The 9 Best Shampoos for Seborrheic Dermatitis of 2020

Nizoral is one of the highest-rated anti-dandruff shampoos out there. There’s a reason for the high user fanfare: this shampoo contains 1% ketoconazole, which kills off flake-causing fungus. It also lathers up like a luxury shampoo, smells fresh, and nourishes strands, too. You only have to use this twice a week to see a marked improvement in symptoms like scaling.

You’re familiar with Head & Shoulders as a go-to in dandruff shampoo, but for times when you need something more—and having seborrheic dermatitis fits that bill—you’ll need a stronger product. And that’s where this comes in. This inexpensive shampoo is an absolute steal because, with 1% selenium sulfide, it’s formulated to work like a prescription-strength product to nourish the scalp and lift flakes. Results last at least a few days, so you don’t have to worry about sudsing up with it daily.

Need more ideas? Read our roundup of the best dandruff shampoos.

Anti-dandruff superstar ingredient 1% pyrithione zinc tackles flaking flare-ups and relieves the inflammation and itching that are characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis. Designed for daily use, this shampoo adds antioxidant green tea polyphenols for an extra dose of scalp-soothing protection. If you’ve hated the smell of similar medicated dandruff shampoos, you’ll be pleasantly pleased with the light scent, too.

Don’t let the fact that this shampoo gets its scalp-clearing power from ginger essential oil, birch bark, white willow, and honey make you think that it’s less effective compared to its traditional counterparts. The popular shampoo is known as an ace at soothing scalp irritation, relieving itchiness, and boosting moisture. Some people may find the spice-forward, the gingery scent takes getting used to, but no worries because it doesn’t stick around post-wash. What does? Super soft hair and a once-again healthy scalp.

Looking for more options? Check out our article on the best gluten-free shampoos and conditioners.

When you want the best of both worlds—a natural shampoo that’s free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates and contains medicated ingredients that effectively and promptly heals scalp irritation (in this case, sulfur and salicylic acid)—you’ve picked the right product. Added in the formula are plant-based scalp soothers rosemary, olive, and jojoba oils that maintain a healthy mane. This shampoo can also be used to treat mild scalp psoriasis.

The shampoo packs pyrithione zinc for anti-dandruff action, as well as mint leaf for anti-bacterial benefits. The results are prescription-like with no prescription needed. You’ll appreciate how this helps control scalp oil to lessen flaking and get rid of bothersome scalp bumps. Biolage is known for their salon-quality products, and you can be confident that you can suds up daily, without stripping or fading color-treated hair.

Seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap when it’s found in babies. Parents love the Mustela brand because it’s tear-free, hypoallergenic, and free of common irritants like phthalates and parabens. The foam formula mildly exfoliates the scalp to break up flakes so they can be washed away. Even better, it’s quick to work, often clearing the flakes within a few shampoos.

This shampoo is truly formulated to improve the health of your strands and scalp. If you’re dealing with dandruff, the soap-free shampoo works to rid dryness and add moisture back into the skin. The result: far less itching, and relief for your tired hands. Did we mention it's mild? The pH balance is designed to optimize scalp health, making it safe to use for any hair type and problem (from psoriasis to seborrheic dermatitis).

This shampoo might look particularly good sitting on a shower shelf, and it is truly luxurious to massage into your scalp. More than that, it packs exfoliating salicylic acid to control flaking and reduce itch, while caffeine refreshes your scalp. The vitamin E and shea butter are inherently nourishing.

It’s safe to use if you have color-treated hair, and if you’re looking to avoid parabens and sulfates, you can feel good that this formula is free of these potential irritators. One more perk: it’s vegan, a quality that’s not always easy to find in personal care products.