The 23 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Psoriasis
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What shampoo is best for psoriasis?
Is there one that gets rid of the itching and flaking?
Fortunately, there are several best shampoos and conditioners for psoriasis.
I’m going to review several of the most popular and most recommended.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
- Coal tar extract usage
- Contains sodium laureth sulfate and an interesting fragrance
- Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation
PURA D’OR M.D. Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo with Coal Tar
- Great with psoriasis and hair loss
- Contains coal tar and ketoconazole
- Infused with botanical extracts
Derma E Scalp Relief Conditioner
- Relieves itchiness and ensures shiness
- Contains therapeutical herbs and botanicals
- Combines tea tree oil and menthol with salicylic acid
The Two Types of Shampoo Recommended for Psoriasis by Doctors
There are two types of non-prescription shampoo recommended for treating psoriasis on the scalp.
The first is made with coal tar, and the second contains salicylic acid.
Coal Tar Shampoo
People have been using coal tar to treat psoriasis for over a century (1).
The tar slows down skin cell growth and alleviates itching.
When you wash with coal tar shampoo, leave it on your scalp for at least five minutes before you rinse.
It works well, but there are a few downsides.
First, coal tar might darken your hair color or stain your skin.
Second, it can make your scalp more sensitive to sunburn.
And third, it smells bad. Happily, some shampoos have a fragrance that compensates.
Salicylic Acid Shampoo
Salicylic acid is useful for treating psoriasis because it exfoliates.
It will help you get rid of scales on the scalp.
Interestingly, it’s also excellent for treating acne.
Of course, there are a couple of cons.
To begin with, salicylic acid may dry out your skin. Also, it can make you more sensitive to the sun.
What about Dandruff Shampoo for Psoriasis?
Dandruff shampoos with other ingredients that reduce flaking and itching may help treat psoriasis.
Talk with your doctor if you’re not sure which one to try.
How to Use Shampoo and Conditioner to Get Rid of Psoriasis
When you wash your hair, massage the shampoo into your scalp. Let it work for a few minutes before you rinse.
Then apply a conditioner to moisturize your scalp and hair. This is an important step as dry skin aggravates psoriasis (2).
Additionally, coal tar and salicylic acid shampoos are really meant to treat your scalp and may be drying to your hair (3).
Although some shampoos don’t have an accompanying conditioner, you can use a different brand. I’ll explain it during the reviews below.
Top Shampoos and Conditioners for Psoriasis
1. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
Product Overview
Neutrogena’s T/Gel has coal tar extract in it. After you rinse it, the effects last for hours.
This is one of the best shampoos for treating psoriasis. It does a great job of reducing itching and flaking. It’s recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation as an effective product.
It’s also mild enough to use every day.
- Mild enough for daily usage
- Based on coal tar and sodium laureth sulfate
- Fast and qualitative effect
- Effective for psoriasis and dandruff
For managing dandruff, one or two washes a week might be sufficient.
I can’t emphasize enough that you really need to leave it on your scalp for at least 5 minutes.
And please apply conditioner afterward.
For those of you who read labels, here are some specifics. The formula has 0.5% coal tar, as well as sodium laureth sulfate and a fragrance.
Pros
- Has a nice fragrance
- Controls dandruff and psoriasis
- The effect lasts for hours
The Cons
- You’ll need a good conditioner
2. PURA D’OR M.D. Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo with Coal Tar
Product Overview
PURA D’OR recommends this shampoo if you’re struggling with hair loss. Sometimes that’s a side effect of psoriasis.
The formula focuses on coal tar and ketoconazole, active ingredients that treat psoriasis and dandruff.
- Contains lots of botanicals
- Has coal tar and ketoconazole
- Can help with hair loss
- No sulfates or gluten
There are also botanical extracts that fight hair loss and encourage hair growth. These include saw palmetto, nettle, black cumin, tea tree, and rosemary.
There are no sulfates or gluten in the bottle. Moreover, it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Treats psoriasis and dandruff
- Provides beneficial minerals
- Includes a lot of natural oils
The Cons
- You’ll need a conditioner
3. Derma E Scalp Relief Conditioner
Product Overview
Don’t forget the conditioner.
This one is excellent for relieving itchiness and boosting shine. It prevents tangles as well.
- Has tea tree oil and menthol
- Uses salicylic acid
- Works great with a coal tar shampoo
- Boosts shine and helps with itchiness
It has tea tree and menthol plus salicylic acid. If you’re using a coal tar shampoo, it helps complete the process of loosening and removing scales.
There’s also a therapeutic blend of herbs like neem, burdock, and bearberry specifically to treat psoriasis.
Pros
- Contains therapeutical herbs
- Prevents hair from frizziness
- Prevents tangles and treats dandruff
The Cons
- The packaging might be broken
4. Free & Clear Hair Conditioner
Product Overview
If you have allergy-prone sensitive skin, reach for the Free and Clear Conditioner.
(In truth, get the Free and Clear Shampoo to use on alternating days when you’re not washing with coal tar or salicylic acid.)
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Only hypoallergenic ingredients
- pH balanced formula
- Specially designed for extra moisture
This conditioner is pH-balanced and free of oils, sulfates, phosphates, gluten, formaldehyde, lanolin, protein, masking fragrances, and preservatives.
Indeed, the list of things it leaves out is longer than the list of ingredients.
It’s specially designed to moisturize your scalp and hair without leaving a residue.
Pros
- Doesn’t have sulfates, oils, gluten or other chemicals
- Makes a good job moisturizing and hydrating
- Keeps your scalp clean and hydrated
The Cons
- You’ll need a good conditioner
5. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Stubborn Itch Shampoo with 2% Coal Tar
Product Overview
If the itching is driving you crazy, get the T/Gel extra-strength formula.
- For very itchy scalps
- Contains 2% of coal tar
- Extra-strenght formula
- Includes menthol
It has coal tar plus menthol to cool and soothe your scalp.
Pros
- Cools your scalp and fight itchiness
- Treates psoriasis
- Moisturizes and hydrates
The Cons
- Dries your hair if not properly used
6. Solimo Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo
Product Overview
Save a little money on this knockoff of Neutrogena’s T/Gel. It’s manufactured in the USA by an Amazon brand.
The active ingredient is coal tar.
- Has no parabens
- Active ingredients is coal tar
- Has a moisturizing formula
It also has SLES but no parabens.
Pros
- Treats and hydrates your hairs
- Combats dry scalp and hair follicles
- Treats dandruff and psoriasis
The Cons
- Contains SLES
7. Solimo Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo, Extra Strength
Product Overview
Solimo also makes a formula similar to the extra strength T/Gel.
This one’s packed with a higher percentage of coal tar in a 5% topical solution.
- Packed with a high level of coal tar
- Free of parabens and sulfates
- Brand gives a full refund
That’s equal to 1% of the bottle being coal tar.
Plus, it’s free of parabens and made in the USA. Try it, and if you’re not happy, they offer a full refund.
Pros
- Protects your hair against damage
- Nourishes and moisturizes
- Does a great deal fighting dandruff and psoriasis
The Cons
- You’ll need a good conditioner
8. Mountain Falls Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo 5% Coal Tar Topical Solution
Product Overview
Another clone of extra-strength T/Gel gets points for a relatively decent fragrance.
- Has a decent fragrance
- Extra-strong formula
- Contains a high level of coal tar
Users say it also eliminates itching.
Pros
- Helps eliminating itching
- Does a great work with dandruff
- Treats psoriasis
The Cons
- You’ll need a good conditioner
9. MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Shampoo
Product Overview
Perhaps by now you’ve noticed that the amount of coal tar in the shampoo seems to vary.
For example, this one has a 20% coal tar solution, which is equivalent to 3% of the total formula.
That certainly sounds like this would be the most powerful coal tar shampoo in our reviews.
- Contains 3% of coal tar
- It’s close to prescription-strenght preparates
- Actively fights psoriasis and dandruff
It’s as close to prescription-strength as you can get over-the-counter.
In fact, this medicated shampoo is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
The manufacturer recommends alternating washes with a salicylic acid shampoo to remove scaling.
If you’re trying to avoid parabens, I’m sorry to tell you you’ll find them here. On the plus side, they only stay on your skin for a few minutes before you rinse.
Pros
- Leaves no dandruff
- Deelply cleanses and hydrates
- Removes all the flakes and dead skin cells
The Cons
- Has parabens
10. DHS Tar Shampoo
Product Overview
Here is an unscented coal tar shampoo that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. It breaks down scales, lessens itching, and promotes healing.
- Unscented coal tar shampoo
- Perfect for sensitive skins
- 0.5% coal tar usage
- Promotes healing psoriasis
It has a 2.9% solution, which is equivalent to 0.5% coal tar total in the bottle.
Pros
- Provides a deep cleanse of your skin
- Doesn’t irritate or break your hair
- Lessens itching and breaks down scales
The Cons
- Strong perfume
11. Denorex Therapeutic Maximum Itch Relief Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Overview
The Denorex dandruff shampoo/conditioner is a 2-in-1 product. It’s less drying than some.
The main active ingredient is 1.8% coal tar. It also has menthol that makes your scalp tingle and stop itching.
- Contains biotin to add volume
- Does have avocado oil
- Contains menthol and 0.8% coal tar
The addition of Vitamin B5 and avocado oil ensures that your hair stays manageable and lustrous.
Pros
- Repairs and prevents future damage
- Stops the itching
- Treats psoriasis and dandruff
The Cons
- You’ll need a good conditioner
12. Artnaturals Argan Scalp 18 Shampoo
Product Overview
This shampoo has coal tar in it, but it’s halfway down the list of ingredients.
If you’re looking for a mild shampoo, it’s a good option as it lacks sulfates and artificial fragrances. Instead, it has panthenol, aloe, rosemary, and argan oil to fortify your hair and scalp.
- Has panthenol and other vitamins
- Contains argan oil and aloe vera
- Rosemary essence for detox effect
- A little menthol for itchiness
There’s also a little mint to soothe itchiness.
Pros
- Moisturizing effect
- Detoxifies and breaks down dead skin cells
- Has no sulfates or artificial fragrances
The Cons
- Contains some chemicals
13. Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap
Product Overview
I know, it’s the 21st-century, but some people still wash their hair with soap. I don’t recommend it unless you’re using this coal tar bar to treat psoriasis on your hairline.
Happily, it’s free of SLS and SLES, as well as phosphates. Also, it’s handmade in Canada.
- Free of sulfates or other chemicals
- Handmade bar of soap
- Has a nice scent
- Treats psoriasis and dandruff
It has a nice scent, and it seems to help with itch and inflammation.
Now, let’s take a brief break to discuss another kind of tar soap.
Pros
- Moisturizes and reduces itchiness
- Helps with inflammation and dandruff
- It’s free of SLS and SLES
The Cons
- You’ll need a good conditioner
Coal Tar Versus Pine Tar for Psoriasis
Coal tar is a byproduct of producing coal. Meanwhile, pine tar comes from pine tree resin.
Pine tar has a more appealing fragrance but isn’t as easy to find as coal tar. It also may not be as effective.
Still, pine tar is free of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are linked to cancer. And it’s unlikely to make your skin rashy, red, discolored, or sensitive to sunlight (4).
14. Grandpa’s Pine Tar Shampoo and Pine Tar Conditioner
Product Overview
If you’re concerned about using coal tar, get Grandpa’s Pine Tar Shampoo and Conditioner instead.
Try it for a few washes to see how it works for you.
- Plant-based formula
- Thick and rich lather
- Tea tree oil and pine tar
- Great for color-treated hair
It’s plant-based and doesn’t have sulfates. But it foams up into a thick lather and feels cooling to the scalp.
One of the other key ingredients besides pine tar is tea tree oil. This natural extract fights dandruff and acne alike.
Both products are mild enough to use every day, and they won’t harm color-treated hair.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes and nourishes your scalp
- Restores and rejuvenates your hair
- Doesn’t use silicones or other chemicals
The Cons
- The package might get broken
15. Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo
Product Overview
Let’s switch gears to salicylic acid shampoos for psoriasis.
Neutrogena’s T/Sal treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, too.
- Salicylic acid shampoo
- Cals inflammation
- Fights crusts and build-ups
- No sulfates or parabens
The 3% salicylic acid in it calms inflammation and clears away dead skin. After only one wash, you should notice fewer crusts and build-up.
Fortunately, it has no harsh sulfates or parabens.
Pros
- Treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
- Washes out flakes and build-ups
- Calms inflammation and clears dead skin
The Cons
- You’ll need a good conditioner
16. Biolage R.A.W. Salicylic Antidandruff Shampoo
Product Overview
Biolage combines 2.9% salicylic acid with willow bark to make scales go away like magic.
- Combines salicylic acid with willow bark
- Free of sulfates and other chemicals
- Perfect for damaged hair
The shampoo is kind to damaged hair as it’s free of sulfates, dyes, silicones, and parabens.
Pros
- Cleanses and makes your hair smooth
- Treats dandruff and psoriasis
- Leaves no scales or flakes
The Cons
- Has some strong chemicals
17. BIOLAGE R.A.W. Scalp Care Rebalance Conditioner
Product Overview
Be sure to get the Rebalance Conditioner with rosemary and willow bark. It restores moisture to your scalp and hair after washing.
It also prevents inflammation as it fights bacteria.
- Rosemary and willow bark oils
- Free of silicones and dyes
- Doesn’t leave any residue
- Doesn’t change the color of your hair
I mentioned earlier that it’s smart to use a conditioner even if one isn’t made to accompany a specific shampoo.
Well, this is a conditioner I’d recommend. It’s free of silicones, dyes, fragrances, and parabens. It won’t change the color of your hair or weigh it down with residue.
Pros
- Relieves itchiness and inflammation
- Fights bacteria and fungus
- Completely treats psoriasis and dandruff
The Cons
- Might not help with severe problems
18. Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo
Product Overview
The Jason dandruff shampoo blends two potent ingredients: 2.2% salicylic acid and 2.4% sulfur.
But why sulfur?
- Has salicylic acid and sulfur
- Fights bacteria
- Helps with shedding and hair loss
- Coconut based cleansers
It appears to help with shedding and fight bacteria that cause infection.
This product has other benefits like coconut-based cleansers plus moisturizing plant oils. There’s also menthol to help with itching.
Pros
- Moisturizes scalp and hair
- Relieves itchiness
- Efectively fights bacteria and treats psoriasis
The Cons
- You’ll need a good conditioner
19. DHS SAL Shampoo
Product Overview
The SAL shampoo clears away crusty buildup and eliminates flaking if you use it at least twice a week.
- Works with build-ups and dead skin cells
- Eliminates flakes
- Works hours after you rinse
- Stops the itching
It also stops itching and continues to work for hours after you rinse.
Pros
- Provides a deep cleanse
- Doesn’t leave any impurities
- Helps get other styling products out
The Cons
- Has sulfates
20. CLn Shampoo for Scalp Prone to Folliculitis, Dermatitis, Dandruff
Product Overview
The CLn shampoo features salicylic acid and sodium hypochlorite, also known as bleach.
Why in the world would you put bleach on your scalp?
For one, bleach acts as an antimicrobial agent. It kills off the fungus and bacteria that can cause dandruff.
- Contains dalicylic acid and sodium hypochlorite
- Works as an antimicrobial agents
- Cleanses excess oil and dead skin
- Treats skin problems
Moreover, this combination cleanses excess oil and dead skin.
It’s recommended to use this product three times or less per week to avoid dryness.
Pros
- Kills fungus and bacteria
- Cleanses excess oils and dead skin cells
- Exfoliates and opens stuck pores
The Cons
- Can dry your hair out
21. XtraCare 3% Salicylic Acid Dandruff Shampoo
Product Overview
For extra savings, here is a popular product that’s made in China.
It has 3% salicylic acid to control itching and flaking. There’s also pro-vitamin B5 to strengthen the hair.
But there are some disadvantages.
- Controls itching and flakes
- Includes pro-vitamin B5
- Cleanse the pores and blackheads
To begin with, the manufacturer compares it to Selsun Blue which is not a match. Selsun Blue contains selenium sulfide, not salicylic acid.
What’s more, it has triclosan, an anti-bacterial agent that’s come under heavy criticism.
Finally, it has both SLS and SLES plus an artificial dye and fragrance.
Pros
- Doesn’t leave dead skin cells
- Helps with flakes
- Treats psoriasis
The Cons
- Has both sulfates and silicones
22. Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Product Overview
Let’s switch gears to look at some other options for treating psoriasis.
First off is Nizoral’s anti-dandruff shampoo with 1% ketoconazole. This ingredient kills the fungus that sometimes causes flaking and itching. It may also prevent hair loss.
- 1% of ketoconazole
- Kills gunfus and bacteria
- May prevent hair loss
- Fresh fragrance
The formula is mild enough for chemically-processed hair, and it has a fresh fragrance.
Pros
- Works great with color-treated hair
- Leaves a nice, fresh fragrance
- Stops the itching and flaking
The Cons
- You’ll need a good conditioner
23. Wild Naturals Eczema Psoriasis Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Product Overview
Skip all the chemicals and try this moisturizing shampoo and conditioner instead. It’s pH-balanced to keep your scalp healthy.
Furthermore, it’s gentle enough to wash children’s hair.
- pH balanced formula
- Gentle enough for kids
- Coconut oil, cegami and manuka honey
- Based on aloe vera
The key components are Manuka honey, organic aloe, coconut oil, and cehami. The concentrated formula is based on aloe, not water.
There are no parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. It comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
- Moisturizes and cleanse your skin
- Provides nutrients and minerals
- Treates psoriasis
The Cons
- It’s not tear free
Conclusion
Psoriasis can be a real hassle.
I hope that these reviews of the best shampoos and conditioners help you find what you need to manage it.
If you discovered something new today that resolves itching and flaking, tell us about it in the comments below.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
Coal tar extract usage
Contains sodium laureth sulfate and an interesting fragrance
Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!
Sources:
1. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-shampoo#1 accessed December 6, 2019
2. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/scalp-psoriasis-sleep accessed December 6, 2019
3. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/scalp-psoriasis#1 accessed December 6, 2019
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/tar-soap-for-psoriasis by Annette McDermott, published November 5, 2018, accessed December 6, 2019