If you're dealing with psoriasis-related dry skin patches, itchiness, or a soreness, the best over-the-counter scalp psoriasis treatments are your dermatologist-approved forms of solace. You can easily minimize the feel of irritable psoriasis symptoms with these oils, ointments, shampoos, and more topical treatments to use for matters worse. Below, take a look at the very best over-the-counter products for relieving skin irritation caused by this sensitive skin condition.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner,
$20$13 - Best Itch Reliever: Scalpicin Anti-Itch Liquid, $8
- Best Scalp Serum: Nutrafol Stress Reliever, $59
- Best Under-$10: Dove DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti Dandruff Shampoo,
$6$5 - Best Pre-Shower Treatment: Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox, $48
- Best Flake Reducer: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo,
$11$7 - Best for Scaling: DHS Sal Shampoo, $12
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is scalp psoriasis?
- What psoriasis treatments are available without a prescription?
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner
Why It's Worth It: Enriched with three percent salicylic acid and a calming zinc complex, Dermarest's Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner targets multiple symptoms of scalp psoriasis, including itching, redness, and severe flaking. "The salicylic acid in this shampoo helps to lift off scales and soften thick psoriasis plaques on the scalp," says Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "This also allows for deeper penetration of topical medications applied after."
Editor Tip: You can treat your psoriasis symptoms temporarily, but do you know what's triggering your flare-ups in the first place? Head here to find out the most common psoriasis triggers, according to board-certified dermatologists.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc | Who It's For: Anyone who needs a deep flake-removing cleanse
Best Itch Reliever: Scalpicin Anti-Itch Liquid
Why It's Worth It: New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD says that the Scalpicin Anti-Itch Liquid is a wonderful addition to any psoriasis-focused scalp routine. "This contains one percent hydrocortisone to reduce itchiness," she says. "The liquid formulation is non-greasy and allows for easy application on the scalp, and works quickly to relieve itch flare-ups." To address flaking, this scalp treatment is also infused with three percent salicylic acid.
Editor Tip: Though its formula is weightless, we recommend applying this treatment during your nighttime routine in order to avoid a greasy look along your roots and hairline throughout the day.
Key Ingredients: Hydrocortisone, salicylic acid, aloe vera extract | Who It's For: Anyone who needs serious itch relief.
Best Scalp Serum: Nutrafol Stress Reliever
Why It's Worth It: Kim Nichols, MD, a board-certified Connecticut-based dermatologist, says she's a major fan of the Nutrafol Stress Reliever, a lightweight serum that acts as an ultra-light moisturizer on the scalp. "This serum helps nourish and soothe irritated skin while balancing the pH levels of the skin's microbiome for a healthier scalp overall," she says. On top of its fast-absorbing, non-sticky feel, Dr. Nichols suggests using this formula for its concentrations of moisture-retaining glycerin, quinoa extract, and exfoliating lactic acid.
Editor Tip: You may have heard from one certain famous psoriatic that tanning beds help ease their symptoms, but according to some of the best names in dermatology, they’re anything but helpful. Here's every reason why you should never sit in a tanning bed to relieve your psoriasis symptoms.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, quinoa extract, lactic acid | Who It's For: Anyone who needs irritation-reducing moisture replenishment.
Best Under-$10: Dove DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Why It's Worth It: New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD recommends Dove's DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Anti Dandruff Shampoo for the scalp. It contains zinc pyrithione, which she says addresses dryness, flaking, and dandruff. It's less intense than the formulas that contain coal tar, so you may want to give Dove's shampoo a try first.
Editor Tip: Besides washing away flakes, this shampoo is also formulated to address frizz and flyaways with conditioning shea butter.
Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, shea butter | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a milder cleanser with frizz-reducing qualities.
Best Pre-Shower Treatment: Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox
Why It's Worth It: Before you step into the shower, try using the Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox first. This pre-shampoo oil contains soothing aloe, a conditioning blend of moringa and baobab oils, and antioxidant-rich basil leaf extract to retain moisture and calm irritation.
Editor Tip: If you're worried about your color-treated strands being stripped of pigment, New York City-based colorist Nikki Ferrara previously told Allure that this pick is color-friendly.
Key Ingredients: Moringa oil, baobab oil, sunflower oil, basil leaf root | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a soothing pre-shower treatment.
Best Flake Reducer: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
Why It's Worth It: Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C, suggest Neutrogena's T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo for those with milder scalp psoriasis. It's less intense than T-Gel but still contains salicylic acid to chemically exfoliate scales. It also controls redness and itching, which are commonly associated with the condition.
Editor Tip: This formulation is fragrance-free, but sensitive skin types may want to try a milder formula, like Neutrogena's Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Daily Control, which contains a lower 1.8% concentration of salicylic acid.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a shampoo that'll reduce flakiness.
Tough on Scales, Gentle on Hair: DHS Sal Shampoo
Why It's Worth It: Dr. Friedman also recommends the DHS Sal Shampoo, which uses salicylic acid to effectively break down buildup so it's easier to remove without damaging the hair or further irritating the scalp. It's also especially good for people who suffer from crusty scales, which can often be very tough to treat.
Editor Tip: This formulation is spiked with panthenol, an ingredient known for its shine-boosting strand-smoothing properties.
Key Ingredients: salicylic acid, panthenol | Who It's For: Anyone who wants an effective cleanse without sacrificing their hair quality.
Best Multi-Tasker: MG217 3% Coal Tar Formula Shampoo
Why It's Worth It: MG217's 3% Coal Tar Formula Shampoo is one of New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD's favorites, particularly for people with severe scalp psoriasis. It contains the equivalent of 3 percent coal tar, which is very effective for eradicating scalp buildup and irritation.
Editor Tip: According to the brand, those with seborrheic dermatitis can also use this shampoo to ease their symptoms.
Key Ingredients: Coal tar | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a shampoo that addresses multiple symptoms at once.
Best for Sensitive Scalps: Vanicream Free and Clear Shampoo
Why It's Worth It: Sometimes, what you need is a good cleanse, which you can easily get without irritation by using Vanicream's Free and Clear Shampoo. Dr. Green previously told Allure that this is one of her favorite recommendations for sensitive scalps of any kind. This psoriasis shampoo gently foams as it treats your scalp with moisturizing glycerin — and it's free of lanolin, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Editor Tip: This formula is free of fragrances, lanolin, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a gentle, non-drying cleanse
Best Hydrocortisone Cream: Cortizone 10+ Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
Why It's Worth It: Whether you're diagnosed with plaque psoriasis or not, Dr. Nichols says the one product everyone should have in their home is hydrocortisone cream. "This topical steroid can be used over a multitude of skin conditions, including scalp psoriasis," she says. "While this isn’t a long-term solution for psoriasis, it will alleviate symptoms such as inflammation, itchiness, and irritation." One of the best lotions infused with this additive is the Cortizone 10+ Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, which contains one percent hydrocortisone to soothe redness and irritation for up to 10 hours. It also contains aloe vera for moisture replenishment, a must for dry skin types.
Editor Tip: This skin soother also contains aloe vera for moisture replenishment, a must for dry skin types.
Key Ingredients: Hydrocortisone, aloe vera | Who It's For: Anyone
Best for Oily Scalps: Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo
Why It's Worth It: Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo is a powerhouse option recommended by New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joyce Park, MD. "This shampoo contains one percent of selenium sulfide, which helps to control skin flaking through its anti-fungal and oil-controlling properties," she explains. This shampoo's menthol-spiked formula also provides a deep-clean feel that doesn't leave your scalp feeling dry, thanks to the addition of moisturizing manuka honey.
Editor Tip: Additionally, Head and Shoulders's shampoo works to combat excess oil production, which can make flaking and itchiness worse.
Key Ingredients: Selenium sulfide, manuka honey, menthol | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a flake-free feel without stripping their scalps of much-needed moisture.
Derms Love It: Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo
Why It's Worth It: Selsun Blue's Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo is a dermatologist favorite — plus, it's under $10, which is always nice. "It contains selenium sulfide, an anti-microbial ingredient that lowers levels of yeast on the scalp," says New York City board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. “By lowering yeast, you can reduce scalp inflammation that contributes to flaking.”
Editor Tip: Since flake-minimizing shampoos tend to have intensive active ingredients in their formulas, we don't recommend using them daily. Selsun Blue suggests washing your hair with this shampoos twice per week for optimal results.
Key Ingredients: Selenium sulfide, menthol | Who It's For: Anyone who wants an affordable flake-reducing shampoo.
Best In-Shower Treatment: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Why It's Worth It: Nizoral's Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ketoconazole, which Dr. Zeichner says is an effective anti-fungal medication that lowers yeast levels on the scalp, and lowering yeast levels leads to less inflammation and flaking.
Editor Tip: Even though it's technically a shampoo, Dr. Zeichner suggests using Nizoral’s formula as a scalp treatment. "Rub it into the scalp with your fingertips and let it lather while you slowly sing the alphabet, then rinse out." Leaving the formula on for a few minutes allows the medication to work its magic.
Key Ingredients: Ketoconazole, | Who It's For: Anyone who wants a tried-and-true, dermatologist-approved shampoo for reducing flakes and itchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is scalp psoriasis?
It's pretty safe to say that scalp problems of any nature, including itchiness and flaking, are extremely annoying to anyone who suffers from them. But scalp psoriasis — a common condition characterized by thick, red, scaly patches of skin that can cover the entire scalp and be chronic — is arguably one of the most painful and inconvenient. This condition is one of the many types of psoriasis, a disorder that New York City board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD previously described to Allure as an irritated reaction from the immune system to the skin, leading to red, scaly plaques and a rash-like reaction.
To explain further, Tsippora Shainhouse, MD a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills and a clinical instructor at the University of Southern California, told Allure that this condition "is a genetic, autoimmune, inflammatory condition in which your skin cells divide too quickly and do not shed quickly enough." The extra cells that don't shed quickly enough form inflamed, scaly plaques on skin. The condition's symptoms usually manifest on skin, but, according to Shainhouse, psoriasis is also associated with other diseases including psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, elevated triglycerides, increased risk for heart disease, and obesity. Psoriasis, which can range from moderate to severe cases, is considered a chronic disease, which means flare-ups can come and go throughout your lifetime.
What psoriasis treatments are available without a prescription?
We would never say that any at-home remedy could ever replace a full consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, but if you want over-the-counter finds that'll temporarily ease symptoms before your appointment, you've come to the right page. Though they won't necessarily get to the root and treat scalp psoriasis, they'll provide some soothing, calming flare-up relief.
Those currently diagnosed with scalp psoriasis want to aim for a formula that simultaneously sloughs away flakes while soothing irritation. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD says you should look for treatment options with ingredients such as salicylic acid and coal tar, which is a dark liquid by-product of coke (another derivative of coal, not the kind you drink) and coal gas and is used in medications to treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Coal tar may sound scary, but dermatologists like Dr. Shah say it significantly helps to slow the rapid growth of skin cells while reducing inflammation.
Beyond active ingredients, board-certified, Connecticut-based dermatologist Kim Nichols, MD says making a few lifestyle adjustments is also important to the treatment of psoriasis. "First and foremost, reducing stressors will help to reduce psoriasis symptoms," she says. "Limiting alcohol consumption, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can help minimize symptoms."
To make things easier, you can always peruse the National Psoriasis Foundation's directory of products that have its Seal of Recognition, which highlights over-the-counter products that have been created or intended to be non-irritating and safe for those with psoriasis.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best over-the-counter scalp psoriasis treatments, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from dermatolgists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
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Meet the Experts
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Kim Nichols, MD, a board-certified Connecticut-based dermatologist.
- Francesca Fusco, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
- Michele Green, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
- Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
- Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
- Joyce Park, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City board-certified dermatologist.
- Tsippora Shainhouse, MD a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California.
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