Salicylic Acid Shampoo – What Is It, Benefits, And How To Use It

Take a deeper look into the perks and risks of this hair care product before using it.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shruti Chavan, MBBS

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation... more

Written by Ramona Sinha, Editor Experience: 11 years

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more

Edited by Anjali Sayee, Associate Editor Experience: 7 years

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more

Fact-checked by Swathi E, Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer Experience: 2.5 years

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over two years of experience in writing on health and lifestyle. She also has a... more

• Mar 20, 2024

Salicylic Acid Shampoo – What Is It, Benefits, And How To Use It

Image: Shutterstock

The best salicylic acid shampoos can help manage dry, itchy scalp. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acidⁱXAn exfoliant that penetrates through the deeper layers of the skin, treating scars, fine wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and other skin complexities. known for its skin exfoliating properties. It is best for managing dandruff and oily hair and also helps manage skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitisⁱXA skin condition that affects the oily areas of the body, such as the scalp and causes dandruff, scaly patches and inflamed skin. of the scalp. Its comedolytic propertiesⁱXProperties that inhibit comedones and help treat acne that appear as pimples and spots on face, back and chest. are used to deal with freckles, acne vulgarisⁱXHaving acne issues due to extra oily skin, resulting in blackhead, whiteheads and frequent breakouts on the face, chest and back. , photodamageⁱXIn this condition, the skin is affected by prolonged exposure to sunlight, leading to dark patches, wrinkles and sunburns. , and melasmaⁱXAn acquired skin disorder related to hyperpigmentation and increased sensitivity of the skin as a result of prolonged and direct sun exposure, and sometimes, hormonal changes. (1).

It is always advised to consult a doctor before using a salicylic acid shampoo. Even though they are safe to use, unregulated overuse may cause side effects. Keep reading to learn more about salicylic acid shampoos and their benefits for your scalp and hair.

In This Article

Benefits Of A Salicylic Acid Shampoo

Salicylic acid (SA) is a keratolyticⁱXThe property of a substance to dilate or dissolve the keratin or the outer layer of the skin, allowing the surface to absorb moisture, thereby treating dry, scaly and itchy skin or scalp. (exfoliating) and desmolyticⁱXRelating to an agent with gentle exfoliating properties that help shed dead skin cells and reduce scalp problems and flakiness. agent. Meaning, it disrupts the connective tissues in the skin and promotes shedding (1). This property of salicylic acid makes it beneficial for multiple issues. Some of them include:

1. Dandruff Management

Image: Shutterstock

This itchy and flaky scalp condition is caused by the abundance of MalasseziaⁱXA type of fungus that thrives on oils and fatty acids from the skin and the scalp, often causing various skin disorders including Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. , a type of fungus. Salicylic acid is often used for treating dandruff (2). It helps in scalp exfoliation by dissolving the flakes, making them easy to be washed off. This minimizes itching and irritation.

Trivia

Salicylic acid is often used alone or in combination with sulfur as a keratolytic agent in the formulation of anti-dandruff shampoos (2)

2. Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Seborrheic dermatitis (known as dandruff when it occurs on the scalp) on the body is a condition marked by flaky, itchy skin and oily skin patches. Salicylic acid helps manage the condition by dissolving the skin patches and flakiness.

3. Scalp Psoriasis

PsoriasisⁱXA skin condition when the skin in the knees, or on the elbows and scalp turn dry and itchy. It could be inflamed and very painful. is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting any body part, including the scalp. It is caused by excess cell turnover on the skin, causing itchy, scaly, and red patches. Salicyclic acid can manage the psoriatic plaquesⁱXA type of psoriasis causing plaques on the skin that are dry, thick, scaly and could be red, silvery-white or dark in color. , minimizing itchiness (3).

If you have scalp psoriasis, using salicylic acid shampoos can help manage the flare-ups. However, salicylic acid does not treat psoriasis. You have to use medicated products and take prescription medicines to minimize it.

In an epidemiological study on psoriasis in hard-to-treat body locations, 4016 adults under the age of 18 years from a Danish Skin Cohort were studied. The most frequent of the hard-to-treat locations was found in those with scalp psoriasis, with an incidence rate of 43%.

Scalp issues often affect the overall scalp health and may trigger hair loss. Now, the question is, does salicylic acid minimize hair loss? Find out in the next section.

Can Salicylic Acid Combat Hair Loss?

Woman holding broken hair and hair brush

Image: Shutterstock

No. Salicylic acid does not treat hair loss. However, it can help manage and minimize a variety of issues affecting your scalp health. This may help minimize itchiness and your urge to scratch your scalp and reduce the chances of hair loss.

While there are plenty of salicylic acid shampoos available in the market, how about trying a homemade recipe? Keep reading to learn more.

DIY Salicylic Acid Shampoo

You can make a milder version of your own salicylic acid shampoo at home as it is naturally found in willow bark trees.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap
2 teaspoons white willow bark extract
10 drops of tea tree oil
1 cup of distilled water

How To Prepare

Mix the water and liquid Castile soap in a bowl to make a soapy solution.
Add the tea tree oil and willow bark extract. Stir till it is blended well.
Pour the solution into a bottle for storage and shake the bottle before each use.

Note: Make this shampoo in small batches as it has a shelf life of 2-4 weeks. Discard the shampoo if it develops an odd odor.

Let us move on to find out how to use a salicylic acid shampoo for effective results.

How To Use Salicylic Acid Shampoo Effectively

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Soak your hair wet with lukewarm or room temperature water.
Massage your hair and scalp with a salicylic acid shampoo. Adjust the quantity of shampoo as per the hair length.
Be gentle when massaging and scrubbing your scalp with the fingers. Avoid scratching, especially if you have any scalp condition.
Rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly with room temperature water.
Apply conditioner only to the bottom two-thirds of the hair. Leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse.

Quick Tip

Only massage the scalp with salicylic shampoo and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the hair ends with the product.

Here are a few things to consider when using a salicylic acid-based shampoo.

Things To Consider While Using Salicylic Acid Shampoos

Consult a doctor before using salicylic acid shampoos, especially if you are undergoing treatment for a scalp issue.
Check for any allergic reactions to avoid serious skin issues.
Avoid using a salicylic acid shampoo on broken, irritated, and compromised skin. Do not use it on any open cuts and wounds.
Overusing salicylic acid shampoos can further irritate the skin and cause dryness and itchiness. Consult the doctor regarding the frequency or follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle.
Do not use any other hair care product with salicylic acid and SA shampoos simultaneously. This can irritate the scalp.
Do not use it on children. Consult a doctor before using a salicylic acid shampoo on a child’s scalp.
Check the percentage of salicylic acid in the shampoo. Determine what concentration may work for your scalp condition (if any). Consult a doctor for the recommended concentration.
If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using salicylic acid shampoos.

Although salicylic acid shampoos are safe to use, unregulated use may cause adverse reactions.

The Side Effects Of Using Salicylic Acid Shampoos

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Salicylic acid shampoos may cause (1):

Contact sensitization (allergic reaction)
Dry skin
Stinging sensation
ErythemaⁱXA skin or scalp condition characterized by the reddening of the skin or scalp due to increased blood flow resulting from stress, injury or inflammation. or inflammation
Salicylism (SA toxicity)
Peeling
Crusting
Skin irritation

Infographic: Why And How To Use A Salicylic Acid Shampoo

A salicylic acid shampoo offers a multitude of benefits for hair care. It not only helps remove dandruff from the scalp but also effectively treats other scalp conditions. Check out the infographic below to explore the top benefits of a salicylic acid shampoo and its proper usage to achieve healthy hair.

why and how to use a salicylic acid shampoo(infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Conclusion

Salicylic acid helps in dandruff management while preventing skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis. If you have a dry and itchy scalp, salicylic acid shampoos are the way to go! While using these shampoos, you should be as gentle as possible to avoid scratching. If you have skin conditions, you should choose salicylic acid shampoos that do not act up on broken, irritated, and compromised skin. However, if you are pregnant and breastfeeding, ask your physician before using these shampoos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can salicylic acid shampoo be used daily?

Salicylic shampoo should only be used daily if recommended by a dermatologist. Otherwise, you can use it once a week.

Is salicylic acid an antifungal shampoo?

Yes. Salicylic acid has antifungal properties, which is why it is used to treat dandruff.

Can salicylic acid shampoo cause baldness?

No, in most cases, salicylic acid may indirectly aid hair growth by improving your scalp health.

Does tea tree shampoo have salicylic acid?

You can check the ingredients list to see if a particular tea tree shampoo contains salicylic acid.

Is salicylic acid good for scalp psoriasis?

Salicylic acid may help with scalp psoriasis as it can loosen and remove scales from the scalp.

Does salicylic acid lighten hair?

Salicylic acid does not lighten hair as it does not have bleaching properties. However, if used too often, it may dry out the hair and irritate the scalp, leading to hair damage. This may cause early signs of aging, like premature graying.

Which is better: glycolic acidⁱXFound in many cosmetic products, this acid helps reverse effects of sun damage, treat scalp infections, prevent breakage and strengthen hair. or salicylic acid?

It depends on your skin type. Glycolic acid is better for dry skin, while salicylic acid is often recommended for oily skin.

Does apple cider vinegar have salicylic acid?

No, it does not. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acidⁱXAn acid with antimicrobial properties that help prevent fungal growth and other infections on the scalp. .

Does aloe vera have salicylic acid?

Yes, aloe vera contains salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Key Takeaways

Salicylic acid can help treat seborrheic dermatitis as it reduces flakiness and scalp patches.
It is popular for treating dryness and itchiness in the scalp, preventing dandruff.
It supports scalp health, which in turn can curb hair loss.
Salicylic acid may cause peeling and skin irritation in some individuals so it is advisable to consult with a doctor.

Learn how to make your own salicylic acid shampoo at home. Watch this video to get rid of those pesky white flakes on your scalp with this easy DIY solution.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.