Dandruff Shampoos That Really Work—Because No One Wants White Flakes in Their Hair
Itching? Don't know her.
When it comes to dandruff, the conversation is about as chic as the outdated furniture in your grandparents’ den. And yet, season after season, it's a topic I need to take very seriously since days spent in polluted city environments inevitably leave me with a dry, flaky scalp. After many consultations with my hairstylists and dermatologists, I've found the solution is to incorporate the best dandruff shampoos into my routine before the seasons change and my skin goes a little haywire.
Before I dive in, though, let's get to the root of dandruff. (See what I did there?) “Causes can be fueled by many factors: genes, lifestyle, and medication,” says certified trichologist and “The Scalp Expert," Bridgette Hill. “Periods of stress can also cause oil production, flares, and neglect of the scalp,” adds board-certified dermatologist Robert Finney, MD. While specific lifestyle changes (like lowering stress levels or switching medications) might be the key, a strategic shower set-up can also make a big difference.
There’s no shortage of expert-based recommendations for dandruff shampoos on the internet and Reddit threads (I've been there), so I did the hard work of weeding through the oversaturated market for you. While curating this guide, I interviewed two board-certified dermatologists—Dr. Finney and Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD, in addition to Hill. Here, shop the 12 best dandruff shampoos, vetted by editors. Because let's be honest: no one wants a flaky scalp.
Best Dandruff Shampoos
- Best Dandruff Shampoo Overall: Verb Dandruff Shampoo With Salicylic Acid for Dry and Flaky Scalp
- Best Drugstore Dandruff Shampoo: CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
- Best Luxury Dandruff Shampoo: OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Best Dandruff Shampoo for Itchiness: Briogio Scalp Revival Megastrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo
- Best Fragrance-Free Dandruff Shampoo: Neutrogena Tea Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
A shampoo with healing powers? Count me in. Verb’s no-frills formula contains three percent salicylic acid and zinc, which are gentle exfoliators ideal for addressing flakiness and fungal overgrowth. The shampoo isn't drying at all; in fact, I find it pretty moisturizing, helping control scalp irritation and flakiness. Senior Beauty Editor Samantha Holender, who struggles with seborrheic dermatitis, also gives this her stamp of approval.
Hair Type: All hair types and textures
Scent: Clary sage oil (eucalyptus, orange peel, crisp magnolia, white sandalwood)
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Size of Bottle: 8 fl oz
What I Love: Hydrates; Repairs roots; Lathers seamlessly
What I Don’t: May take a few times to thoroughly rinse it out, according to some testers
Review for MC: “This shampoo left my hair feeling fresh for all the right reasons. After just a few washes, my hair felt comparable to a keratin treatment. The scent reminds me of staying at a high-end resort and using all of their lavish products. Verb’s paraben-free, gluten-free, no harmful sulfates, PETA certified cruelty-free, vegan formula not only rehydrated my scalp, but left it feeling as good as a salon-style wash.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Marie Claire Writer
Contributing Marie Claire writer Malcia Greene before and after using Verb Dandruff Shampoo with Salicylic Acid for Dry and Flaky Scalp
This to-the-point product is top-tier. Developed by dermatologists, this affordable formula includes zinc pyrithione, an ingredient proven to treat the itchiness and flakiness of dandruff, alongside three hydrating essential ceramides. It'll instantly reduce itchiness while still giving hair a shiny, silky feel. Bonus: It's allergy-tested and great for sensitive skin.
Hair Types: All (suitable for color-treated hair)
Scent: Fragrance-free
Active Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione
Size of Bottle: 12 fl oz
What I Love: Affordable; Dermatologist-approved; A little product goes a long way
What I Don’t: Testers note to keep it away from your eyes as it can slightly burn
Review from MC: “Not only is CeraVe’s shampoo light, airy, and free of fragrance, but it leaves my hair looking full and luscious. More importantly, my scalp itself feels rejuvenated and fresh, even in Manhattan's polluted air. Above all, I know I can trust CeraVe as their products maintain a strong reputation in the beauty community at an affordable price.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Marie Claire Writer
Contributing Marie Claire writer Malcia Greene before and after using CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
If you’re looking for the Rolls-Royce of scalp shampoos, the OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the one to go for. Unlike other dandruff shampoos, OUAI prioritizes a sensory experience with an uplifting, fresh scent and a texture that oozes luxury (and just so happens to treat a not-so-cute scalp condition).
Hair Types: Straight, wavy, curly, and coily; Fine, medium, and thick
Scent: Cape Town (ginger, basil, spearmint)
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Size of Bottle: 10 fl oz
What I Love: Uncharted sudsy levels; Smells like a spa
What I Don’t: Expensive; Might need to add more for a proper lather
Review for MC: “The OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo reminds me of a getaway, or how I imagine the spa at a White Lotus hotel to smell. It’s the perfect addition to add to your post-beach, pre-dinner routine. This easy, squeezy, beautiful bottle also makes it really easy to get the shampoo out.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Marie Claire Writer
Contributing Marie Claire writer Malcia Greene before and after using OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
When it comes to an all-in-one, Briogeo is the crème de la crème. Despite a very intense active-ingredient profile, complete with salicylic and lactic acids, this shampoo softens the scalp and keeps natural oils intact, thanks to a slew of hydrating oils. The dark color comes from a detoxing agent called Binchotan charcoal, which absorbs toxins and buildup. "When I use this, my scalp feels less irritated pretty much instantly. I try not to overdo it, so once a week has been my routine," says Holender.
Hair Types: All
Scent: Tea tree
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Size of Bottle: 8.4 fl oz
What I Love: Formula houses an abundance of hydrating ingredients
What I Don’t: Feels like residue stays in hair even after a thorough scrub; Tea tree fragrance irritated my eyes
Review for MC: “Upon first use of the Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo, my scalp immediately looked and felt less dry than before. It is the cherry on top of an everything shower and removes sneaky buildup. Definitely make sure you scrub hard to get into every section, and be careful when rinsing near your eyes.” — Malcia Greene, Contributing Marie Claire Writer
Contributing Marie Claire writer Malcia Greene before and after using Briogio Scalp Revival Megastrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo
With three percent salicylic acid, a fragrance-free profile, and claims that it calms seborrheic dermatitis after one wash, this drugstore buy is a great option for anyone battling dandruff on a budget. Word from the wise: a little goes a long way here, so only use a dime-sized amount.
Hair Types: All
Scent: Fragrance-free
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Size of Bottle: 4.5 fl oz
What I Love: Dependable product; Dermatologist-recommended reputation; Lathers well
What I Don’t: Avoid contact with the eyes as it will irritate
Review for MC: “Before a night out, my hair and scalp felt all kinds of dry and dull. But in just a single wash, I could turn things around. My hair felt softer and more vivacious than ever, with no weird film to stress over.” — Malcia Greene, Marie Claire Contributing Writer
Contributing Marie Claire writer Malcia Greene before and after using Neutrogena Tea Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
How Does a Dandruff Shampoo Work?
While you might think dandruff is the result of a dry scalp, but it's actually caused by a fungus feeding on your scalp's oils (sexy, I know). You may also be dealing with seborheic dermatitis, which is the result of sensitivity to hair care products, or other conditions like eczema.
That being said, it's most important to pick a shampoo with anti-fungal ingredients like ketoconazole. "Salicylic acid is also commonly used," says Dr. Finney, adding that while it "may slightly reduce yeast, its main benefit is for those dealing with flaking and scaling."
If your over-the-counter shampoo isn't cutting it, consult your board-certified dermatologist to discuss prescription options.
How Often Should I Use a Dandruff Shampoo?
“Dandruff shampoos are typically used two to three times per week, depending on the severity,” says Dr. Liu. “For chronic cases, a dermatologist may recommend alternating medicated shampoo with a gentle hydrating one. It’s also important to let the shampoo sit on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing to allow the active ingredients to work.”
You'll also want to make sure you're using enough conditioner. Because dandruff shampoos can be a bit drying, it's important to rehydrate the hair in an effort to prevent breakage, explains Hill.
Key Ingredients to Look For In a Dandruff Shampoo
- Anti-fungals
First, reach for a dandruff shampoo that actually treats the root cause, not just the flakes you can see. Dermatologists will tell you that most dandruff is triggered by an overgrowth of malassezia, a yeast that lives on the scalp, which is why formulas with true antifungal agents make the biggest difference.
Look for ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione, two ingredients that help reduce that yeast population and calm the inflammation that comes with it. Suppose your flakes are more buildup-related or your scalp runs oily. In that case, you can also try gentle exfoliators like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which help dissolve dead skin and reduce the itchiness and tightness that often accompany dandruff.
- Hydrators
Then, make sure your formula has hydrating ingredients. “When choosing a dandruff shampoo, look for ingredients that hydrate and soothe without stripping the scalp’s barrier,” says Dr. Liu. “Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and oat extract are great for hydration, while avoiding sulfates, drying alcohols, and synthetic fragrance can prevent further irritation."
Why Trust Marie Claire
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How We Tested
Marie Claire contributor Malcia Greene went through an extensive testing block where she reviewed a number of shampoos for dry scalps and dandruff. After narrowing down her top contenders while consulting with dermatologists and scalp experts, she tested each shampoo on her combination scalp and medium-fine hair.
Of those shampoos, each was massaged into her scalp for up to 60 seconds, followed by a lather of conditioner from root to tip. In addition to her own results, along with notable additions to consider such as texture, fragrance, overall feel and and post-wash levels of lusciousness were the backbone of the top 13 shampoos for dry scalps and dandruff-prone individuals. Furthermore, she evaluated customer reviews from verified purchasers alongside chart-topping products from our favorite retailers.
Meet the Experts
Jenny Liu, M.D. FAAD is a Board-Certified Dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, where she practices general and cosmetic dermatology; resident education and sees predominately the skin of patients of color, including many complex hair loss conditions.
Robert Finney, M.D. is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, fellowship trained in Hair Restoration and Aesthetics. He completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at Pennsylvania State University. He completed a residency in dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, as well as a fellowship in hair restoration and aesthetics with Dr. Marc Avram in New York City.
Dr. Finney focuses on holistic aesthetics and long-term care, aiming for natural-looking results. As a hair expert, he innovates individualized treatments, including ScalpStim Pro, drawing from his personal experience with hair loss.
He has published on hair loss, lectures internationally, and is a clinical assistant professor at Mount Sinai-Icahn School of Medicine. In his free time, Dr. Finney enjoys reading, ice hockey, hiking and Peloton.
Bridgette Hill became a certified trichologist in 2016—but her journey to becoming “The Scalp Therapist” began over 20 years ago as an editorial stylist and a top colorist for some of the world’s most recognizable heads of hair. With a wealth of knowledge and a profound understanding of how our physical and mental wellness determine the health of our hair, she found her true calling in caring for an often neglected, yet highly visible part of our body: the scalp.
Trained and certified as a trichologist with the renowned David Kingsley, founder of the World Trichology Society, Bridgette’s unique and highly-specialized approach is rooted in a single guiding principle: heal the body on the inside, see the results on the outside. Her state of the art scalp analysis and treatments deliver visible, long-term results for individuals—while bringing a new perspective on scalp and hair care to the forefront of the industry.
Bridgette developed her colorist career in top New York City hair salons, such as Garren, Oscar Blandi and Paul Labreque, and served as the creative director for The Four Seasons in Palm Beach. Now, she is renowned as an authority on all things scalp, and passionate about educating the next generation of hair experts through her work with top beauty brands such as René Furterer and lecturing at industry events.
Most importantly, Bridgette is an advocate for beauty that is rooted in health and healing. She envisions the future of scalp care as a collaborative effort between the dermatological, medical and hair care communities to comprehensively understand and treat the scalp like never before.
