Best Shampoo for Psoriasis: What Actually Works to Calm Your Scalp?
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Finding the best shampoo for psoriasis can feel like an exhausting cycle of trial and error. When your scalp is itchy, flaky, tender, or covered with stubborn plaques, the wrong products can make everything worse—triggering more redness, irritation, and flare-ups. The good news? There are shampoos formulated specifically to calm inflammation, loosen scale build-up, and support a healthier scalp barrier.
At Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies, we stock a carefully selected range of products designed to help soothe and manage scalp psoriasis. This guide explains what ingredients actually work, how to choose the right shampoo, and which formulations on our website offer the strongest relief.
Understanding Scalp Psoriasis and Why the Best Shampoo for Psoriasis Matters
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that speeds up the skin’s cell turnover cycle, resulting in thickened plaques, dryness, and intense itch. Because the scalp is already a sensitive environment, harsh shampoos or fragranced products can escalate irritation.
The right psoriasis shampoo does three things:
Helps Soften and Lift Scale
Scale is the thick build-up of excess skin cells. When scale is softened, it becomes easier for therapeutic ingredients to reach the deeper layers of the skin.
Reduces Redness and Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory ingredients are essential for calming flare-ups and reducing the discomfort that comes with psoriasis.
Supports the Skin Barrier
A weakened skin barrier can trigger more flare-ups. A suitable shampoo must be gentle while still treating the underlying inflammation.
What Ingredients Should the Best Shampoo for Psoriasis Contain?
When assessing what makes the best shampoo for psoriasis, ingredient quality is more important than brand name. Psoriasis responds well to soothing, repairing, and anti-inflammatory ingredients that work together rather than strip the scalp.
Below are the most effective components found in the scalp-friendly shampoos available from Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies:
Dead Sea Minerals
Rich in magnesium and potassium, Dead Sea salts naturally exfoliate build-up and help calm the skin. These minerals are known for supporting barrier repair and reducing itching.
Natural Oils for Moisture and Barrier Support
Ingredients such as jojoba, argan, olive, and coconut oil restore hydration and help break down dry flakes without irritation.
Herbal Anti-inflammatories
Burdock root, chamomile, tea tree, and other botanicals can assist in calming irritation and minimising redness.
Gentle Cleansers
Many conventional shampoos contain sulphates or artificial fragrances that aggravate psoriasis. The best shampoos use mild cleansing bases to avoid stripping the scalp.
Our Most Effective Products for Scalp Psoriasis Relief
Below are the top recommended products from psoriasisandeczema.com.au that customers repeatedly describe as soothing, effective, and gentle enough for frequent use.
1. Salt Medics Dead Sea Shampoo – Strong Relief for Itching and Scaling
Salt Medics Dead Sea Shampoo is one of the most popular options for people searching for the best shampoo for psoriasis.
What Makes It Effective?
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Formulated with high-magnesium Dead Sea minerals to help soften scalp plaque
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Designed to reduce itch, dryness, and redness
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Gentle enough for ongoing use
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Helps lift scale without stripping the natural oils your scalp needs
Many people find that using this shampoo over time results in a noticeable reduction in flaking and tightness. The soothing mineral content helps balance the scalp’s pH and creates a calmer environment for healthier skin renewal.
2. Dermabene Shampoo – Calming, Moisturising, Everyday Use Formula
Dermabene Shampoo is another excellent option for those looking for a mild and effective scalp psoriasis shampoo.
Key Benefits
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Cleans without harsh chemicals
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Moisturising formula reduces dryness
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Helps soothe irritated and reactive scalps
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Ideal for those who wash frequently or have sensitive skin
Because Dermabene is designed for gentle daily use, it is perfect for the ongoing maintenance phase once flare-ups begin to settle.
3. 311nm UVB Lamp (Scalp Attachment) – A Supportive Treatment for Severe Build-Up
While not a shampoo, many people pair a therapeutic wash with light therapy for improved results. The 311nm Narrowband UVB Lamp with scalp attachment provides targeted relief when plaque build-up is thick or persistent.
Why Many Use It With Psoriasis Shampoos
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UVB helps slow down skin cell overproduction
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Works on stubborn patches that shampoo alone may not reach
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Can reduce inflammation and scaling when used consistently
Pairing UVB with a gentle scalp shampoo can help combat both surface build-up and deeper skin inflammation.
How to Use Psoriasis Shampoo for the Best Results
Even the best shampoo for psoriasis won’t work effectively unless it’s used correctly. Here’s how to maximise results:
Apply to a Dry or Slightly Damp Scalp First
Applying the shampoo directly to the affected areas before fully wetting your hair helps the active ingredients absorb more effectively.
Massage Gently Without Scratching
Use the fingertips rather than nails to avoid damaging the skin barrier.
Leave the Shampoo on for Several Minutes
Most psoriasis shampoos perform best when left to sit on the scalp for 3–5 minutes before rinsing.
Follow With a Gentle Conditioner if Needed
Choose a calming, fragrance-free conditioner to maintain hydration without irritation.
Use Consistently
Psoriasis is a chronic condition, so improvement often relies on consistent, ongoing care.
What to Avoid When Choosing the Best Shampoo for Psoriasis
Some products can make psoriasis significantly worse. Avoid shampoos containing:
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Harsh sulphates (SLS/SLES)
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Strong fragrances
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Alcohol-heavy formulations
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Strong exfoliating acids not designed for psoriasis
These can strip the natural oils, damage the skin barrier, and trigger further inflammation.
When to Consider Adding Other Scalp Treatments
For some people, shampoo alone is not enough to manage flare-ups. You may benefit from complementary options available at Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies, such as:
Soothing Creams and Ointments
Anti-inflammatory creams and moisturisers can help reduce itching and redness between washes.
Medicated Serums
Some people apply natural botanical serums to hydrate the scalp before bed.
UVB Light Therapy
An excellent addition for chronic or severe psoriasis that doesn’t respond fully to topical treatments.
Combining these options with the right shampoo can significantly improve long-term results.
Why Our Products Are Selected Specifically for Psoriasis Relief
Unlike general beauty stores, every product on our website has been chosen for its suitability for inflammatory skin conditions. We prioritise products that:
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Contain non-irritating, therapeutic ingredients
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Are gentle enough for compromised skin
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Provide real results backed by customer feedback
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Support long-term management of psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis
When you choose shampoos from our store, you’re selecting formulas designed to help, not harm, sensitive scalps.
Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Shampoo for Psoriasis?
The best shampoo for psoriasis is one that reduces scaling, soothes inflammation, supports the scalp barrier, and avoids harsh ingredients. For many Australians, the top-performing options include:
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Salt Medics Dead Sea Shampoo – Best for stubborn scaling, redness, and itch
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Dermabene Shampoo – Best for sensitive scalps and daily maintenance
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311nm UVB Scalp Lamp (paired with shampoo) – Best for severe build-up or chronic cases
Each option is available at Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies, where every product is chosen specifically for irritated and inflamed skin.
With the right shampoo and consistent care, many people see significant improvements in both symptoms and comfort—often within just a few weeks.