Skin care ingredients are infiltrating our other beauty routines, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t already hopped on one of the many waves. Peptides, typically found in a hydrating serum or plumping moisturizer, are wonder-workers used to maintain youthfulness—in hair, peptide products encourage blood flow and growth. Collagen, also a key player in smoothing and reducing any signs of aging, has seen success in hair growth supplements. The latest ingredient to slither its way into our hair care routines? Salicylic acid, of course.
In skin care, salicylic acid is a common ingredient used to ward off acne breakouts, smooth texture, and improve the overall appearance of skin. “Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) commonly used in skin care for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to remove dead skin cells and excess oils, making it effective in treating conditions like acne,” Dr. Uchenna Okereke, a Boston-based board-certified dermatologist and Vichy advisory board member. The star player works similarly in hair care. “Salicylic acid primarily benefits both scalp and hair. For the scalp, it gently exfoliates by loosening dead skin, dirt, product buildup while also controlling dandruff and flakiness,” she explains.
Moving down the shaft, salicylic acid-infused shampoos eliminate oil and evidence of dandruff. “It can also help prevent oil build-up, which may improve the hair’s overall health and appearance. This exfoliation can lead to a cleaner scalp environment, which supports healthier hair growth and can help relieve itchiness or discomfort,” she adds.
However, given the exfoliating benefits of salicylic acid, using it excessively can be extremely drying on the scalp and hair. To ensure you maximize the benefits of the ingredient to get the luscious, healthy hair you desire, we polled Dr. Okereke to find the absolute best formulas on the market and learn about best practices for at-home wash days. Ahead, we present the top 10 results of hours-long scrolling through customer reviews and ELLE editors’ personal stashes.
Pros
Best for reducing dandruff - Soothing, non-stripping formula
Cons
- Some say the scent is too strong
This shampoo tackles dandruff head-on by combining clarifying salicylic acid with soothing clary sage to reduce flakes. Even better, the eucalyptus scent quickly makes your wash day session feel more luxurious (and less dreadful) than it actually is.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, clary sage, zinc pca
Size: 8 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Can definitely tell the difference when using this shampoo versus other brands!! It makes my hair soft and shiny! I have repurchased multiple times. Been using a few months now, and it definitely helps with my itchy scalp!”
Best for Irritated Scalps
Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo
Pros
- Soothes scalp
Cons
- Doesn't lather as much as other shampoos
If you can’t make it to one of those viral head spas, this shampoo is the next best thing. Minus the waterfall and sleep-inducing massage, this formula invigorates the scalp using rosemary and ginger extract, as well as menthol, and purifies with the help of salicylic and lactic acids.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid, rosemary oil, ginger extract, menthol
Size: 8.4 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My daughter had dandruff and oily hair for years. She has very thick hair so this made it extra tough to manage. Her hair and scalp LOVE this shampoo! Oil and dandruff were corrected with one wash. After several washes, hair is smoother and shiner. We will be sticking with this for as long as it’s available!”
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Best for Reducing Itchiness
Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- Calms irritated scalps
Cons
- Can be drying for some hair types
Many factors contribute to the onset of dandruff, which can cause itchiness, redness, and irritation. Ouai’s shampoo addresses all of these and more, using a blend of salicylic acid and propanediol caprylate to stop dandruff in its tracks.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, propanediol caprylate
Size: 10 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve had horrible dandruff as long as I can remember. I’ve used so many different kinds of dandruff shampoo. I used this product for the first time yesterday, and I was so so skeptical. OMG! I couldn’t believe after just one use, it worked so well. I did the shake test, and there was no dandruff. It also smells good and made my hair so soft. It was a bit pricey, but so worth it.”
Pros
- Purifies strands with an anti-metal formula
Cons
- Will need to follow up with a nourishing formula to replenish strands
Think of this shampoo as the ultimate soldier in the fight against damaged hair. Not only does it feature salicylic and malic acid to rid your scalp of dryness and flakiness, but it also contains Metal Purifier, an anti-metal technology used to thoroughly detox the hair from metals in water.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, Metal Purifier
Size: 8.4 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Every other month or so, following my normal shampoo days, I roll up my sleeves to give my hair a thorough clarifying wash day with this shampoo. I always thought damage could be treated with hydration—and that’s not completely false—but weakened strands need a lot more and that's where this formula comes in. Using AHAs, this shampoos makes my scalp feel so clean and purified, creating a healthy environment for stronger, fuller hair growth.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE beauty commerce editor
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Pros
- Prevents inflammation and flakes
Cons
- Has a clinical scent
The last thing anyone wants to see is evidence of dandruff on the scalp or sprinkled over your clothing. This shampoo ensures embarrassment won’t be a part of your daily routine. The star of the show is selenium sulfide, an anti-fungal ingredient that stops dandruff in its tracks. Combined with niacinamide, glycerin, and salicylic acid, the formula keeps inflammation and flakes to a minimum.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, selenium sulfide
Size: 6.76 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “This Vichy shampoo features selenium sulfide and salicylic acid as its booster ingredient. Selenium targets Malessezia furfur, the yeast that causes dandruff, while salicylic acid provides additional exfoliation. This combination works together to clear up to 100 percent of visible flakes.”
Pros
- Thoroughly cleanses scalp and hair
Cons
- Results take time
Buying just any anti-dandruff shampoo will not provide the relief you want. Briogeo’s iteration relies on charcoal, salicylic acid, and lactic acid to remove any impurities clogging follicles and support growth and strength.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid, charcoal
Size: 8.4 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve always had terrible dandruff (especially in the winter!!), and nothing helped until I started using this charcoal-based shampoo. The one I’d been using was discontinued so I took a chance on this since I use one of Briogeo’s leave-in conditioners anyway, and it helps so much! I’ve been using this for at least six months now and it’s been standing the test of this year's dry winter. Worth the price to me.”
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Best for Treating Scalp Conditions
Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp Build-Up Control Therapeutic Shampoo
Pros
- Gently addresses psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis
Cons
- Some users note it can leave hair a bit greasy
If you have psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, this drugstore formula conditions the scalp to prevent irritation and remove product build-up.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
Size: 4.5 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This stuff is incredible. My scalp has been really itchy for a while and I was looking for something to help. I found this and decided to try it not expecting very much. Not only is the itchiness gone, but my hair is also incredibly clean. I normally have very oily hair but my hair feels amazing after this stuff. It’s so fluffy and full of volume I don’t normally have.”
Best for Psoriasis
Nizoral Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner
Pros
- Gentle enough for daily use
Cons
- Results take time
Proper at-home maintenance makes all the difference in treating psoriasis, as using the wrong products with harsh ingredients can make flare-ups occur more often. Nizroal has long been touted as a trusted companion to treat the scalp, and uses salicylic acid to clarify the scalp along with conditioning vitamins E, C, and B5.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree, vitamins E, C, and B5,
Size: 11 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This shampoo not only eases my scalp psoriasis, it also makes my hair soft and shiny. I don’t have to wash it as often—-it seems to look freshly washed every day.”
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Best for Chemically Damaged Hair
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo
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Pros
- Restores protein loss
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Can be a bit drying
We’ve heard of the benefits of peptides in skin care, but they also work wonders in hair care. The peptide-rich shampoo prevents protein loss by strengthening the hair; salicylic acid eliminates product build-up as activated charcoal saps up oil and dirt that could potentially weigh hair down.
Key ingredients: Peptides, salicylic acid, activated charcoal
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have itchiness and flaky skin on my scalp from autoimmune issues. I've used a clarifying shampoo once or twice a week for several years, but this one has made the biggest difference! Will definitely be rebuying when it runs out.”
Best Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
SheaMoisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Pros
- Strengthens hair
Cons
- Will need to follow up with something a bit more nourishing
Apple cider vinegar has long been touted for its potential health benefits, but many employ the ingredient to improve their hair health. In this composition, ACV combines with salicylic acid, shea butter, and vitamin B3 to break down build-up, dandruff, and itching.
Key ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, shea butter, salicylic acid, vitamin B3
Size: 13 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This has been a life saver, it’s the first shampoo that I’ve used that has worked to prevent dandruff/ itchiness. It smells amazing and cleans your hair really well. Definitely worth every penny!!”
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Uchenna Okereke is a Boston-based board certified dermatologist and Vichy Advisory Board Member.
What hair type benefit most from it? Who should stay away?
Salicylic acid in shampoo is particularly great for those with “oily, dandruff-prone, or flaky scalp,” but Dr. Okereke recommends using it if you deal with “seborrheic dermatitis or mild to moderate psoriasis on the scalp.”
In skin care, salicylic acid can overly drying with excessive use, so Dr. Okereke advises those with dry or sensitive scalps to steer clear of excessive use. “It’s best for those with scalp concerns related to oiliness or flakiness rather than dry scalp issues,” she adds.
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How often should you use a salicylic acid shampoo?
Frequency depends on your hair woes, but it’s important to note that salicylic acid can be drying. As such, Dr Okereke suggests limiting use to once or twice a week “to see benefits without over-drying the scalp. For those with more intense scalp issues, it can be used more frequently. However, I recommend monitoring how your scalp responds; overuse can lead to dryness or irritation, so adjust the frequency based on your scalp’s needs,” she explains.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose polled a dermatologist to learn about the benefits of salicylic acid in shampoos and best practices for at-home use.
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