Bacteria, dead skin cells, excess sebum, and hair product build-ups often lead to blocked pores and clogged hair follicles which in turn cause pimples and zits to break out. Sometimes, scalp acne can also occur due to hormonal imbalance or as a side effect of some medications. If you face this issue, we bring you some good news as you can get rid of these sore bumps with the best shampoos for scalp acne, specifically formulated to target their root cause. While scalp acne is not as common as acne on the face, chest, or back, it can be equally bothersome and painful. 

Our findings show that to treat scalp acne, you will have to be selective about the hair care products that you use. The most important step is to switch from a general shampoo to a specially designed scalp acne shampoo. It should help you put an end to the frustrating pain and inflammation, preventing any future breakouts. So, say goodbye to an itchy, flaky scalp with some of the best shampoos for scalp acne that have been crafted to offer you relief from the symptoms of it. These sulfate-free shampoos have a pH-balanced formula that is gentle on all scalp types.

 

As briefly mentioned, scalp acne is basically red pimples and pustules that break out on the scalp due to clogged pores, bacteria, inflammation, excess oil production, product build-up, or hormonal changes. Although all scalp types can suffer from scalp acne, an oily scalp is more prone to it.

Our contributor Eliza Pineda, In-house hair expert at Mayraki Professional, says, “Scalp acne is caused by bacteria, sebum, buildup, and free radicals. This can all be prevented by using a shampoo regularly to cleanse the scalp of impurities.”

There are shampoos specially made to fight scalp acne. They are formulated with antifungal ingredients like ketoconazole, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil, and active ingredients like salicylic acid, or glycolic acid. They target the causes of acne, killing the bacteria and fungus, preventing oil build-ups, and removing dead skin cells that can block the pores. The shampoos for scalp acne can be used daily during an active scalp acne breakout and periodically to prevent further breakouts.

• 1
  Best For Reducing Oil Build-ups

  Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

  Buy on Amazon

Formulated with the powerful dandruff-fighting active ingredient, Ketoconazole, this shampoo effectively kills scalp fungus and washes away build-up and dead skin cells. As per the hair expert Eliza Penida, Ketoconazole is used to treat and prevent fungal and yeast growth. Both of which are notorious causes for seborrheic dermatitis and scalp acne. Using ketoconazole can help prevent acne that’s caused by fungal infections.

Clinically proven to reduce and provide relief against itching, flaking, and scaling from dandruff, it prevents clogged pores, keeping scalp acne at bay. Use this shampoo twice a week to see significant improvement in controlling acne, dandruff, and hair fall. The gentle, luxurious formula leaves hair soft, clean, and smelling fresh.

2

Best For Itch Relief

Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

Nourish dry scalp and relieve it from itchiness with Dove's DermaCare shampoo. It is made with the active ingredient pyrithione zinc which successfully combats dandruff, preventing sebum build-up, blocked pores, and dead skin cells. Regular use of this shampoo helps minimize dryness, redness, and itchiness. The pH-balanced formula is mild and gentle on your scalp and hair. Let the fragrant aroma of coconut and shea butter indulge your senses while the shampoo deeply cleanses the scalp, leaving it smooth, flake-free, and less frizzy. 

3

Best For Dry Scalp

Jupiter Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

Jupiter's shampoo naturally hydrates the dry scalp and cleans it thoroughly, removing oil build-ups. The clinically proven formula effectively decreases flakes and provides relief from irritated scalps. The powerful ingredients, zinc pyrithione, coconut oil, squalane, and sugar kelp, combine to treat dandruff, moisturize hair, and increase shine. This medicated shampoo for scalp acne cleanses and soothes the scalp, keeping it protected from redness, itchiness, and dryness. Target the main cause of scalp acne and prevent the pores from getting clogged.

4

Best For Soothing Scalp

AROMASE 5? Juniper Scalp Purifying Liquid Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

Designed for all scalp types, especially those suffering from scalp acne, dermatitis, dandruff, or psoriasis, this purifying shampoo effectively treats all sensitive scalp conditions. It cleanses and maintains scalp health, preventing oil build-up and accumulation of dry, dead skin cells. Made with natural ingredients and enhanced with a 2% glycyrrhetinic acid complex, it softens and washes away scalp build-ups without clogging the pores. Obtained from the roots of licorice, this acid has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties which provide complete scalp treatment against irritation, redness, and inflammation. (1)

5

Best Overall

Acne Zap - Shampoo for Scalp Acne

Buy on Amazon

Clear your scalp from acne, zits, and pimples with the regular use of this shampoo from Acne Zap. Suitable for all hair types, this is your ultimate shampoo for scalp acne as it not only targets the causes of acne but also soothes and calms irritated, itchy scalp. As indicated by our tests, letting the shampoo soak for about 3 minutes before washing it away delivers the most optimum results. Formulated with natural ingredients having antibacterial properties, herbal extracts, and vitamins, this shampoo eliminates the painful acne and bumps from your scalp.

6

Best For Acne Cosmetica

SEEN Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

Safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin, this shampoo is dermatologist-developed to gently and effectively clean the scalp of excessive oil and dead skin cell build-ups. The key ingredients, hemisqualane and bisabolol, provide natural skin-soothing benefits and protect the scalp from color and heat. SEEN shampoo is a non-medicated formula especially effective in treating acne caused by hair styling products. The rich lather thoroughly cleans the scalp without making the hair brittle. Invest in this shampoo and get healthier and stronger hair without any breakouts.

7

Best For Clarifying Scalp

Zincplex Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

8

The Most Affordable

FCL 2% Salicylic Acid T-Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

Reduce scalp acne and control excess oil with this shampoo from FIXDERMA COSMETIC LABORATORIES. The 2% salicylic acid with 1% tea tree oil combines to deliver power-packed results in treating dandruff, itchiness, scalp acne, and scalp psoriasis. The two ingredients work on two different levels to provide you relief from scalp acne. Tea tree oil targets the actual bacteria that cause inflammation while salicylic acid removes the surface oil, dirt, and debris that can block the pores, resulting in pimples and bumps. 

9

Best For Scalp Redness

OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Buy on Amazon

A cleansing and nourishing anti-dandruff shampoo that utilizes the power of salicylic acid to help provide relief from the symptoms of dandruff, dry scalp, scalp acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The acid helps to unclog hair follicles by gently exfoliating the sebum, debris, oil, and hair products that accumulate over time. Using this shampoo will gradually make the scalp pimple-free, promoting thicker and stronger hair growth. After trying out this product, you will soon say goodbye to all the scalp issues associated with scalp acne.

10

Best For Blemish-free Scalp

CLEAR 2 PERFECTION Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Buy on Amazon

This shampoo and conditioner set from C2P is your complete hair care routine to keep the scalp acne-free. The enzyme-rich formula cleanses pores, reduces inflammation, and nourishes damaged hair. The antioxidant properties of mango, pumpkin, carrot, kiwi, and strawberries open up the hair follicles, repair and regenerate cells, and heal the inflamed scalp and skin. The shampoo effectively eliminates dead skin cells while the conditioner repairs and nourishes the skin. Restore your hair's radiance and keep your scalp blemish-free with this set of shampoos and conditioners specifically made to combat scalp acne.

Choosing the best shampoo for scalp acne requires the following points to be taken into consideration:

• Active Ingredients
  When choosing a shampoo for scalp acne, the most important thing is to check the ingredients. Look for active ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid, anti-inflammatory ingredients like tea tree oil, and antifungal ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and ketoconazole. These help in gently exfoliating the scalp and removing all the excess build-ups and dead skin cells, clearing and opening up the hair follicles.
• Non-comedogenic Formula
  Oily skin is more prone to breakouts and acne. Opt for oil-free formulas that do not contain any pore-clogging ingredients. They reduce the chances of acne and pimples developing. Non-comedogenic ingredients also help in dissolving excess oil in the hair follicles.
• Frequency of Use
  Go through the instruction label to learn about the frequency of use of the shampoo. Some shampoos for scalp acne can be used regularly while some are advised to be used only once or twice a week. Select a shampoo for scalp acne depending on the severity of your condition.
• Customer Reviews
  Browse through the customer reviews to find out more about the benefits and performance quality of the shampoo you have selected. The reviews will give you a clear picture of what you can expect from the product or after how long you can expect to see results.

Follow these simple steps to use shampoo for scalp acne:

1. Wet hair thoroughly.
2. Add the required amount of scalp acne shampoo to the scalp and hair.
3. Gently massage the shampoo to work up a lather.
4. Let the shampoo soak in for about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with normal water.
6. Towel-dry your hair.

Contributor: Eliza Pineda, In-house hair expert at Mayraki Professional