Haircare and skincare are both important parts of keeping our skin healthy and clean. While most of us only have to worry about our skincare habits and routines, some of us have far more pressing concerns. Skincare for our haircare. Scalp acne tends to form due to a buildup of dead skin, bacteria or clogged oil in the pores. So here are the best shampoos for acne-prone skin Beauty Insider recommends.

12 Best Shampoos For Acne-Prone Skin

1. Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo 

best shampoos

The Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo contains salicylic acid which is commonly known to treat acne, other skin conditions and psoriasis. Aside from that, it can also help with dry scalps. One of the best shampoos for acne-prone skin, this shampoo is also free from fragrance and recommended by dermatologists to help treat dermatitis, psoriasis and dandruff.

Why we love it:

  • Treats dandruff
  • Contains salicylic acid
  • Helps with dry scalps

Price: RM62.00

Where to buy: Shopee

2. ProBliva Fungus Shampoo for Hair & Scalp

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The ProBliva Fungus Shampoo for Hair & Scalp contains a blend of coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapefruit seed extract, emu oil and more. This blend helps to eliminate fungi and bacteria, all the while treating inflammation that leads to dandruff and acne. A tip is to leave the shampoo on your hair for 5 minutes before rinsing it out! 

Why we love it:

  • Treats inflammation
  • Eliminates bacteria
  • Suitable for acne-prone skin

Price: RM155.00

Where to buy: Ubuy

3. Tea Tree Special Shampoo

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As old skin accumulates with dandruff on your scalp, it can lead to a nasty breakout. In order to help get rid of dandruff, use this Tea Tree Special Shampoo! Tea tree is a recommended ingredient for acne-prone skin. Furthermore, this shampoo contains lavender and peppermint oils to help dry and flaky skin. Thus, offering a soothing and herbal scent. 

Why we love it:

  • Helps flaky skin
  • Suitable for acne-prone skin
  • Eliminates dandruff

Price: RM108.00

Where to buy: Zalora

4. DermaHarmony 10% Sulfur 3% Salicylic Acid Bar Soap

best shampoos

Unlike every other shampoo on this list, the DermaHarmony 10% Sulfur 3% Salicylic Acid Bar Soap might take some getting used to. Especially since it is a soap bar and not a shampoo bottle! This soap bar contains 2 important ingredients for acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid and sulphur. This bar of soap has the benefit to help heal dry skin, itches and acne on your face, body and scalp! Although, you might expect a stinky odour, courtesy of the 10% sulphur alongside the 3% salicylic acid. 

Why we love it:

  • Clear your scalp
  • Heals dry skin
  • Suitable for acne-prone skin

Price: RM101.00

Where to buy: Desert Cart

5. WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Hair Conditioner Set 

This duo from WOW Apple is one of the best shampoos for acne-prone skin. The WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Hair Conditioner Set contains apple cider vinegar, which offers acidic, antibacterial and keratolytic properties. Besides that, its formula also includes coconut oil, which contains soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to both the coconut oil and aloe, this shampoo and conditioner duo help rejuvenate and strengthen your hair. While the apple cider vinegar present helps unclog pores. 

Why we love it:

  • Contains keratin proteins
  • Hydrates the scalp
  • Contains vitamins B5 and E

Price: RM290.00

Where to buy: Shopee

6. Tree to Tub Organic Soapberry Shampoo

Another great shampoo for acne-prone skin is the Tree to Tub Organic Soapberry Shampoo. This soapberry shampoo is made with gotu kola, olive leaf and chamomile to help treat sensitive scalps and dandruff. Its formula is also free from perfumes, parabens, dyes, sulphates and silicones. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for delicate skin
  • Free from sulphates
  • Treats sensitive scalps

Price: RM170.00

Where to buy: Shopee

7. Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo 

Looking for a natural shampoo? The Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo is suitable for greasy and oily hair. Its formula contains ingredients such as cypress, rosemary, basil, jojoba and lemon essential oil. This all helps to eliminate excess oils, balance your scalp, alleviate itching and prevent dandruff. Jojoba oil is a great ingredient for those dealing with acne-prone skin as it contains soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aside from that, it is also free from dyes, sulphate, paraben and artificial fragrances. Furthermore, it is hypoallergenic so those with sensitive skin can rest assured. 

Why we love it:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Soothing
  • Balances the scalp

Price: RM86.00

Where to buy: Ubuy

8. SEEN Shampoo & Conditioner

The SEEN Shampoo & Conditioner are a dermatologist-formulated line of products that are said to be clinically proven, non-irritating and non-comedogenic. These two products are free from phthalates, dyes, pore-clogging oils, sulphates and silicones. All of its products are also available in either a lightly fragranced option or a fragrance-free option. Formulated for all skin and hair types, it is suitable for acne-prone skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Fragrance-free option
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Suitable for all hair types

Price: RM217.67

Where to buy: Hello Seen

9. Vanicream Free & Clear Sensitive Skin Shampoo

If you have sensitive skin, then the Vanicream Free & Clear Sensitive Skin Shampoo is for you. This shampoo is free from parabens, gluten, dyes, sulphates, fragrance and oils. Recommended by many dermatologists, this shampoo will not clog your pores or cause any breakouts. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Free from parabens
  • Fragrance-free 

Price: RM89.50

Where to buy: Shopee | Retailers

10. Head and Shoulders Instant Oil Control 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo

Head and Shoulders is a drugstore shampoo brand that we are all familiar with. The Head and Shoulders Instant Oil Control 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for acne-prone skin too! If the acne around your hairline is caused by an oily scalp, then this is the best drugstore shampoo for you. Dermatologist-recommended, it not only helps control the production of oil, but it also contains pyrithione zinc. Pyrithione zinc offers antifungal and antimicrobial properties to help control dandruff and folliculitis. 

Why we love it:

  • Quite non-comedogenic
  • Oil control
  • Helps with dandruff

Price: RM37.70

Where to buy: Care to Beauty

11. Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you are looking for a great shampoo to treat an acne-prone scalp, look out for the Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Not only does it help treat itchiness caused by scalp acne, but it is also great for dandruff. Its formula contains active ingredients like ketoconazole that actually help slow down the growth of fungi, which causes dandruff. Thus, it relieves symptoms like irritation, scaling and itching. Moreover, it has a sulphate-based formula that is not too stripping. Although it isn’t exactly hydrating as well, be sure to alternate with your regular shampoo every other day. 

Why we love it:

  • Relieves itching
  • Suitable for dandruff
  • Suitable for acne-prone scalp

Price: RM110.00

Where to buy: JDee Spree

12. K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo

Coloured hair and scalp acne? We’ve got you covered. The K18 Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo is the best for treating both. While most colour-safe shampoos seek to be gentle to keep your dye job looking fresh, they don’t do well in treating scalp acne. With this Clarifying Detox Shampoo, the presence of salicylic acid helps deconstruct clogged pores atop your scalp. Moreover, it contains activated charcoal to help absorb any excess dirt and oil. 

Why we love it:

  • Packed with peptides
  • Helps boost hair protein levels
  • Cleaner hair 

Price: RM210.09

Where to buy: Joseph Ferraro