Best salicylic acid shampoos for happy, healthy scalp and hair

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Oily, flakey, greasy or dry; meet this allrounder ingredient you need in your arsenal

So, you'll likely first have heard of salicylic acid as a skincare ingredient, and if you've found your way here because you've seen it's in shampoos too. Well, we're here to tell you everything you need to know about the wonder ingredient, as well as to recommend some of the best buys across all price points and hair types. It's heaven-sent for dry, flaky irritated scalps, but also is a dream for oily scalps too. Not to mention it's a win for smoothing and hydrating. A true all-rounder. Now that we've secured your attention, let us elaborate.

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), explained clinical trichologist Kate Holden; "which means that it’s an oil-soluble exfoliant that can penetrate hair follicles." And why is that such good news for our headtops? "This makes it particularly effective for oily or flaky scalps, loosening and removing dead skin cells and tackling build-up of sebum and grime," she continued. Even if you don’t struggle with a flaky scalp, according to Kate it can improve the efficacy of the rest of your hair care; "the exfoliating properties of salicylic acid can help improve the absorption of conditioning or moisturising ingredients. So if your shampoo or conditioner doesn’t seem as effective as it used to, or your hair feels frizzy or dry, incorporating salicylic acid can help to promote healthier hair."

If you aren't sold yet, among its other strengths are its anti-inflammatory effect, and that it can help to reduce sebum production, making your scalp less greasy over time. Still have questions? We got Kate to answer the most common ones.

"Anyone who struggles with an oily or flaky scalp can benefit from a salicylic acid shampoo. We also use salicylic acid to help in scalp conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. However, dry scalps might find salicylic acid stripping."

"The concentration of salicylic acid in therapeutic shampoos is usually between 0.5% – 2%, with higher percentages being more exfoliating. The lower down salicylic acid is listed on the packaging, the lower the percentage is in the product."

"No. The change in emphasis can give you a clue as to what the main active ingredient is, so a salicylic acid shampoo will likely focus on salicylic acid as the primary active, but you really need to read the label to know for sure."

If you're having considerable issues with your scalp, this is Holden's recommendation. "If you are struggling with a particularly flaky or oily scalp, a good therapeutic shampoo option is T/Gel Oily Scalp". It's fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin, plus it can be used daily. Price is not too shabby either.

Oribe is the ultimate in luxe hair care, not only is it decadently packaged it also smells delicious and the range also works. This buy is perfect if your flaky scalp is making you feel gross– it's shampoo for Princess dandruff. As well as the salicylic acid to exfoliate, relieve itching and clear away dead skin, this beauty hydrates and soothes using sugar maple with orange, lemon and bilberry fruit extracts.

This baby innovatively blends 1% salicylic acid with 1% selenium disulfide. Selenium disulfide (also known as selenium sulfide) reduces excess skin shedding and irritation by eliminating excess scalp fungus and controlling the rate of skin cells shed. Gross, but effective.

If you aren't looking for intensive exfoliation and just have moderate scalp imbalance, Holden recommends this Ouai shampoo which can be used daily and focuses on gentle exfoliation as well as scalp comfort. With notes of spearmint, ginger and green fig, it certainly doesn't smell medicinal.

With an impressive 3% salicylic acid, this targets the scalp skin with the vigour usually reserved for the face. As well as your salicylic this has lactic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA) to slough away dead skin cells and liberate your scalp from dirt, build-up, oil and dead skin cells, without stripping the hair of moisture, even in curly and coily hair types.

Salicylic acid isn't just for dry scalps. It can improve the absorbency of your conditioners and leave-ins too, so as well as clearing hair of build-up, it's great for hydration. "If you have wavy or curly hair and would like to harness salicylic acid to fight frizz then a good option is Noughty Frizz Magic Shampoo," said Holden.

The lightweight serum exfoliates each follicle. Yes, it's technically a treatment, but it would allow you to continue using your regular shampoo most of the time and comes recommended by Holden. "If you’re looking for a deeper exfoliation you can add in a scalp treatment or mask once per week such as The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment," she says.

This one's for the city girlllz (and, you know, people in general). Living in a built-up area adds extra concerns for hair, with polluted air and often hard or heavily cleaned and recycled water. She Uemura formulates with this in mind and while this features good old salicylic to exfoliate and clear that city muck and impurities, it also focuses on moisturising dry, urban stressed tresses with moringa oil and red algae extract.

If you're an oily babe who likes to shampoo daily, this is for you. Gentle enough for daily use and targets oil and sebum specifically, it's another one that comes highly recommended by Holden.

Hitting that balance, this will give you a thorough cleanse with a skin-friendly PH that makes it gentle on sensitive skin while still being hyper-effective at removing dirt and debris.

With 95% naturally derived ingredients including Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric and ginseng, this light formula is one for you if you have fine hair and don't have a huge issue with dandruff or oil, but just need to keep it balanced and in check. The mild exfoliation purifies the scalp while milk thistle extract nourishes dryness.

This pocket-friendly option uses rose clay to soothe and balance the scalp in combination with the residue-busting salicylic acid.

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