13 Best Scalp Acne Shampoos in 2024 for Getting Rid of Bumps, Zits, and Redness (Tested & Reviewed)
Legit, I’ve been using these for years.
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I'm not gonna sugarcoat it: Acne f*cking sucks—and it legit can happen anywhere (hi, butt acne, bacne, and cystic acne), including your scalp. And when I first noticed some bumps on my scalp, I didn’t even know I was dealing with zits at first—I just thought the bumpy texture was due to too much dry shampoo or too few scalp scrubs, especially because they didn’t look like traditional whiteheads. According to dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, though, that’s normal: “Scalp pimples can look like little inflamed bumps that may be firmer and deeper than traditional whiteheads,” she says. And lucky for us, the easiest way to treat them is with a scalp acne shampoo.
Some scalp acne shampoos tend to strip the hell out of your hair and scalp, potentially leading to more breakouts. But a good scalp acne shampoo will use active ingredients, like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and zinc, to help break down clogged pores and soothe inflammation, all without being too harsh on your hair. To help you find the most effective formulas on the market, I personally tested and reviewed each product and chatted with Dr. Madfes and trichologists Dominic Burg and Lorna Jones for the 13 best scalp acne shampoos, whether your scalp acne also involves itchy skin, dry curly hair, or supremely oily roots.
✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in July 2023 to add new scalp acne shampoos the internet won't stop talking about, deleted outdated oldies, and checked in with new experts for the latest in acne shampoos, just for you.
Our top picks for the best scalp acne shampoos in 2024:
Now keep reading for all the best scalp acne shampoos, from daily cleansers to occasional treatments, and all the need-to-know info, like what causes scalp breakouts, the best scalp treatments to try at home, and what to look for in the best scalp acne shampoo.
Pros
- Salicylic acid helps with quicker results
Cons
- Could be very drying on 3a-4c hair
I’ve reached for this tried-and-true drugstore shampoo since I first discovered I had scalp acne because it really truly works. It’s formulated with 3 percent salicylic acid to help break down clogged pores and exfoliate bumpy texture, leaving your scalp clearer and less prone to breakouts over time. Just note: It contains some harsh cleansers, so limit your use to once or twice a week and make sure to smooth on a deep conditioner afterward.
- Key ingredient(s): Salicylic acid
- Size: 4.5 oz.
THE REVIEW: "With just two uses of this shampoo, my scalp was no longer flakey or [full of] dandruff," writes one tester, adding that they believe to have psoriasis on their scalp, "and this shampoo has cured all of my symptoms!"
Pros
- Reviewers say it soothes itchy scalp after one shampoo
- Can help reduce folliculitis and fungal acne
Cons
- Contains sulfates that can be drying
This shampoo is technically for dandruff, but its active ingredient, ketoconazole, is also ideal for treating the itchiness that can come with scalp acne (I mean, just look at those 71,000+ ratings on Amazon). Ketoconazole is an antifungal, so it slows the growth of fungi that can lead to dandruff, which ultimately helps relieve symptoms like itching, scaling, and irritation. Sound familiar to your scalp acne? Exactly. Though the sulfate-based formula isn’t too stripping, it’s not exactly hydrating either, so alternate it with your regular shampoo every other wash.
- Key ingredient(s): Ketoconazole, citric acid
- Size: 7 oz.
THE REVIEWS: "Within one shampoo, I had no itching and just a few flakes,” writes one tester. “Since the second shampoo, I have had no flakes or itching! I have been using this for a month and a half, and still have the same results.”
Pros
- Some reviewers say it keeps their hair feeling clean longer
Cons
- Dry hair types have will need to pair with a rich conditioner
Most color-safe shampoos are notoriously gentle, which is great for keeping your dye job fresh, but not so great at treating scalp acne. Enter: This bond-building clarifying shampoo that contains salicylic acid to help break down clogged pores on your scalp, along with activated charcoal, which helps absorb excess oil and gunk (kinda like a charcoal mask for your scalp). This formula is also filled with peptides that'll help boost your hair's protein levels with each wash—a necessity for mitigating damage on color-treated hair.
- Key ingredient(s): Salicylic acid, charcoal
- Size: 8.5 oz.
THE REVIEWS: “My hair is bleached and color-treated,” writes one reviewer. “I love that this shampoo lathered up like a dream. My hair felt not only clean, but it didn't feel drier after shampooing it. Combined with the K18 Leave-In Hair Mask, my hair felt healthy and easy to brush through.”
Pros
- Reviewers noticed results after a few uses
Cons
- Isn’t moisturizing enough for daily use (contains sulfates)
For me, scalp acne tends to look like a bunch of itchy red bumps along my part. Fun. But this anti-dandruff shampoo is one of the few formulas that helps calm my breakouts with 2 percent pyrithione zinc, an antifungal used to treat dandruff (which, fun fact, can also contribute to scalp acne via inflammation). Next time you’re dealing with flakes, bumps, or irritation, try massaging this shampoo along your scalp, leaving it on for two to three minutes before rinsing and smoothing a deep conditioner through your ends.
- Key ingredient(s): Pyrithione zinc
- Size: 8 oz.
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, “If you have oily hair and do not need added conditioner to your shampoo, this is the shampoo for you. It was recommended to my son by his dermatologist for his acne and very oily skin and hair. It has worked very well and keeps his hair and complexion in great shape.”
Pros
- Nozzle-tip makes it easy to apply directly to scalp
Cons
- Have to apply before you get in the shower
If traditional scalp acne shampoos are too drying for you, try this weekly scalp treatment that uses 2 percent salicylic acid to exfoliate your scalp and break down pore-clogging oils, along with panthenol to help soothe itchiness and irritation. Once or twice a week before shampooing, massage the serum into your scalp, then let it sit for ten minutes before rinsing. You should start to see results within a few weeks of use—and if not, time to make that dermatologist appointment to confirm you're actually dealing with acne.
- Key ingredient(s): Salicylic acid
- Size: 5 oz.
THE REVIEW: "It reduced the number of [dry skin] flakes by about 90 percent, and the itching [on my scalp] was gone after just the first use," writes one tester.
Pros
- Reviewers love the fresh scent
Cons
- Contains sulfates that can be drying if used too often
When my broken-out scalp is as greasy as the $1 slice of pizza I consumed on Friday night, I look to the two hero ingredients in this shampoo: lactic acid (which gently exfoliates) and salicylic acid (which also gently—but thoroughly!—breaks down clogged pores and dead skin cells). The result? A scalp that actually feels clean after rinsing and breaks out less over time.
- Key ingredient(s): Lactic acid, salicylic acid
- Size: 8.4 oz.
THE REVIEW: "I will never be without this shampoo," writes one reviewer, adding that a few years ago, they made the switch to Sachajuan and has since seen "great results for the last two years."
Pros
- Exfoliates build-up and flakes with charcoal powder
- Testers love the tingling, cooling sensation
Cons
- Contains peppermint oil, which could be irritating for some scalps
This sulfate-free scalp scrub contains activated charcoal to get rid of build-up, oil, and grime that could clog pores and contribute to acne. Massage it into your scalp with your fingertips (or a shampoo brush! I legit love them! Sponsor me!) for 30 seconds and rinse completely. Just remember to limit use to once a week to avoid aggravating your scalp and causing further irritation.
- Key ingredient(s): Charcoal, coconut oil, peppermint, spearmint, tea tree oil
- Size: 8 oz., 12 oz., 2 oz., 32 oz.
THE REVIEW: "I have spent so much money trying many different scalp products, and this one is hands down the best," writes a tester, adding that it completely "saved" their hair.
Pros
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Some testers didn’t love the strong scent
This clarifying serum is filled with two MVP chemical exfoliants (aka AHAs and BHAs): salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which help exfoliate and dissolve dead skin cells, clogged pores, and bumpy textures from your scalp. It’s also surprisingly gentle, thanks to its micellar-water base—which means no harsh sulfates —plus its added niacinamide, which helps soothe irritation to curb inflammatory scalp acne.
- Key ingredient(s): Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide
- Size: 4 oz.
THE REVIEW: "I really really like this," writes one reviewer who struggles with scalp flaking and buildup. "My hair has never felt this clean," writes another reviewer adding that they struggle with pretty sensitive skin, and the serum did not irritate them at all.
Pros
- Gently exfoliates the scalp with salicylic acid
- Reviewers love the warm scent
Cons
- Can be hard to squeeze product out of the bottle
Fact: Certain types of build-up can’t be broken down by gentle shampoos, which is where this formula comes in. The sudsy shampoo is filled with 2 percent salicylic acid to exfoliate pore-clogging dead skin cells, along with niacinamide to help reduce inflammation, and panthenol and glycerin to hydrate your scalp. And, thanks to the fact that it’s loaded with surfactants, it’ll also leave your scalp feeling hella clean and fresh—even after days of dry-shampooing.
- Key ingredient(s): Salicylic acid, niacinamide
- Size: 8.5 oz., 33.8 oz.
THE REVIEW: "OMG I love this shampoo! I have scalp acne and this shampoo keeps it under control," writes one reviewer, adding that it leaves their hair feeling hydrated and clean. "I would definitely buy again if my scalp acne keeps on acting up."
Pros
- Soothes irritation with tea tree oil
- Curly Girl Method-approved
Cons
- May be heavy on fine hair
Just because a shampoo is labeled “sulfate free” doesn’t mean it’s automatically gentle. If your hair requires an ultra-hydrating, sulfate-free formula on a regular basis, try this cleansing conditioner from Alikay Naturals. It won’t get rid of scalp acne like an acid-based formula will (so definitely incorporate one of the scalp treatments on this list to your once-weekly washes), but it will help soothe dryness, kill some acne-causing bacteria, and still get your scalp clean, thanks to a mix of jojoba oil, tea tree oil, and gentle surfactants.
- Key ingredient(s): Jojoba oil, tea tree oil
- Size: 8 oz.
THE REVIEW: A reviewer with long, naturally curly hair that tends to dry out with other shampoos writes that "this [co-wash] not only smells wonderful, but makes [their] hair look and feel amazing!"
Pros
- Easy to apply directly to scalp
Cons
- Too drying for regular use, so should only be used as a treatment or with a co-wash
Looking for a product that treats your scalp acne without drying out your curls? DevaCurl’s got you. Technically, this serum is a treatment, not a shampoo, making it ideal for curly hair, dry and damaged hair, or any hair type that can’t handle harsh formulas on a regular basis. The sulfate-free cleanser uses glycerin and panthenol to leave your scalp feeling hydrated, not tight, along with gentle surfactants to dissolve pore-clogging build-up.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycerin, panthenol
- Size: 32 oz.
THE REVIEW: "I LOVE this product," writes one reviewer with curly hair. "Personally, my hair is SO oily, but it felt dry and voluminous and instead of needing to wash my hair every other day, I didn't wash it for five days and it was perfect!"
A shampoo filled with acne-fighting ingredients and strong detergents is great at treating scalp acne, but it can also be too drying for regular use. So for a gentler in-between cleanser, try this shampoo that contains lactic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells, along with a mix of soothing and moisturizing ingredients (hi, allantoin, and glycerin) to keep your scalp happy.
- Key ingredient(s): Lactic acid, allantoin, glycerin
- Size: 8.4 oz.
THE REVIEWS: “My daughter suffers from time to time with a sensitive, itchy, flaky scalp,” writes one reviewer. “I saw this when I was ordering other skin products, so I thought I would give it a go. She loves it and would recommend it to anyone with the same issues.”
Pros
- Doesn’t contain common allergens or irritants
Cons
- Can leave hair feeling dry
If you suspect your scalp acne could be due to irritation (like if you have hypersensitive skin that tends to get bumps from fragrance and harsh actives), try switching to this ultra-gentle shampoo for four weeks to see if it helps reduce your breakouts. The formula is free of sulfates, dyes, parabens, and other common allergens and irritants, making it as gentle as it gets for sensitive scalps.
- Key ingredient(s): Glycerin, panthenol
- Size: 12 oz.
THE REVIEW: "Like a lot of other people using this product, I have issues with eczema, skin sensitivity, scalp sores, bumps, itching, dryness, and weird nightmarish rashes that pop up from time to time," said one tester, adding that once they gave this one a few uses, their "scalp bumps and sores [began to] FINALLY go away."
Why am I getting pimples on my scalp?
You’re likely getting pimples on your scalp due to a mix of oil, dirt, and bacteria clogging your pores, leading to inflammation and zits. “Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face,” says trichologist Lorna Jones, which means it's incredibly common for pimples to be found “on your face, chest, back, and sometimes even your scalp,” she says. Of course, acne can be caused by several other factors, including harmless bacteria already found on the skin, hormones, excess oil, and blockage of your hair follicles.”
How do I clear acne on my scalp?
To clear scalp acne, your first line of defense should be keeping your scalp clean and free of build-up with regular shampooing (even once a week, if you’re working with type-4 hair). And no, dry shampoo doesn't count. Product build-up and scalp oils are major causes of scalp acne, so wash your hair a minimum of once a week with a medicated shampoo containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil to help reduce clogged pores.
It’s also crucial that you wash your pillowcases and headscarves twice a week to make sure you’re not redistributing oils and grime back onto your scalp. Don’t feel like changin’ the sheets so often? I highly recommend buying a set of cheap pillowcases and swapping them out every week instead—which, FYI, can also benefit your facial breakouts too.
Just know that it might take more than a single shampoo to treat your scalp acne—especially if your acne is due to hormones or your zits are painful and cystic—in which case you’ll need to see your dermatologist for a targeted treatment plan that can range from medicated shampoos to oral medications.
How long does scalp acne last?
A scalp acne breakout can last one to two weeks if it's due to hormones or an allergic reaction, or it may come and go if you’re naturally acne-prone. Still, a medicated scalp shampoo with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or antifungals may help decrease scalp acne within four weeks of consistent use. If not, you may need to try a new formula or make an appointment with your dermatologist.
Can I pop scalp acne?
No, you should not pop or pick at your scalp acne. When you try to pop a pimple on your scalp, you increase the risk of the zit becoming more inflamed, painful, and even infected. Popping zits also tends to spread acne-causing bacteria around your skin and scalp, which can lead to even more breakouts over time. If you do have a single, super-inflamed whitehead you’re looking to pop, try spot-treating it with a dab of salicylic acid toner and a Q-tip twice a day instead.
How often should you wash your hair if you have scalp acne?
In a magical world where nobody’s hair ever dried out, you would ideally wash your hair every day or every other day for scalp acne, says board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD. If you have a very oily scalp and fine hair that doesn’t dry out easily, you can wash daily with a sulfate-filled shampoo and likely still have soft, smooth hair. However, those with already dry or damaged hair should stick to their regular wash schedule and add in a salicylic acid-based shampoo once a week to mitigate zits.
To avoid additional dryness, focus all your shampoo at the roots of your hair and limit sulfate-filled formulas to once a week or every other week, if possible. A deep conditioner and a moisturizing leave-in conditioner will also be your best defense against dryness, especially if you’re working with curly hair, so try to incorporate them into every wash day.
How to choose the best shampoo for scalp acne:
Pick active acne-treating ingredients
For your regular scalp acne shampoo, trichologist Dominic Burg says you should look for “a sulfate-free shampoo that’s formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients,” like tea tree oil, which can help soothe your scalp and even help kill some acne-causing bacteria.
But for a weekly treatment to get rid of scalp pimples, look for active ingredients like salicylic acid (an exfoliant that breaks down oil that could clog pores), zinc (an anti-inflammatory to reduce redness and bumps), and AHAs (like glycolic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate bumpy textures).
Avoid potential pore-clogging or irritating ingredients
Everyone responds to ingredients differently, so there is some trial and error involved here. But if you know that your face breaks out easily from oils (like mineral oil and coconut oil), you should limit the use of oils on your scalp, just in case it’s contributing to your scalp acne. Similarly, if you’re sensitive to fragrances or specific ingredients, you should avoid them in your shampoo, too, just to be certain you’re not breaking out from irritation.
Look for leave-on formulas
Scalp acne shampoos are often loaded with harsh surfactants and active ingredients that can strip dry, damaged, curly, or 4c hair. If your hair can’t handle these formulas, but you still need active ingredients to get rid of your zits, try opting for a leave-on salicylic acid serum or a tea tree oil treatment that can be massaged onto your scalp a few times a week before showering.
Meet the experts:
- Diane Madfes, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY and Greenwich, CT where she treats all skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, and melasma. She is also an attending physician at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC.
- Lorna Jones is the owner of Caring for Hair, a group of hair loss and scalp specialists, and a member of the International Association of Trichologists. Jones specializes in many hair and scalp conditions—including hair thinning and CCCA alopecia—and has written her debut book, If Only Hair Could Talk, detailing her own experiences with hair loss.
- Dominic Burg is a chief scientist, hair biologist, and certified trichologist at Evolis Professional, Burg was a key member in creating the Évolis hair care line.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
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