The 12 Best Shampoos With Salicylic Acid, Per Expert Recommendations

Best Overall

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

$8 at Amazon $8 at Target $8 at Walmart

Ingredients: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate | Salicylic Acid Percentage: 3% |  Size: 4.5 oz |  Uses: Controls the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis

Simply put, this no-frills therapeutic shampoo gets the job done. It “helps alleviate the scalp of buildup while nourishing follicles,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, M.D. “The shampoo is very effective at helping patients with psoriasis on the scalp.” Plus, we won’t deny that the affordable price can’t be beat. 

The short ingredient list includes the most important one—3% salicylic acid. At this amount, the ingredient is very effective at detoxifying the scalp without feeling too stripping. Additionally, it has no added fragrance, silicones, or sulfates, so it’s a safe choice for those with sensitive skin (though we always recommend doing a patch test before applying a new product). Keep in mind the scent isn’t for every nose, and while it’s not going to leave you smelling like you just had a fancy blowout, we appreciate that it dissipates quickly. 

Best Splurge

Oribe Serene Scalp Shampoo

$46 at Amazon $52 at Sephora View on Dermstore

Ingredients: Orange and lemon fruit extracts, sugarcane extract, glycerin | Salicylic Acid Percentage: 2% |  Size: 8.5 oz |  Uses: Relieve dryness and redness, eliminate flakes

Beyond the cute pink bottle, you’ll find an enticing list of ingredients that sound beautiful and deliver stunning results to your hair. Orange, lemon, and sugar cane extracts help hair lock in moisture imparted by glycerin, a lightweight humectant that’s great for quenching dry stands. Quinoa also makes an appearance—this mighty plant protein soothes itchy scalps and strengthens your hair for less raggedy ends and shinier-looking locks over time.

While the formula doesn’t contain a super high percentage of salicylic acid, this shampoo still does a stellar job of vanquishing flakes as it works in tandem with niacinamide to refresh skin and reduce flakiness. Thanks to its inclusion of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as limonene, you could finally find relief from irritated skin.

Best for Sensitive Skin

DHS SAL Shampoo

View on Personandcovey.com $11 at Herbspro.com

Ingredients: USP, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate |  Salicylic Acid Percentage: 3% |  Size: 4 oz | Uses: Relieves discomfort of severe itching and inflammation

If you took one look at the ingredient list and balked at the idea of using sulfates, hear us out. Dr. Gohara recommends this shampoo because she says that the “BHA is steeped in a gentle shampoo surfactant,” known as SLES, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D., previously told us that this kind of sulfate has a much lower rate of irritation than others. Used alongside the high percentage of salicylic acid, the ingredients work beautifully to cast away flakes, dissolve buildup, and mitigate the effects of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Additionally, it’s free of fragrances, dyes, and PABA—a potentially harmful acid that could cause negative skin reactions. If you have fine or thin hair, we recommend following this one up with a hydrating conditioner (perhaps a leave-in conditioner), since it can be slightly drying.

Best Natural

Aveda Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo

$14 at Aveda.com

Ingredients: Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Methyl Soyate, | Salicylic Acid Percentage: Not listed | Size: 6.7 oz | Uses: For thinning hair or hair loss 

Taylor initially recommended this shampoo for those experiencing hair loss, and after seeing its natural formula and sustainable manufacturing practices, we were sold on the idea of using it. In addition to salicylic acid, the formula leans on multitalented ingredients that simultaneously remove oil buildup and result in more voluminous hair. Ginseng and turmeric, for example, have been shown to promote hair growth and boast anti-inflammatory properties that quell itchy skin. Lactic acid is another star player that gently breaks down pore-clogging dirt, opens the follicle up to new growth, and boosts vibrancy. 

Best for Itchy Scalps

Briogeo Scalp Revival MegaStrength+ Shampoo

$33 at Amazon $42 at Sephora $42 at Ulta

Ingredients: Lactic acid, binchotan charcoal, tea tree oil | Salicylic Acid Percentage: 3% | Size: 8.4 oz | Uses: Relieve dry, itchy scalps and dandruff

We’ve written many love letters to Briogeo for creams and masks that give us those Meg Ryan-defined curls, but even when we seek a solution to the less glamorous problem of red, scabby scalps, the brand still has us covered. Think of this formula like a pricey facial for your scalp; it takes your hair through a serious (but less invasive) detox using 3% salicylic acid, charcoal, and lactic acid. As you shed flakes away, tea tree and peppermint oil soothe inflamed skin and fight oil-causing bacteria with their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. And, luckily, you won’t be replacing one irritating situation with another (read: residue) since coconut oil and hyaluronic acid drench dry strands without weighing them down.

Best for Dandruff

OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

$38 at Amazon $38 at Sephora $38 at Ulta

Ingredients: Propanediol caprylate, glycerin, citric acid |  Salicylic Acid Percentage: 2% |  Size: 10 oz |  Uses: Reduce flaking, itching, and irritation

For everything dandruff shampoos often get wrong, Ouai gets right. First, instead of dehydrating strands with sulfates, it leaves out this chemical in favor of more moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, which feels lightweight on your hair and softens it. And where many anti-dandruff shampoos have a slightly unpleasant smell, this one infuses notes of ginger, spearmint, and green fig to leave your hair with a fresh scent we’d associate with summer mornings. In terms of preventing flakes from falling and soothing irritation, the formula uses 2% salicylic acid, and citric acid, a gentle ingredient that breaks down buildup and imparts shine on your strands. Our suggestion: Practice patience with this shampoo and it’ll reward you down the line—since it leaves out harsher ingredients it may take a couple of consistent washes to wave dandruff goodbye for good. 

Best Pre-Wash Treatment

dpHUE ACV Exfoliating Scalp Detox

$35 at Ulta $35 at Dermstore $35 at Nordstrom

Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, red clover flower extract, menthol |  Salicylic Acid Percentage: 0.25% | Size: 4 oz |  Uses: Dissolve product buildup, reduce irritation, stop shedding

Whether you’re combing out the remnants from the deluge of products required for a slicked-back bun or you have a dry, flaky scalp, think of this pre-wash treatment like a ginger shot for your hair: invigorating, soothing, and balancing. Menthol and apple cider vinegar get right to work calming irritation and exfoliating the scalp, leaving behind a tingling feeling as a telltale sign that they’re working. Its other benefits—like promoting hair growth through niacinamide and red flower extract—may take a little longer to see, but we’re in it for the long run. And although it only contains 0.25% salicylic acid (a relatively low amount), the BHA still works so well with the naturally acidic apple cider vinegar to deep-clean the hair, balance the pH of your scalp, and rid it of dandruff.

Best Shampoo and Conditioner Duo

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner

$33 at Dermstore

Ingredients: Ginger root extract, lactic acid, hydrolyzed wheat protein | Salicylic Acid Percentage: Not listed |  Size: 8.4 oz |  Uses: Reduce tightness and dryness

This shampoo and conditioner act as dual magicians to vanish irritated, red, and acne-prone scalps. Both products use salicylic acid to combat oil while fortifying strands with moisturizing ingredients such as lactic acid and wheat protein. We are also thrilled to see menthol and rosemary oil listed on the bottle since these anti-inflammatory ingredients will feel fantastic on aggravated skin. (For more on rosemary shampoos, we have a few favorites you should check out.) 

Squeeze some product into your hands and spend a few moments working the shampoo into a rich lather. The conditioner contains two super effective dandruff-fighting ingredients (climbazole and piroctone olamine), powerhouses in reducing flakiness and hydrating hair. As a bonus for anyone who experiences scalp acne, the shampoo includes ginger root extract, an ingredient some dermatologists recommend to treat breakouts.

Best Serum

Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum

$48 at Sephora $48 at Ulta $48 at Nordstrom

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, niacinamide, rose clay | Salicylic Acid Percentage: Not listed | Size: 4 oz | Uses: Detoxifies, removes buildup, reduces oiliness

We cheated—this is technically a serum but it works so well at cleaning hair you may not even need to use it alongside a shampoo. While the silky formula bathes your locks with a bevy of luscious essential oils like jasmine (that leave your hair smelling divine, FYI), it’s also nourishing it with vitamins B and F. In addition to exfoliating the scalp with salicylic acid, it also contains glycolic acid to slough off dead skin and help the hair retain moisture, which may lead to shinier strands. Witch hazel and rose clay act similarly to how they do in your favorite toners and face masks by sopping up oil with their naturally astringent properties. And, you may even see your hair become fuller and more voluminous with the aid of niacinamide and zinc, two ingredients that have been shown to promote hair growth. Since this formula works overtime to rid all of the buildup on your scalp, it can leave strands a little thirsty, so make sure to follow up with a conditioner.

Best Soothing

Bondi Boost Dandruff Repair Shampoo with 2% Salicylic Acid

View on Ulta View on Bondiboost.com

Ingredients: Sea buckthorn, peppermint oil, quinoa | Uses: Detoxifies, removes buildup, reduces oiliness  Salicylic Acid Percentage: 2% |  Size: 10 oz | Uses: Removes buildup, soothes, cools

You know when you wake up with under-eye bags and crave that cooling sensation to de-puff and soothe them? Similarly, this Bondi Boost Dandruff Repair Shampoo swoops in to help quickly soothe and cool an irritated scalp. This shampoo is aloe-based and contains quinoa to help combat dry and itchy scalps. An added bonus: It will reduce flakes and dry skin without stripping your hair of moisture. Just pump a small amount into your hands, lather up, and massage into wet hair, focusing on your roots before rinsing out.  

Best Luxury

Shu Uemura Clarifying Shampoo

$59 at Sephora View on Shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com

Ingredients: Japanese Onsen-inspired ferments, Japanese cherry blossom |  Salicylic Acid Percentage: Not disclosed | Size: 13.4 oz | Uses: Clarifying, removes buildup, increases shine 

Leave it to Shu Uemura to make you feel like you’re having a main character moment while combating dandruff. This Delicate Comfort Clarifying Shampoo is great for anyone looking to increase shine while removing product buildup. The formula has a beautiful scent with notes of bergamot, peony, and jasmine—it will make you feel like you’re also buying a luxury fragrance. From an ingredient standpoint, it uses cherry blossom and it’s packed with nutrients and antioxidant properties to help heal a dry scalp. 

Best With Apple Cider Vinegar

SheaMoisture Hair Care System Apple Cider Vinegar Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

$12 at Amazon View on Ulta $13 at Walmart

Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, shea butter | Salicylic Acid Percentage: Not listed | Size: 13 oz | Uses: Strengthens hair, removes buildup, eliminates flaking 

You may be tempted to come at your scalp with full force when trying to eliminate flaking and itchiness, but this shampoo (which relies on a concoction of salicylic acid, apple cider vinegar, and shea butter) is gentle and effective. It may take a few uses, but the product is designed to remove product buildup, leaving the scalp feeling like a clean slate. Similar shampoos can be drying, but the addition of shea butter in the formula limits breakage, softens strands, and delivers serious shine.