Bacteria, dead skin cells, or sebum can clog your hair follicles and lead to acne breakout on the scalp. Acne can also be caused by hormonal imbalances. Irrespective of the cause, if you have acne problems on your scalp, you need the best scalp acne shampoo to tackle it. Scalp acne shampoos are formulated by combining natural ingredients that prevent pore buildup and keep the scalp clean. Keep scrolling as we bring you a list of the best scalp acne shampoos to help you eliminate those stubborn breakouts on your scalp.

11 Best Scalp Acne Shampoos

1. Best Moisturizing: Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

With a blend of pure tea tree oil, rosemary, and lavender, this shampoo helps clean the scalp and prevents dirt and product buildup. It is effective in moisturizing dry hair and hydrating the scalp for healthier-looking hair. This shampoo for acne-prone skin works well on oily hair, color-treated hair, dry hair, and normal hair. This video review will help you learn more about this shampoo. Pros

 Clarifies scalp  Washes away flakes  Rich in essential oils Sulfate-free

Cons

 May have a strong smell

 

2. Best Pure And Natural: Puriya Plant Based Tea Tree Shampoo

Treat your itchy, flaky, and dry scalp with this scalp acne treatment shampoo. It is infused with natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, sage, arnica, and rosemary. The sulfate-free clarifying shampoo hydrates dry scalp and hair and has a pleasant fragrance. It is pH balanced and is free of parabens and sodium chloride. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase. Pros

 Works on brittle and damaged hair  Mild and gentle formulation  Effectively removes buildup  Adds shine and luster  Suitable for all hair types

Cons

 May not ease itching

3. Best Unscented: CLn Shampoo For Scalp Acne

Created to treat dandruff, dermatitis, and folliculitis, this anti-dandruff shampoo for acne is unscented. It is formulated with sodium hypochlorite and salicylic acid and effectively removes dead skin cells and unwanted oils from the scalp. It works on normal to oily hair. Pros

 Hypoallergenic  Free of triclosan, parabens, and antibiotics  Dermatologist-tested  Non-drying

Cons

 May cause hair fall

 

4. Best Soothing: Ovante Folliculit Solution Shampoo

Ovante’s shampoo for scalp treatment is formulated to clean and moisturize scalp and hair. It is a soothing treatment with vitamin A and various essential oils and helps prevent scalp breakouts and itching. Pros

 Promotes hair growth  Eliminates dandruff  Less foam for better absorption  Helps make hair voluminous

Cons

May have an unpleasant fragrance

5. Best For Unclogging Pores: Teenology Shampoo For Teens

Rich in aloe vera, vitamin B5, comfrey, and peppermint extract, this shampoo soothes irritation in the scalp, breaks down oil, and treats dandruff. Unclog your pores and wash away dead skin cells with this sweet mint-scented shampoo for the scalp. Check out this product review video and pick the best-suited one for your needs. Pros

 Cruelty-free  Free of sulfates, silicones, gluten, and parabens  Treats acne on forehead, back, and scalp  Lathers and cleanses well

Cons

 May cause hair fall

 

6. Best For Deep Hydration: Honeydew Clarifying Shampoo For Oily Hair Care

Enriched with basil oil and cypress essential oil, this mild shampoo deeply hydrates, nourishes hair and helps prevent acne breakouts. It effectively clarifies scalp and hair and leaves you with beautiful and luscious-looking hair. Pros

 Paraben-free  Takes care of flaky dandruff  Helps prevent hair loss  Improves hair texture

Cons

 May have a difficult-to-handle packaging

 

7. Best Antibacterial: Acne Zap Shampoo For Scalp Acne

Created for safe acne treatment, this medicated shampoo is an effective antibacterial formula for oily, itchy, and greasy scalp and acne. It works well on different types of hair and leaves you with a clarified scalp and healthy-looking hair Pros

 Gentle on skin  Formulated for kids and adults  Doesn’t dry out hair

Cons

 May have an unpleasant smell

 

8. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

The drugstore shampoo by Neutrogena is a therapeutic formulation that prevents scalp buildup. It is recommended by dermatologists and helps clear the scalp and prevent acne breakout. Pros

 Effective in treating dandruff  Soothes psoriasis  Helps reduce itching  Quick results

Cons

 May smell unpleasant

 

9. Best For All Hair Types: Mr. Alpha Scalp Therapy Shampoo

Formulated with tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and jojoba oil, this shampoo for head acne deeply hydrates the scalp. It comes in an easy-to-use pump bottle and effectively reduces hair fall by strengthening the hair follicles. It works well on all hair types. Pros

 Reduces dryness and split ends  Suitable for men with bald spots and receding hairlines  Reduces inflammation and redness● Free of parabens and sulfates

Cons

 May not form lather easily

 

10. Best Organic: Dr. Witch Acne Treatment Shampoo

Created especially for thin hair, this scalp care product helps reduce bumps, soreness, dryness, and redness on the scalp. It is made of natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, elderflower, red clover, and tea tree oil. Treat acne and hair loss with this medicated shampoo. Pros

 Treats oiliness, itchiness, dryness, and hair thinning  Natural and organic formulation  Encourages hair growth  Free of parabens and sulfates

Cons

 May have an unpleasant scent

 

11. Best Anti-Fungal: DS Laboratories Dandrene Shampoo

The anti-dandruff shampoo for acne has been formulated to control irritation, scaling, and flaking. It helps exfoliate and fight against the different causes of dandruff. This anti-dandruff, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial hair product treats the root cause of the problem. Pros

 Clinically proven formula  Dandrene and pyrithione zinc strengthens the formulation  Works well on red, oily, and itchy scalp  Makes hair softer

Cons

 May have a strong smell

 

How To Choose The Right Scalp Acne Shampoo?

Here are some points to consider while purchasing a scalp acne shampoo.

  1. Ingredients: Choose shampoos rich in ingredients, including salicylic acid, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil, as they effectively treat acne.
  2. Chemical-free formulation: Products free from SLS, sulfates, parabens, and other chemicals effectively treat the scalp gently.
  3. Scalp condition: Some shampoos are formulated to soothe redness, some are effective on dandruff and some ease inflammation. Select the right shampoo based on your needs.

Why Trust MomJunction?

We have compiled a list of the best scalp acne shampoos to clean the hair and scalp while preventing pore build-up. Specifications, pros, and cons are offered for each enumerated product to give you the detailed information. We have included details about components, chemical-free formulations, and scalp problems to help you find the right shampoo. You can also browse the buying guide to make an informed decision.

References:

Best Night Creams Best Shampoos Best Hypoallergenic Shampoos