Best Scalp Psoriasis Shampoos and Over-the-Counter Treatments in 2025

Did you know specialized shampoos with ingredients like coal tar and salicylic acid can help manage scalp psoriasis symptoms? This article explains key treatments available at major U.S. retailers and how to choose and use them for better scalp health.

Recommended Scalp Psoriasis Shampoos in 2025

Dermatologists and experts commonly recommend shampoos formulated with active ingredients demonstrated to ease scalp psoriasis symptoms. Products generally include FDA-approved components such as coal tar and salicylic acid, along with soothing botanical extracts.

LivSo Moisturizing Scalp Shampoo

Designed for mild scalp psoriasis cases.
Cleanses while moisturizing to address dryness and flakes without removing natural oils.
Affordable and suitable for daily use.
Supports scalp condition and hair volume.
Acts as a gentle, non-medicated base shampoo.

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo (Original Formula)

Contains coal tar, an FDA-approved active ingredient for psoriasis management.
Helps reduce scaling, redness, and inflammation.
Appropriate for all hair types, with usage suggested daily or during flare-ups following product instructions.
Available at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Amazon.
Recognized for its distinctive coal tar smell.

MG217 Psoriasis Scalp Shampoo + Conditioner

Contains 3% salicylic acid, FDA-approved for breaking down psoriasis flakes and diminishing scaling.
Includes chamomile and panthenol to ease dryness and itching.
Available OTC at Walgreens, CVS, and Amazon.
Often used in combination with coal tar shampoos.

Sphagnum Botanicals Psoriasis Shampoo

Features 3% salicylic acid together with peat mud, argan oil, and botanical ingredients.
Endorsed by the National Psoriasis Foundation for its effectiveness.
Formulated for sensitive scalps; free of sulfates and harsh chemicals.
Sold on Amazon with favorable user reviews.

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Contains antifungal agents piroctone olamine and climbazole with salicylic acid.
Includes botanical oils such as rosemary and menthol that may help soothe the scalp.
Designed to relieve dryness, itching, buildup, and promote hair fullness.
Formulated to maintain scalp health and hair volume.

Availability and Options at Major Pharmacies and Retailers in the United States

Walmart

Stocks OTC shampoos like Neutrogena T/Gel, MG217 Psoriasis Scalp Shampoo, Dove Dermacare Scalp Dryness and Itch Relief Shampoo, and Selsun Blue.
These products contain active ingredients such as coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and pyrithione zinc, commonly used to manage scaling, itching, and flaking.
Walmart offers a variety of price points; availability may differ by location.

Walgreens

Offers OTC shampoos including MG217 Psoriasis Scalp Shampoo + Conditioner, Neutrogena T/Gel, and Dove Dermacare.
These selections provide access to medicated shampoos with coal tar and salicylic acid.
Intended to help ease inflammation and reduce plaques.

CVS

Carries similar options to Walgreens, including MG217, Neutrogena T/Gel, and Dove Dermacare lines.
Provides medicated and moisturizing formulas suitable for mild to moderate scalp psoriasis symptoms.

Amazon

Supplies a broad range including Sphagnum Botanicals Psoriasis Shampoo, Neutrogena T/Gel, and MG217 with the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition.
Convenient for obtaining products complemented by user reviews.
Offers options for organic or sensitive scalps.

Shampoos Addressing Itchy Scalp and Hair Thinning Associated with Psoriasis

Products like LivSo Moisturizing Scalp Shampoo and Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo are designed to reduce itching and promote hair strength and fullness.
Davines NOUNOU Shampoo is noted for assisting brittle hair and dry scalps; it is considered safe for color-treated or chemically processed hair, which may benefit individuals experiencing thinning hair due to psoriasis.

Ingredients to Consider and Those to Avoid

Recommended Active Ingredients

Coal Tar: Used to control scaling and inflammation; FDA-approved for psoriasis treatment.
Salicylic Acid: Helps break down thick scales and exfoliate the scalp.
Pyrithione Zinc and Selenium Sulfide: Antifungal agents that may decrease flaking and itching.
Ketoconazole: Antifungal helpful for yeast-related scalp issues that could exacerbate psoriasis symptoms; should be used carefully to prevent dryness.

Ingredients to Avoid

Sulfates and Parabens: Can irritate and dry the scalp, potentially worsening psoriasis.
Fragrances and Alcohol: May cause irritation and dryness in sensitive scalps.
Harsh Chemicals: Ingredients that strip natural oils might aggravate scalp inflammation.

Guidelines for Using Scalp Psoriasis Shampoos

Shampoo hair every 2–3 days to avoid removing natural oils and increasing dryness or irritation.
Use medicated shampoos containing coal tar or salicylic acid once or twice weekly or as instructed on the product label.
Between medicated washes, consider gentle moisturizing shampoos like LivSo for daily scalp care.
Apply shampoo thoroughly to cover the scalp, leaving it on as directed (usually about 5 minutes) before rinsing.
Alternating coal tar and salicylic acid shampoos might enhance symptom control for certain users.
For severe or persistent symptoms, consulting a dermatologist is advised, as prescription topical or systemic treatments may be necessary.

Recognizing Scalp Psoriasis and Managing Symptoms

Symptoms typically include red plaques with silvery scales on the scalp, intense itching, flaking, and sometimes hair thinning caused by scratching or inflammation.
Images often display thick, crusty plaques primarily along the hairline and scalp crown.
OTC shampoos may help control mild to moderate symptoms but do not cure psoriasis.
Severe conditions might require prescription medication or systemic treatment approaches.

Summary

In 2025, people in the United States managing scalp psoriasis can find a variety of OTC shampoos at major retailers such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Amazon. Options include LivSo Moisturizing Scalp Shampoo for gentle daily care, Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo containing coal tar, and MG217 Psoriasis Scalp Shampoo + Conditioner with salicylic acid. Additional choices like Sphagnum Botanicals and Sachajuan offer botanically influenced formulas for sensitive scalps.

Choosing shampoos with suitable active ingredients while avoiding irritants, along with following usage recommendations, may support reduction of scalp psoriasis symptoms. Individuals with complex or severe symptoms should seek guidance from healthcare professionals.

Sources

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