Best Over-the-Counter Dandruff Shampoos (Backed by Research)

What Makes a Good Dandruff Shampoo?

A good dandruff shampoo should do two things well: fight the root causes of dandruff (like fungi and inflammation), and support your scalp barrier so it can heal and stay healthy.

That means looking for shampoos with active ingredients that work — and avoiding formulas with harsh detergents, strong fragrances, or alcohols that can irritate and damage the skin.

Best OTC Active Ingredients for Dandruff

• Pyrithione zinc – Reduces fungi and inflammation. Well-tolerated and effective for many.
• Selenium sulfide – Slows skin cell turnover and has antifungal effects, especially for oily scalps.
• Ketoconazole – Strong antifungal agent used in both OTC and prescription shampoos.
• Salicylic acid – Helps exfoliate thick flakes and prevent buildup.

Choosing the right active ingredient is key — but even the best ingredient won’t work if the rest of your routine is working against it. That’s why The HEAD Method book includes step-by-step routines to support your scalp from every angle — diet, hygiene, stress, and more.

Barrier-Friendly Dandruff Shampoos

The best dandruff shampoos avoid harsh ingredients like sulfates and drying alcohols. Look for options labeled “sulfate-free,” “for sensitive scalp,” or “moisturizing.” These support the stratum corneum — your skin’s outer barrier — which is often damaged in people with dandruff.

If you want a complete breakdown of how to take care of your scalp barrier, check out The HEAD Method.

Examples of Research-Backed Shampoos

• Head & Shoulders Bare – sulfate-free, fragrance-free shampoo that contains pyrithione zinc, a well-studied ingredient that reduces fungal overgrowth and scalp inflammation.
• Selsun Blue Medicated Antidandruff Shampoo – Contains selenium sulfide to target fungal causes of dandruff. While not sulfate-free, it uses gentler ALS-based cleansers and is a solid option.
• Neutrogena T/Sal Build-Up Control – Contains 3% salicylic acid in a fragrance-free, sulfate-free base to gently exfoliate flakes without damaging the scalp barrier.
• Nizoral A-D – Contains ketoconazole, a powerful antifungal. Very effective for fungal-related dandruff, but it’s not sulfate-free — best used for severe cases or flare-ups rather than daily use.

Note: Always patch test first. Even gentle products can irritate if your skin barrier is very damaged.