Dealing with dandruff can be a frustrating experience. Sometimes, home remedies to cure dandruff don’t work alone. You might have to use over-the-counter products. There are numerous medicated shampoos available online that can help combat dandruff.
What is the proven product to eliminate dandruff? What ingredients you should look for in the medicated shampoos? Keep on reading the whole guide. In this article, you’ll explore the 11 best medicated shampoos for dandruff. How to use them effectively and what key ingredients to find.
What Are the Causes of Dandruff
If you have reached here, you must know what is dandruff and its symptoms. Also check here, various factors can cause dandruff, including:
Dry Scalp: When the scalp lacks moisture, it can become dry and flaky, leading to dandruff.
Malassezia: This yeast-like fungus is naturally present on the scalp and can overgrow, causing irritation and flaking.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: A common skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin, which can result in dandruff.
Sensitivity to Hair Care Products: Certain hair care products can cause scalp irritation and trigger dandruff.
Poor Hygiene: Infrequent shampooing or inadequate rinsing can lead to an accumulation of dead skin cells, causing dandruff.
What is Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Medicated anti-dandruff shampoos are specially formulated to address the underlying causes of dandruff. They typically contain active ingredients that combat fungus, reduce inflammation, and moisturize the scalp. Most medicated shampoos also soothe the scalp in addition to removing dandruff.
Ingredients to Look for in Medicated Anti Dandruff Shampoo
The following ingredients are commonly found in medicated anti-dandruff shampoos. Before buying the shampoo, read the label to check these ingredients.
Ingredient Description
- Ketoconazole An antifungal agent that targets the dandruff-causing fungus.
- Coal Tar Slows down skin cell growth and reduces inflammation.
- Salicylic Acid Exfoliates the scalp, removing dead skin cells
- Selenium Sulfide Controls the growth of Malassezia fungus and reduces scaling.
- Zinc Pyrithione Slows down yeast growth and prevents flaking.
- Tea Tree Oil Natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
- Piroctone Olamine Controls fungal growth and reduces dandruff.
How to Use Medicated Shampoo for Dandruff?
To use medicated shampoo for dandruff effectively, follow these steps:
- Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly.
- Apply a generous amount of medicated shampoo to your scalp.
- Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp, focusing on areas prone to dandruff.
- Leave the shampoo on your scalp for the recommended duration mentioned on the product label.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly, ensuring no shampoo residue remains.
- Repeat the process if your dermatologist suggests.
11 Best Medicated Shampoo for Dandruff
Here is the complete list of dermatologically tested and customers approved medicated anti dandruff shampoos.
Neutrogena T/Gel
Active Ingredient: 0.5% Coal Tar
Neutrogena T/Gel is a highly effective medicated shampoo that helps control itching and flaking caused by dandruff. Its coal tar formulation helps slow down the production of skin cells, reducing dandruff and providing relief to the scalp. Neutrogena T/Gel has a pleasant fragrance and leaves the hair feeling clean and refreshed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Clinically proven to effectively treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. | Some users may find the scent overpowering. |
| Helps reduce itching and flaking. | Not suitable for color-treated or chemically processed hair. |
| Suitable for daily use. | |
| Leaves the hair and scalp feeling clean and refreshed. |
Nizoral A-D
Active Ingredient:1% Ketoconazole
Nizoral A-D is a highly regarded medicated shampoo known for its effectiveness in combating dandruff. With a potent 1% concentration of ketoconazole as its active ingredient, it specifically targets the fungus responsible for dandruff. Also, it provides relief from itching and flaking. Nizoral A-D has a pleasant scent and leaves the hair feeling clean and manageable.
| Pros | Cons |
| Effectively treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and other scalp issues. | May cause dryness or scalp irritation in some individuals |
| Regular use provides long-lasting relief from dandruff and itching. | Can be more expensive compared to other medicated shampoos. |
| Suitable for various hair types and textures. | |
| Control sebum production for clean and healthy hair. |
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength
Active Ingredient: 1% Selenium Sulphide
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength is a highly effective medicated shampoo that is clinically proven to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. With the active ingredient selenium sulphide, it helps to reduce itching and flaking, providing relief to the scalp. This shampoo can be used daily for a healthy scalp and shiny hair.
| Pros | Cons |
| Clinically proven to effectively treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. | May take some time to see noticeable improvements, requiring consistent use. |
| Restores the scalp’s natural moisture balance. | |
| Suitable for daily use. | |
| Available in different variants to address specific hair care needs. |
Selsun Blue Medicated
Active Ingredient: 1%Selenium Sulfide
Selsun Blue Medicated is a trusted medicated shampoo that contains selenium sulfide, which effectively controls dandruff. It provides relief from itching and flaking, while also helping to reduce scalp inflammation. This shampoo is suitable for frequent use.
| Pros | Cons |
| Formulated with selenium sulfide to effectively control dandruff. | Not recommended for color-treated or chemically processed hair. |
| Provides long-lasting relief from itching and flaking. | |
| Helps reduce scalp inflammation. | |
| Suitable for frequent use. |
Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Active Ingredient: 1%Pyrithione Zinc
Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a gentle yet effective medicated shampoo that contains pyrithione zinc to combat dandruff. It helps to eliminate flakes and reduce itching, while also nourishing and hydrating the scalp and hair. It causes a visible reduction in dandruff with few washes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Effectively eliminates dandruff flakes and itchiness. | May cause an itchy irritated scalp |
| Nourishes and hydrates the scalp and hair with coconut and shea butter. | |
| Suitable for daily use. | |
| Make hair soft and smooth. |
Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo
Active Ingredient: 0.5% Coal Tar
Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo is a natural medicated shampoo that combines sulfur and salicylic acid to address dandruff and flaky scalp. It helps to exfoliate the scalp, reduce inflammation, and control itching and flaking. This shampoo is free from harsh chemicals and improves scalp and hair conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
| Contains natural ingredients like sulfur and salicylic acid to combat dandruff. | Not suitable for sensitive skin. |
| Free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. | |
| Reduces scalp inflammation. | |
| Botanical ingredients help exfoliate the scalp and control itching and flaking. |
Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Sage Extract
Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo is a natural medicated shampoo that harnesses the power of sage extract to combat dandruff and soothe the scalp. The sage extract has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the buildup of yeast on the scalp, minimizing flaking and itching. This shampoo is gentle on the hair and leaves it feeling clean and revitalized.
| Pros | Cons |
| Contains sage extract, known for its anti-dandruff properties. | Some users may not prefer the scent of sage. |
| Free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. | |
| Nourishes and moisturizes dry and damaged hair with sage and tea tree conditioner. | |
| Suitable for all hair types and daily use. |
ArtNaturals Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo
Active Ingredient: 2% Coal Tar
ArtNaturals Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo is a powerful medicated shampoo that utilizes the benefits of coal tar to treat dandruff and scalp conditions. With a 2% concentration of coal tar, it helps to slow down the excessive growth of skin cells on the scalp, reducing flaking and itching. This shampoo is infused with botanical extracts to nourish and strengthen the hair.
| Pros | Cons |
| Contains a high concentration of coal tar for effective dandruff treatment. | Strong scent not liked by everyone. |
| Infused with botanical extracts for deep cleansing. | May result in discoloration of light-colored hair. |
| Nourishes and moisturizes the hair and scalp. | |
| Suitable for all hair types and daily use. |
MG217 Medicated Conditioning Coal Tar Formula Shampoo
Active Ingredient: 3% Coal Tar
MG217 Medicated Conditioning Coal Tar Formula Shampoo is a potent medicated shampoo enriched with coal tar to combat dandruff and psoriasis. With a 3% concentration of coal tar, it helps to slow down the excessive skin cell growth, reducing flaking and itching. This shampoo also provides conditioning benefits.
| Pros | Cons |
| Contains a potent concentration of coal tar for effective dandruff and psoriasis treatment. | May require consistent use for optimal effectiveness. |
| Strong formula to relieve redness and itchiness | |
| Twice a week use is suitable for color treated hair. | |
| Provides conditioning benefits for soft and manageable hair. |
L’Oreal Paris EverFresh Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Active Ingredient: 1% Pyrithione Zinc
L’Oreal Paris EverFresh Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a sulfate-free medicated shampoo that effectively targets dandruff while being gentle on the hair and scalp. Formulated with 1% pyrithione zinc, it helps eliminate flakes, reduce itching, and provide long-lasting dandruff control. This shampoo is suitable for all hair types and can be used daily.
| Pros | Cons |
| Contains 1% pyrithione zinc, a clinically proven active ingredient for dandruff control. | Some users may find the scent overpowering or not appealing. |
| Sulfate-free formula that is gentle on the hair and scalp. | May require regular use for optimal effectiveness. |
| Suitable for daily use and all hair types. | |
| Leaves the hair feeling clean, refreshed, and manageable. |
Derma E Scalp Relief Shampoo
Active Ingredient: Psorzema Herbal Blend (Neem, Burdock, and Bearberry)
Derma E Scalp Relief Shampoo is a herbal-infused medicated shampoo that combines the power of neem, burdock, and bearberry extracts to provide relief from dandruff and dry scalp conditions. This gentle formula helps to soothe and calm the scalp, reducing flaking and itching. It is free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
| Pros | Cons |
| Contains a blend of herbal extracts known for their scalp-soothing properties. | May require consistent use for optimal effectiveness. |
| Gentle formula free from sulfates and parabens. | |
| Suitable for daily use. | |
| Supports a healthy scalp environment for improved hair health. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeframe for seeing results can vary depending on the severity of dandruff and the individual’s response to the shampoo. You can observe improvement within a few washes or even weeks of consistent use. However, for more stubborn cases, it may take longer to see significant results.
Most medicated anti-dandruff shampoos are safe for daily use. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or your dermatologist to ensure proper usage and avoid any potential side effects.
Not all medicated anti-dandruff shampoos are suitable for color-treated or chemically processed hair. Some shampoos may contain ingredients that can strip or fade hair color. So look for shampoos that are specific for color-treated hair.
Medicated anti-dandruff shampoos are generally safe to use. In rare cases, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as scalp irritation, dryness, or increased hair sensitivity. If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue shampoo usage and consult a healthcare professional.
Medicated anti-dandruff shampoos constitute gentler ingredients to suit sensitive scalp. They help reduce redness, irritation, and itching to alleviate sensitive scalp . However, it is still important to read the product labels and conduct a patch test before using the shampoo.
