Nizoral
Medicine Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (ketoconazole 2%)
Key ingredients: Ketoconazole 2% w/w (20 mg ketoconazole per 1 g)
Product category
Anti-dandruff & medicated shampoos
Shampoos with an active ingredient for flakes, itch and scale — some are medicines.
- Anti-dandruff & medicated shampoos
- Shampoos by concern
- Conditioners & masks
- Scalp treatments
- Scalp scrubs, brushes & massagers
- Combs & brushes
- Heat protectants
- Hair dryers
- Straighteners & stylers
- Curl products
- Silk & satin pillowcases & bonnets
- Hair ties & scrunchies
- Hair towels
- Children's hair & head lice
Anti-dandruff shampoos contain an active ingredient aimed at the causes of flaking: antifungals such as ketoconazole, descalers such as salicylic acid, or coal tar. The NHS suggests trying one for up to 4 weeks, and you may need to try more than one type. See our dandruff guide and ingredient explainer.
What to look for
- The active ingredient — match it to your problem using our ingredients guide.
- Medicine or cosmetic? Products sold as medicines come with a leaflet: read it, and check age limits (ketoconazole shampoo is for ages 12 and over, NHS).
- How long to leave it on — the scalp needs a few minutes of contact.
- Practicalities — coal tar smells and can stain; some products are for use only once or twice a week.
We list products here because the manufacturer says they are for dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis or scalp scaling — not because we've ranked them.
5 products
Listed in no particular order of merit. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Head & Shoulders
Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Key ingredients: Piroctone Olamine (the anti-dandruff active named on the UK ingredient list and the brand's ingredients page; no strength stated)
Dermal
Medicine Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid 0.5% w/w; coconut oil 1.0% w/w; distilled coal tar 1.0% w/w
Dermal
Medicine Dermax Therapeutic Shampoo
Key ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride 0.5% w/w
Philip Kingsley
Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Key ingredients: Lauryl Betaine; Piroctone Olamine