Are you motivated to revenge that itching scalp? We know how it feels! So here's a list of the best shampoos for scalp acne.
Many people struggle with scalp issues, but scalp acne may be the most annoying.
With bumps and bacteria on your scalp, it can be difficult to brush or style your hair. Scalp acne can also be extremely painful and irritating, leading to sores and itchiness.
We are here to help you find the best shampoo for dealing with your scalp acne. Now let's check out our list of the top five best shampoos for scalp acne.
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Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for the Best Shampoo for Scalp Acne
OUR TOP #1 PICK - Our top choice for best shampoo for scalp acne is Maple Holistics Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo, because it is meant to clarify and restore the pH balance in your skin and hair. Not only does it remove oil and grease build up, but it also does it while not emitting an overpowering smell.
OUR TOP #2 PICK - Healthy Hair Plus’s Anti-b Antibacterial Shampoo came in second on our list, due to its variety in function. This product has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. The shampoo is so strong that it can even cure ringworm, but it is still gentle.
OUR TOP #3 PICK - The third pick on our list is Pharmaceutical Specialties Free and Clear Shampoo. This shampoo removes product build-up, and it suitable for all hair types. Without common irritants, you shouldn’t have any trouble with excess dryness or itchiness.
OUR TOP #4 PICK - Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo is number four on our list, because it is appropriate for daily use. Loaded with vitamins, this product will cleanse and moisturize both your hair and scalp, while leaving your hair smelling like peppermint and citrus.
OUR TOP #5 PICK - Rounding out our list is Maple Holistics Natural Tea Tree Shampoo. While this shampoo is made for dry, flaky scalps, it contains a lot of ingredients that will help quell acne, as well as dry scalp.
What Causes Scalp Acne?
There are many different causes of scalp acne. Genetics, hormones, and stress can be the cause of scalp acne for a lot of people. While it seems more likely that people with these issues will get acne on their faces, scalp acne is actually very common.
The same things that cause acne on other parts of the body may cause issues on the scalp.
Bacteria and oil are the two most common causes of acne everywhere on the body, but these may cause many issues on the scalp, especially in combination with other common acne causes, such as clogged pores and infections, as well as product and dirt build-up.
Shockingly, many people who suffer from dandruff also suffer from scalp acne. The dead skin can fall into pores and clog them, which leads to pimples.
While treating dandruff may help cure scalp acne, it may not be enough.
What Are The Ingredients to Look for in the Best Shampoos for Scalp Acne?
Tea tree oil is one of the best natural products you can use for acne, and since tea tree oil is used in shampoos and conditioners for balancing oils and treating dry skin and dandruff, as well as head lice.
Shampoos that contain tea tree oil also have a light, mint-like smell, which is in great contrast to the highly medicated smell that some acne fighting shampoos tend to have.
Tea tree oil is an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. This oil will fight bacteria and also reduce the size of the irritations and pimples on your scalp.
Be careful that you don't get shampoo that contains too many oils, however, as you may run into an issue where you are causing more acne from all the oil.
Zinc can also be a powerful ingredient to fight scalp acne, because it balances oil production, which leads to the reduction in the likelihood that bacteria or fungus can live on the scalp. It also significantly helps to unclog pores and treat inflammation.
Selenium sulfide is another ingredient that is commonly used to treat scalp acne due to its antiseptic properties. This ingredient doesn’t allow bacteria or fungus to grow, which means that the sufferer is less likely to get new breakouts.
Jojoba oil is a great acne-fighting ingredient. Jojoba oil best matches the oil our skin naturally creates, so it is a great moisturizing ingredient. It is also non-comedogenic, which means that it isn’t likely to clog pores.
This oil contains a number of antioxidants and vitamins, including Vitamin E, which is known for helping reduce acne blemishes.
Another great ingredient for acne treatment is aloe vera. Aloe is antibacterial, so it treats acne’s major cause – bacteria.
It also calms itchiness and irritation, which can help keep you from scratching and touching the afflicted area. Aloe also rids your skin of excess oil and drink, which will help prevent future breakouts.
Aloe naturally contains salicylic acid, which is commonly used in acne-treating face washes, soaps, and other products. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and balance skin's pH.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Scalp Acne?
To choose the best shampoo for scalp acne, start looking at ingredient lists.
You should look for at least one acne-fighting ingredient, and the product gets bonus points for having two of these ingredients.
Make sure that there are also moisturizing ingredients in the shampoo; otherwise, you may cause dandruff, which can lead to acne.
Read our reviews of the top five best shampoos for scalp acne to see if you can find a great product for you.
Product Reviews: Our Top 5 Best Shampoos for Scalp Acne
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Our Rating
Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo from Maple Holistics was the number one product for clearing scalp acne on our list.
As a product made to reduce greasiness, you can be sure that you won’t be pumping unnecessary oils into the skin on your scalp.
This shampoo helps remove oil and product build-up from the scalp, while bringing the pH balance in your skin and hair back to a healthy level.
Another reason why we chose this product is that it's also good for treating dandruff, which can lead to pesky blemishes.
The jojoba and rosemary oils deliver moisturizing ingredients to your scalp to keep it from drying out, which can lead to dandruff.
We have also found that this shampoo is safe for sensitive skin, as it doesn’t contain common irritants, including parabens and sulfates.
Finally, it's completely natural, and even contains lemon essential oil to help battle overproduction of sebum.
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Healthy Hair Plus' Anti-b Antibacterial Shampoo is ranked second on our list of the best shampoo for scalp acne due to all the issues it can help treat.
As the name suggests, this shampoo has antibacterial properties, but it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties as well.
After some testing, we have found that this shampoo helps reduce dandruff, irritation, and itchiness. It can even help with ringworm and infections.
The antibacterial properties stem from a mixture of witch hazel, aloe vera and lemon essential oil, which leaves the shampoo with a light lemon smell.
The formula contains natural properties that help leave your scalp and hair look great, while being highly effective at treating problems.
One thing that we don’t like is that it can be a little heavily medicated and cause a bit of a stinging sensation, especially in already tender areas of the scalp.
With the addition of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, your scalp is left both moisturized and clean.
While it leaves your scalp moisturized, it can strip oils from your hair. You will want to make sure you don't overwash your hair and dry it out.
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Coming in at number three on our list of the best shampoo for scalp acne is Pharmaceutical Specialties Free and Clear Shampoo.
We’re in love with this shampoo because it is suitable for all types of hair and it is free of chemical irritants.
With no added dyes, fragrances or preservatives, as well not containing any parabens, formaldehyde or sulfates, this shampoo shouldn’t cause any irritation to your scalp.
This shampoo cleans your hair and scalp, but isn’t overly medicated, which makes it ideal for those with sensitive scalps, as it won’t cause burning or stinging.
Another reason we love this product is that it helps get rid of product build-up and control oil, while still getting rid of dandruff.
With the matching conditioner, you can ensure that you won't be drying out your hair and scalp.
This company also has an entire line of styling products that are made for people with scalp issues and sensitivities, including hairspray and styling gel.
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The fourth shampoo on our list is Puracy’s Natural Daily Shampoo.
This shampoo is gentle enough to be used daily, which is ideal for people who need to wash their hair often.
We love that it is formulated for all hair types, which is great because you can feel free to deal with your scalp acne problems without worrying about if it's suitable for your hair.
This all natural product is also hypoallergenic, vegan and never tested on animals.
Even though it is all natural, it is still loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Ingredients like black walnut leaf, ivy and ginseng extract will give your scalp a much-needed dose of vitamins, including Vitamins E and B5. Vitamin E is known to help combat acne, too.
The coconut, olive, eucalyptus and peppermint oils will hydrate your hair and scalp without causing new breakouts or leaving your hair and scalp greasy.
We have found that each bottle has more than 60 washes in it, so this means it will last a long time. It is naturally scented with citrus and mint.
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The last product on our list of the best shampoo for scalp acne is another Maple Holistics' acne-fighting product.
This shampoo is known for helping people with dry, flaky scalps get rid of dandruff.
We've carefully selected this shampoo because it contains tea tree oil, which is one of the best natural remedies for acne of all kinds. And yes, scalp acne is no different!
The best part about tea tree oil is that it also helps with the dry skin issues that can lead to more acne problems. This is one of the most beneficial ingredients for you if you have numerous scalp issues.
The combination of oil also helps make your hair soft and hydrated, while many other products on the market of this type are known for drying out hair and causing hair to be brittle.
After some testing, we have found this formula is also good for hair growth and prevents hair loss and thinning.
It's our favorite shampoo because many products can cause irritation, but this one is made to soothe the irritation caused by acne breakouts on the scalp.
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The Bottom Line
Our number one pick for the best acne face wash is Maple Holistics Degrease Moisture Control Shampoo, because it is the most well-rounded shampoo on the list.
Not only does this shampoo treat all kinds of scalp issues, but it is also all natural and reduces the amount of grease your scalp produces.
While it clears up acne and oil, this shampoo will not dry out your scalp or hair, as it contains a number of great oils that won’t troublesome breakouts.
This product also cleanses product build-up and dandruff, which are both issues that can cause scalp acne.
Do you have scalp acne that you want to clear up? Did our list of best shampoos for scalp acne help you find a product that works well for you?
We hope that our list will lead you to a problem-free scalp.