We Asked Dermatologists What Shampoos They Recommend for Psoriasis — Here’s What They Said

What sets MG217 apart from other coal tar shampoos is its conditioning formula. Unlike many other coal tar shampoos, which can leave hair dry or brittle, this one includes added moisturizers to help keep your hair soft and manageable while still treating the scalp. Formulated to target the specific needs of scalp psoriasis, MG217 Medicated Conditioning Shampoo is also recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation for its therapeutic benefits. This coal tar–based shampoo is designed to slow the formation of thick, scaly patches on the scalp, while also helping to relieve itching, flaking, and redness.

That said, coal tar can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, and it has a strong medicinal smell that some users may find off-putting. It’s also best to avoid using it on broken or severely irritated skin. Still, for many with scalp psoriasis, MG217 Multi-Symptom 3 Percent Coal Tar Therapeutic Shampoo offers an accessible, over-the-counter solution that delivers consistent relief and is gentle enough for routine use.

One of the worst symptoms of scalp psoriasis is the uncomfortable itchiness that may only get worse if your shampoo contains ingredients that cause irritation. So, when choosing the best shampoo for itchiness, we wanted a shampoo designed specifically to help with itchy scalp psoriasis. Sphagnum Botanicals PsoriAid+ Shampoo combines natural peat mud with 3 percent salicylic acid to gently exfoliate buildup, calm inflammation, and reduce itchiness. We also love that this shampoo takes a plant-based approach to managing flaking and irritation, while also offering a milder alternative for those sensitive to coal tar.

Based on our research of online reviews, some users report that the earthy scent of this shampoo may take some getting used to (it does include peat mud after all) and the lather is less rich than traditional shampoos. Salicylic acid can also strip color from the hair, so this shampoo may not be the one for you if you color your hair often. Still, for those seeking a gentler, non-coal tar option without added irritants, Sphagnum Botanicals PsoriAid Shampoo is a well-balanced and skin-friendly choice.

Because of this shampoo’s pared-down ingredient list, DHS Sal Shampoo is often recommended by dermatologists for those with more sensitive skin, says Ahuva Cices, MD, a medical and cosmetic dermatologist with the Mount Sinai Health System. This dye-free and fragrance-free formula can help cleanse with minimal to no irritation.

Formulated with 3 percent salicylic acid, DHS Sal Shampoo softens and dissolves thick psoriasis scales, making them easier to rinse away. In case you’re wondering how this concentration compares with similar shampoos, it is the same as in Neutrogena T/Sal, which is widely recommended by dermatologists. The difference here is that the DHS shampoo delivers it all in a minimal-ingredient formula that makes it ideal for sensitive scalps.

However, some users note that this shampoo can be drying and may require additional conditioning after usage. And it creates limited lather compared with traditional shampoos. It’s also worth mentioning that salicylic acid can strip the color away from colored hair. So, if you frequently have your hair colored, it may be worth finding an alternative shampoo that doesn’t include salicylic acid.

That said, DHS Sal is a powerful, dermatologist-recommended shampoo with a clean, simple formula, making it one of the best over‑the‑counter medicated shampoos for scalp psoriasis.

If you’re looking for a gentle, nonmedicated option to help with scalp psoriasis symptoms, LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo is a standout, since it doesn’t contain active ingredients like salicylic acid or coal tar. It’s specially formulated to soothe dryness, reduce itch, and support a healthier scalp environment.

For many people with mild symptoms, LivSo offers a way to care for the scalp while avoiding the dryness or irritation that can occur with frequently using medicated shampoos.

That said, LivSo isn’t a replacement for prescription treatments during a flare-up, and it may not be strong enough on its own for more severe cases. It’s also on the pricier side, especially for an unmedicated shampoo, and it has a relatively lightweight lather (since it does not contain sulfates) that might not feel as satisfying to use as traditional formulas.

Still, for anyone looking to maintain scalp health between treatments or to minimize irritation while keeping flakes and itch at bay, LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo is a nourishing, well-balanced choice worth considering.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is our top choice for anyone with color-treated hair who is dealing with both psoriasis and dandruff symptoms. Its star ingredient, 1 percent ketoconazole, is a powerful antifungal that targets the yeast often responsible for dandruff. For people with mild scalp psoriasis, this same ingredient can help reduce inflammation, soothe itching, and gently minimize scaling, says Lauren Ploch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Augusta, Georgia.

“I often prescribe anti-dandruff shampoos, such as ketoconazole-containing shampoos, for their nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory effects,” Dr. Ploch says.

Another big advantage of using this shampoo is that it’s safe for color-treated hair. Unlike some medicated shampoos that strip or fade dye, Nizoral’s formula is gentle enough to preserve color, while still effectively cleansing the scalp. It’s also free of harsh sulfates and has a relatively neutral scent, which makes it easier to work into your daily routine.

However, Nizoral isn’t without its downsides. It can be drying if used too often or when left on too long, which is especially worth noting for those with sensitive or dry scalps. Based on our research of online reviews, some users say that it doesn’t lather as much as traditional shampoos and that it takes time to see full results. Still, for people looking for a color-safe, targeted solution for dandruff and psoriasis-related symptoms, Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo offers a balance of potency and gentleness.

If you’re experiencing both dandruff and scalp psoriasis symptoms, we recommend Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Extra Strength Shampoo, especially if you’re looking for a medicated shampoo that doesn’t feel overly harsh. It contains salicylic acid — a proven keratolytic ingredient that helps break down and loosen thick flakes and plaques — making it easier to wash away buildup caused by both conditions, Dr. Sarpa says.

What sets this shampoo apart from other dandruff treatments is its lightweight, nongreasy formula that includes soothing and conditioning ingredients like glycerin and panthenol that can help relieve itching, calm inflammation, and support the scalp’s natural barrier.

However, because it utilizes a salicylic acid-based formula, some users may find this shampoo slightly drying with frequent use, particularly if their scalp is already sensitive or cracked. We confirmed this while researching customer reviews and found that some users needed to pair this shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner as a follow-up treatment.

Overall, Neutrogena Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Extra Strength offers a gentle yet effective solution that works well to treat the symptoms of both psoriasis and dandruff. 

Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo is a dermatologist-recommended formula that features 3 percent salicylic acid as its active ingredient, making it specifically designed to combat crusty scalp buildup linked to psoriasis and dandruff. Salicylic acid acts as a keratolytic, breaking down thick layers of dead skin and easing scaling and flaking on the scalp, Dr. Cices says.

For those struggling with stubborn scalp psoriasis or heavy buildup, T/Sal stands out. In our research of online reviews, many users reported rapid relief after just one wash, mentioning reduced itching and noticeable improvements in scalp condition. The salicylic acid in this shampoo not only exfoliates but also continues working after rinsing, which can prevent future buildup with consistent use.

However, it doesn’t work perfectly for everyone. The high concentration of salicylic acid can be drying or irritating. The bottle is relatively small (4.5 ounces), which can be less economical for those with longer or thicker hair. Finally, while the fragrance-free aspect is a plus for many, a few users mention that they find the mild scent a bit odd — but, overall, most agree that it’s better than stronger medicated shampoos.

Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner is a powerful, budget-friendly option for scalp psoriasis, thanks to its 3 percent salicylic acid — the same keratolytic strength found in many high-end medicated shampoos. This ingredient works to soften and lift thick, scaly plaques, reducing itching, redness, and flaking while improving the effectiveness of other scalp treatments. Additionally, the formula includes a zinc complex, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, that helps soothe irritation and replenish moisture.

This shampoo-conditioner combo delivers real value. An 8-ounce bottle typically costs around $6 to $9, making it a cost-effective choice compared with pricier treatments.

However, as with many other medicated shampoos for psoriasis, this shampoo is reported to have a strong medicinal smell that might bother those with sensitive noses. The salicylic acid content can also be drying, and it may require a conditioning treatment after use.

But despite these drawbacks, Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo + Conditioner offers a potent, affordable, and gentle solution for managing scalp psoriasis without breaking the bank.