis can help in mild to moderate cases, but severe cases often require prescription interventions. According to Dr. Palm, mild cases treated with salicylic acid or coal tar should improve within several days; if your symptoms don’t improve or you’re noticing bleeding or cracked skin, it’s time to see a healthcare professional rather than continue treatment at home.

“Your doctor may prescribe anthralin, a prescription topical cream that treats psoriasis, or additional treatment methods, including oral medication, phototherapy, or steroid injections,” she says.

Hair Type

You don’t have to worry about choosing a shampoo that’s compatible with your hair type in terms of whether your hair is straight, curly, long, short, wavy, or textured. Psoriasis impacts the scalp itself, not the hair shaft, says Dr. Campbell, so you don’t need to worry.

But one thing you should consider is whether your hair has been color-treated—some psoriasis shampoos can alter the carefully-toned color treatments you receive at the salon. If you’re worried about this, Dr. Campbell says you can talk to your doctor about topical prescription solutions, like creams or lotions, or medications taken by mouth or injection, depending on the severity of your psoriasis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does psoriasis shampoo work?

It depends on a couple of things, Dr. Ilyas says, like the severity of your symptoms and the overall role they’re playing in your psoriasis management.
“Psoriasis shampoos can help dislodge scale and reduce inflammation in the scalp as part of an overall management routine,” she notes, adding that they often work best when used to maintain symptoms that have already been treated with other methods.

If your symptoms are mild, regular use of a psoriasis shampoo may improve your symptoms. But if your symptoms are more severe, Dr. Ilyas explains, an OTC psoriasis shampoo on its own may not be as effective in addressing your inflammation and scaling.
What is the best shampoo to get rid of psoriasis?

According to the dermatologists we interviewed, the best shampoo for psoriasis contains either salicylic acid, coal tar, or a combination of the two. Dr. Ilyas recommends the brands Keralyt, MG217, and DHS, while Dr. Campbell suggests Neutrogena T/Sal or Nizoral (all of which are included on our list).
What shampoos should you avoid if you have psoriasis?

Dr. Palm says it’s important to avoid any unnecessary irritants, like sulfates, fragrances, dyes, and alcohol. When your scalp is already inflamed, cutting down on the amount of added ingredients—especially ones that tend to increase irritation—can make a big difference in the amount of improvement you see when using these products.
How much should you expect to spend on shampoo for psoriasis?

Psoriasis shampoos can run a bit more expensive than regular shampoos, says Dr. Ilyas, and you often get products sold in smaller bottles, too. In some cases, a four- or eight-ounce bottle can cost $15 or $20.

But there’s a catch that might work in your favor: “Although these products are called ‘shampoos,’ they are truly scalp treatments, not shampoos,” says Dr. Ilyas. In other words, you don’t need to apply enough to lather and cleanse your hair, and the manufacturer of your chosen product may recommend only using it two or three times per week rather than every day.

“Apply [these shampoos] to the scalp and rinse them out, [then] follow up with a shampoo for the rest of your hair,” advises Dr. Ilyas. “Avoid wasting the product on the rest of your hair, as it won’t necessarily give you that ‘clean’ [feeling], but will waste product and money unnecessarily.”

Why Trust Verywell Health

Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, tackling health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She has written about shampoo many times, including products for thinning hair and ones for seborrheic dermatitis, so she knows which ingredients to look for—and skip—when it comes to choosing the best of the best for your scalp.