Which Seborrheic Dermatitis product worked for my scalp?
Itchy, flaky, red, and irritated scalp are all symptoms commonly associated with Seborrheic Dermatitis. This scalp condition can be incredibly frustrating to manage. Fortunately, through trial and error, I've found that there are several treatments specifically tailored for the scalp that have provided immense relief.
I extensively reviewed the most widely used scalp serums, treatments, and shampoos, I was able to narrow down my list to the 7 most effective products for treating Seborrheic Dermatitis on the scalp. I considered their effectiveness, duration of relief, and potential adverse reactions.
What to look for in a Seborrheic Dermatitis product?
For my scalp, I required a product that would alleviate itching, redness, and flaking. Given the long-term nature of this condition, it was essential that the product be free from steroids and other harsh ingredients that might aggravate the condition over time.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is caused by a fungal yeast, which lives on the skin and causes the irritation. The yeast has a protective layer called biofilm, which make many products ineffective or their effectiveness wears off over time.
I was looking for a product that could remove the yeast's biofilm, get rid of the yeast, and repair my skin barrier. Read on to see the 7 products I tried, and which product did exactly all three of those things.
- Emma W. (Research Editor)
Updated July 2, 2023
#1 Dermgentle Seborrheic Dermatitis Scalp Serum
- Effectiveness: 10/10
- Long Lasting: 9/10
- Gentle on Skin: 10/10
The itchy red flakes on my skin started to clear within 4 days of trying this scalp serum. This serum uses 3 main ingredients to fight off the yeast which causes Seborrheic Dermatitis:
- Xylitol - neutralizes the yeast's biofilm, making it vulnerable to anti-fungals.
- Medium Triglycerides - Anti-fungal that reduces the yeast after the biofilm is weakened.
- Squalane - one of the best moisturizers to repair the skin barrier and it does not feed the yeast.
Best of all, these ingredients are suitable for long term use because the yeast does not build tolerance to them.
If you've tried countless products and had little to no results, you need to try this serum. When I purchased this product, they had a 60 days refund guarantee, so there's nothing to lose.
Long Term Solution? Yes, the ingredients will continue to be effective long term
Conclusion: Many readers have asked me which product made the biggest difference. I have to say this one, and it worked extremely fast. Jump on this product if you want a long term solution against Seb Derm on the scalp.
Pros
- Effective against Seborrheic Dermatitis on the scalp
- May start clearing skin & dandruff in less than a week
- Active ingredient lose effectiveness over time (long term solution)
- 60-day guarantee or refund
- Repairs skin barrier for healthier skin
- Does not require additional moisturizers or serums
- Formulated without synthetic fragrance or parabens
- Made in the USA
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula
- Company offers free expedited shipping
Cons
- Only available on the company’s website.
- The product is often out of stock and takes a while to restock.
#2 Nizoral Shampoo
Nizoral Shampoo
- Effectiveness: 8/10
- Long Lasting: 7/10
- Gentle on Skin: 8/10
To my dismay, my Seborrheic Dermatitis occurred on my scalp, face, and eyebrows. It was a real nightmare to deal with.
The first thing I tried was Nizoral, which was recommended to me by a friend. The primary ingredient has been shown to be effective in reducing Seborrheic Dermatitis causing yeast; however, it does not work on the face, and I wouldn't recommend anyone applying shampoo over their face. Yeast may also grow resilient against the active ingredient, so it is not a long term solutionLong Term Solution? No
Conclusion: Nizoral works if you have mild symptoms and they only occur on the scalp. It is not a long term solution.
Pros
- From a brand founded by a board-certified dermatologist
- Effective against scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Free of parabens
- From a cruelty-free brand
- Easy to purchase online from authorized retailers
Cons
- Does not work on face
- May lose effectiveness over time
#3 Noble Formula Soap
Noble Formula Soap
- Effectiveness: 8/10
- Long Lasting: 8/10
- Gentle on Skin: 4/10
2% Zinc has been shown to be effective against the yeast that causes Seb Derm. This bar of soap is too harsh for cleaning the face, but it is a great soap for the body. I use this daily and it has kept the Seb Derm off my body for the most part. Again, do not use this on your face, it will dry you up without fixing the issue. If you need this for the scalp, use is a 2% zinc shampoo.
Long Term Solution? Yes, for the body only
Conclusion: Works well for the body, not for the face. Zinc is a viable long term solution.
Pros
- Great for the body (not the face or scalp)
- Effective ingredients
- Long lasting relief
Cons
- Do not use on your face
- Only sold on Amazon
Head & Shoulders Dandruff Defense
- Effectiveness: 4/10
- Long Lasting: 4/10
- Gentle on Skin: 7/10
The active ingredient is also zinc, but this shampoo only uses 1% zinc. I did not find this shampoo to be effective in reducing irritation.
I also noticed it had a strong scent, which I did not like.
Long Term Solution? Yes
Conclusion: Does not have much effect, but the active ingredient is effective.
Pros
- Effective ingredients
- Long lasting relief
Cons
- Do not use on your face
- Strong fragrance
- Not very effective
Selsun Blue
- Effectiveness: 8/10
- Long Lasting: 8/10
- Gentle on Skin: 2/10
Another shampoo, but the active ingredient is 1% sulfide. Studies have shown that this works against Seb Derm causing yeast, however, it is very harsh on the skin. When I tried it, my skin broke out. There are also concerns about hair loss. I would stick to a Zinc shampoo instead.
Long Term Solution? No
Conclusion: Too harsh on the skin, however it does work in reducing Seb Derm on the scalp.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Clears scalp (do not use on your face)
Cons
- Harsh on the face
- Scalp only
Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Effectiveness: 7/10
- Long Lasting: 1/10
- Gentle on Skin: 1/10
This is one of the best selling seb derm creams on Amazon. If you take a look at the ratings, you'll realize why there are so many complaints. This is a steroid. That means it is just a temporary solution. You never want to apply steroids to your skin for prolonged periods of time. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
Long Term Solution? No, it contains steroids
Conclusion: It is a steroid and should not be used long term.
Pros
- Contains steroids which are effective for first few days
- Temporary relief
Cons
- Contains steroids
- Not for long term use
- Irritation may come back stronger
- Only sold on Amazon
Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Effectiveness: 2/10
- Long Lasting: 8/10
- Gentle on Skin: 6/10
Another very popular product on Amazon with many poor reviews. I tried the cream, and it didn't seem to do anything. My itchiness remained, but it didn't get worse. There are some very mix results. Some people found that it worked, and others had worsened symptoms. It seems the manuka honey can be a hit or a miss, but this is unlikely to be a long term solution because there isn't anything in the ingredients that actually works against the yeast that causes Seb Derm.
Long Term Solution? No
Conclusion: It does not actually get rid of the yeast that causes Seb Derm.
Pros
- Moisturizes skin
Cons
- Not effective against Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Manuka honey may irritate skin
- Poor packaging (arrived opened)
- Only available on Amazon
#1 Dermgentle Seborrheic Dermatitis Scalp Serum
- Effectiveness: 10/10
- Long Lasting: 9/10
- Gentle on Skin: 10/10
The itchy red flakes on my skin started to clear within 4 days of trying this scalp serum. This serum uses 3 main ingredients to fight off the yeast which causes Seborrheic Dermatitis:
- Xylitol - neutralizes the yeast's biofilm, making it vulnerable to anti-fungals.
- Medium Triglycerides - Anti-fungal that reduces the yeast after the biofilm is weakened.
- Squalane - one of the best moisturizers to repair the skin barrier and it does not feed the yeast.
Best of all, these ingredients are suitable for long term use because the yeast does not build tolerance to them.
If you've tried countless products and had little to no results, you need to try this serum. When I purchased this product, they had a 60 days refund guarantee, so there's nothing to lose.
Long Term Solution? Yes, the ingredients will continue to be effective long term
Conclusion: Many readers have asked me which product made the biggest difference. I have to say this one, and it worked extremely fast. Jump on this product if you want a long term solution against Seb Derm on the scalp.
Pros
- Effective against Seborrheic Dermatitis on the scalp
- May start clearing skin & dandruff in less than a week
- Active ingredient lose effectiveness over time (long term solution)
- 60-day guarantee or refund
- Repairs skin barrier for healthier skin
- Does not require additional moisturizers or serums
- Formulated without synthetic fragrance or parabens
- Made in the USA
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula
- Company offers free expedited shipping
Cons
- Only available on the company’s website.
- The product is often out of stock and takes a while to restock.