Though there are several anti-dandruff shampoos out there, choosing the one that suits you best feels like a Herculean task. So, to make it easier for you, we have put together a list of the 13 best drugstore dandruff shampoos that will make your dandruff problems vanish miraculously! Read on to know more.

13 Most Effective Drugstore Dandruff Shampoos

1. Best For Frizz Control:Maple Holistics Sage Special Formula Shampoo

Wipeout dandruff, the therapeutic way! Give your hair its natural bounce with the help of enriching oils blended in this shampoo. Staying true to its name, it is undoubtedly a holistic treatment for hair with the goodness of jojoba oil, Moroccan argan oil, and peach kernel. It eliminates excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from your scalp. And it doesn’t stop here; it is rich in hair revitalizing ingredients that improve texture, repair split ends, and nourish hair from the root to tip. Pros

Gently cleanses scalp It contains natural oils and minerals Suitable for all types of hair from normal, curly to color-treated Reduces itchiness, frizzy hair and split ends Revitalizes natural shine and healthiness

Cons

Not suitable for very dry hair It has a strong fragrance

2. Best Fast Acting Formula:Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Hormones, diet, stress, etc. are a few of the reasons that can cause an onslaught of dandruff. But there’s one ingredient that can keep dandruff off your head and shoulder, and that is Ketoconazole. This shampoo helps eliminate the bacteria causing dandruff while also controlling the itchiness and flakiness. It is effective, mild, and fast-acting, so you will see a change after the first few washes! Clinically proven to be one of the best anti-dandruff shampoos, it aids in making hair shinier and manageable. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this video. Pros

Contains Ketoconazole Controls itchiness, scaling, and flakiness Maintains a healthy and clean scalp Recommended for severe dandruff

Cons

It leaves hair dry, hence conditioner is recommended It contains sulfate Expensive

3. Best Hypoallergenic:Maple Holistics Tea Tree Special Formula Shampoo

When all else fails, tea tree oil always comes to the rescue. Whether you are battling dandruff, dryness, hair loss, or flaky scalp, pure tea tree oil is the best natural hair care tonic you can switch too. Add to this the goodness of argan oil and aloe vera in a shampoo, and you have the perfect remedy for dandruff! It cleanses the hair follicle and encourages healthy scalp and hair growth. Other than tea tree oil, it also contains rosemary and lavender oil that target head lice in natural and color-treated hair. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the results after using this product. Pros

Tackles severe dandruff, itchiness, and head lice Alleviates dryness Encourages hair growth Suitable for natural or color-treated hair Free from sulfates Hypoallergenic

Cons

Not suitable for dry hair It has a strong fragrance

4. Best Volumizing:Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo

When you have dandruff, it is your scalp that requires treatment. Especially for severe conditions like scalp dermatitis and mild psoriasis, Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo is a savior. Its powerful yet gentle formula cleanses the hair, soothes the scalp and eliminates dandruff. It also moisturizes the scalp with lavender, olive, and jojoba oil extracts. A mild and safe cleanser aiding in the recovery from severe dandruff and other scalp conditions, it is definitely worth a try! For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video. Pros

Ideal for scalp dermatitis and mild psoriasis Eliminates dandruff, itchiness, flakes Moisturises and adds volume to hair Safe and gentle with natural healing ingredients

Cons

Greasy Scent can be overwhelming

5. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-dandruff Shampoo

Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-dandruff Shampoo is specially formulated to gently cleanse the hair, soothe scalp irritation, reduce dryness, hydrate the hair, and fight against dandruff. This mild shampoo contains Pyrithione Zinc that eliminates flakes, reduces scalp redness on regular usage. The pH-balanced formula provides a healthy scalp, smooth, free-flow, and manageable hair. It has a fresh and pure scent. Pros

pH-balanced Easy-to-use bottle Travel-friendly Fresh fragrance Gentle formula

Cons

None

6. Best Gentle Formula:True + Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo

Is scalp itchiness giving you sleepless nights? Then you are probably using the wrong shampoo. Your scalp needs something gentle, nourishing, yet powerful to get rid of dandruff and dry skin. This True + Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo is infused with the goodness of tar, which reduces rapid cell production and chances of recurrence of dandruff as well. Ideal for those suffering from psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, give your scalp long-lasting relief with True + Real. Pros

Fast-acting and long-lasting relief from dandruff Tar eliminates dandruff and prevents recurrence Gentle and powerful cleanser

Cons

Not recommended for those who are sensitive to strong smell

7. Best For Hair Loss Control:Zincon Medicated Dandruff Shampoo

Not a lot of people know this, but zinc is exceptionally beneficial for hair. It helps repair brittle hair and controls hair loss. This shampoo is composed of Pyrithione Zinc, which is chemically known to control dandruff. Your hair feels clean, looks manageable, and full of life post usage. Super gentle and driven by the power of zinc, this shampoo is suitable for severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Pros

Controls dandruff Makes hair manageable Tackles severe dandruff conditions Can be used as a regular shampoo

Cons

It contains sulfate

8. Best Dermatologist-Recommended:Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

Do you know what the best thing about this shampoo from Neutrogena is? It is the hair-reviving therapeutic formula! Adding to this, it also contains coal tar extract, which works like magic when it comes to hair repair. Together, they not only reduce dandruff accumulation but also minimize potential inflammation. Itchiness, dandruff, flaky scalp, all gone for good. Also, it’s so gentle that it can be used daily! Pros

Long-lasting relief from itchiness and dandruff Coal tar extract works on hair post rinse Gentle and dermatologist-recommended

Cons

It has an overpowering scent

9. Best With Natural Ingredients:RAUSCH Coltsfoot Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Rausch Coltsfoot Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is an herbal, safe, and gentle cleanser with rapid dandruff-controlling ingredients. It is composed of an active complex of coltsfoot, burdock root extract, and piroctone olamine that tackle dandruff and provide long-lasting relief skin irritants. Leaving your hair cleaner and healthier for you to flaunt those gorgeous locks, this shampoo is an irresistible choice! Pros

Eliminates dandruff Powered by high-quality natural ingredients Free from silicones and parabens

Cons

Expensive

10. Best Moisturizing Formula:MIZANI Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Don’t give up on your love for hairstyling; get rid of dandruff instead! Let your hair enjoy the benefits of Pyrithione Zinc, which is chemically-tested to control dandruff and reduces potential dandruff-related problems. It gently removes all the excess bacteria that causes itchiness, this cleanser is formulated to nourish and improve the health of your hair with peppermint oil and cucumber extract. With all that discomfort gone, you can style your hair the way you want it! Pros

Pyrithione Zinc formula to tackle dandruff problem Peppermint oil and cucumber extract moisturizes the hair Long-lasting relief from all discomfort

Cons

Heavy on the wallet

11. Best Lathering Formula:Leonor Greyl Paris Bain Traitant a La Propolis Gentle Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you are not a fan of too much lather, this gentle hair cleanser is the one for you! Made from all-natural ingredients, this shampoo is hailed as the Holy Grail owing to its super satisfying results. Alleviating scalp irritation and preventing dandruff, the cleanser also contains antiseptic properties that protect hair from potential scalp irritants. Pros

A gentle cleanser to get rid of scalp problems Heals and soothes the scalp No more flakiness and redness Lathers well

Cons

Expensive

12. Best Organic Formula:Whamisa Organic Seeds Shampoo For Dry Scalp

Weak, dry, and lifeless hair needs extra care, extra moisture, and nourishment. And to prevent dandruff from making things worse for your hair, switch to this blessing from nature! Labeled as nirvana for dry scalp, its nourishing benefits are so effective that you’ll notice the difference within a few washes. Made from organic ingredients, this brand promises an all-natural remedy to eliminate dandruff as well as leave your hair hydrated, smooth and shiny all day. Free from all harsh chemicals like paraben, silicon, etc., it is also fragrance-free and maintains a pH balance between 4.2-4.7. Pros

Improves overall health of the hair Hydrates and moisturizes Eradicates dandruff An all-organic formula Free from harsh chemicals

Cons

Expensive

13. Best Dye-free:Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo

Treat your itchy scalp with the Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo. It is infused with 1% pyrithione zinc that helps to treat dandruff and scalp psoriasis. The rich foamy shampoo cleanses your scalp, providing quick relief from recurring flakes. The shampoo also has botanical soapberry that eliminates flaking, itching, scaling, redness, and irritation. Moreover, the shampoo balances and nourishes the scalp, and keeps it hydrated. Pros

 Dermatologist-tested  Paraben-free  Sulfate-free  Dye-free  Steroid-free  Tar-free  Cruelty-free

Cons

 Sensitive skin may experience irritation

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Vaishnavi Kothuri, the author of this article, has a keen interest in hair care. Her in-depth research and continuous look-through on the emerging products bring out the best for readers. After reading many online consumer reviews and extensive exploration, she curated this list of drugstore dandruff shampoos. These shampoos effectively control dandruff, scalp itchiness, and leave hair smooth and lustrous. These shampoos are perfect for daily use too. How often should I shampoo if I have dandruff? This depends on how oily or how dandruff-prone your scalp is. Depending on these factors you can shampoo twice a week or daily. Can you use anti-dandruff shampoo and a regular conditioner together? Yes, you can use anti-dandruff shampoo and a regular conditioner together. However, ensure that the conditioner is hydrating as most anti-dandruff shampoos tend to be a bit drying. Can I use anti-dandruff shampoo daily? Yes. You can use an anti-dandruff shampoo daily only if the formula is mild enough, but most shampoos should not be used more than thrice weekly. How long does it take for dandruff shampoo to work? A dandruff shampoo takes at least four months to work and show results. How can I permanently get rid of dandruff? You cannot permanently eliminate dandruff, but you can keep it under control with the right hair care routine. What’s the difference between flakes and dandruff? Flakes occur due to dry scalp, but dandruff is caused by fungal infections. While the flakes tend to be smaller and whiter, dandruff is larger and may be yellow-tinged or oily.

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