What Is the Best Shampoo for Psoriasis

What Is the Best Shampoo for Psoriasis? A Complete Guide for Australians

Psoriasis on the scalp can be one of the most frustrating and confidence-shaking forms of the condition. When flare-ups appear across the hairline, behind the ears, or across the crown, the itching, flaking, redness, and thick plaque build-up can feel almost impossible to manage. This leads many customers to ask the same question: What is the best shampoo for psoriasis?

The answer depends on understanding why scalp psoriasis happens, how certain ingredients calm inflammation, and why some shampoos work better than others for different symptom patterns. At Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies, we specialise in offering scientifically backed products that genuinely help soothe stubborn scalp symptoms—without harsh chemicals.

This detailed guide explains what to look for in an effective scalp psoriasis shampoo, how psoriasis-friendly ingredients work, and which products on our website deliver the strongest results for itch, build-up, and irritation relief.

Understanding Scalp Psoriasis

Before choosing the best psoriasis shampoo, it helps to understand what’s actually happening on the scalp.

Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition where the skin cells multiply too quickly. Instead of shedding normally, they build up into thick scales and plaques. On the scalp, this leads to:

  • Persistent itching

  • Dryness and flaking

  • Silvery or white scaling

  • Soreness and redness

  • Tightness and burning sensations

  • Stubborn patches that don't respond to regular shampoo

These symptoms aren’t caused by poor hygiene or hair products—they come from immune activity beneath the surface. That’s why choosing the right ingredients is essential.

What Makes a Shampoo Effective for Psoriasis?

When people ask, “What is the best shampoo for psoriasis?”, the most reliable answer is:

A shampoo that:

  • Reduces inflammation

  • Softens plaque build-up

  • Hydrates the scalp

  • Removes flakes without damaging skin

  • Supports long-term barrier repair

  • Avoids fragrances, SLS, and harsh surfactants

The right formula calms the immune response, gently lifts scaling, and protects the scalp from further irritation. Below are the most effective categories of ingredients for psoriasis relief.

Key Ingredients to Look For

Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Psoriasis is fundamentally an inflammatory disorder. Shampoos that reduce inflammation tend to work the fastest. Ingredients like natural herbal extracts and soothing botanicals are particularly beneficial.

Keratolytics

These ingredients help break down thick scaling so the scalp can breathe again. The gentlest, non-coal-tar options are ideal for daily or long-term use.

Hydrating and Barrier-Repairing Compounds

Psoriasis causes the scalp to lose moisture rapidly. Repairing the barrier prevents flare-ups and improves comfort.

Antimicrobial Properties

Secondary bacterial or fungal imbalance can worsen itching and flaking. Ingredients that restore the scalp microbiome are incredibly helpful.

What Is the Best Shampoo for Psoriasis From Our Store

Below are the most effective products available at Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies, selected specifically to answer the question:
What is the best shampoo for psoriasis?

Each option supports the scalp in different ways, so choosing the right one depends on your symptoms.

MG217 Medicated Conditioning Shampoo

Ideal for: Thick build-up, heavy flaking, stubborn plaques, and moderate to severe flare-ups.

MG217 is one of the strongest and most effective psoriasis shampoos available on the Australian market. Its medicated formula is designed specifically to lift scales, soften plaques, and reduce redness.

Why it works

  • Helps break down rough, thick scaling

  • Reduces inflammation and itching

  • Conditions the scalp without stripping natural oils

For people dealing with significant scalp scaling, MG217 is frequently considered one of the best answers to what is the best shampoo for psoriasis because it offers targeted, rapid relief.

Sea Salt Shampoo

Ideal for: Flaking, irritation, and dryness requiring a natural, mineral-rich approach.

Our Sea Salt Shampoo is a gentle but powerful cleanser enriched with natural minerals. Sea salt has been used for centuries to calm irritated skin and support healing.

Why it works

  • Mineral-rich sea salt softens scaling

  • Helps stabilise the scalp’s microbiome

  • Reduces inflammation naturally

  • Promotes cleaner, healthier skin without harsh chemicals

For customers who want a natural psoriasis-friendly shampoo, this formula offers an excellent balance of soothing and cleansing properties.

Gentle Skin Rescue Shampoo (if available paired with the Gentle Skin Rescue range)

Ideal for: Sensitive scalps, mild scaling, redness, and irritation.

When the scalp feels raw, tight, or easily aggravated, choosing a gentle formula becomes essential.

Why it works

  • Focuses on soothing irritation

  • Supports moisture retention

  • Safe for frequent washing

  • Free from harsh surfactants and fragrances

A sensitive scalp requires calming relief more than aggressive exfoliation, making this a great option for those with delicate skin.

Psoriasis Shampoo With Botanical Extracts (if applicable on your store)

Some customers prefer shampoos that combine herbal ingredients known for soothing psoriasis symptoms.

Why it works

  • Supports anti-inflammatory activity

  • Helps soften plaques

  • Strengthens the scalp barrier

  • Encourages balanced cell turnover

For mild to moderate symptoms, botanical-based formulas offer consistent long-term support.

How to Use Psoriasis Shampoo for Best Results

Even the best psoriasis shampoo works better when used correctly. Here’s how to maximise results:

Leave the shampoo on

Don’t rinse immediately—allow the shampoo to sit on the scalp for 3–5 minutes (or as directed). This gives the active ingredients time to penetrate the plaque.

Massage the scalp gently

Use your fingertips, not your nails, to avoid causing micro-damage to the skin.

Use consistently

Psoriasis responds best to a regular routine. Most people see improvement with 2–4 washes per week.

Avoid hot water

Hot water strips the scalp and worsens inflammation. Use lukewarm water when possible.

Pair with scalp treatments

Adding a topical spray or soothing cream helps extend results between washes. Many customers pair their shampoo with:

  • Gentle Skin Rescue Spray (for calming irritation)

  • Bee Venom Skin Rescue Products (where applicable)

These combinations often help manage flare-ups faster and more effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even when using the right shampoo, certain habits can slow your progress:

Avoid scratching

Scratching creates micro-tears that worsen symptoms and increase infection risk.

Avoid harsh, fragranced shampoos

Strong fragrances and sulphates can trigger flare-ups.

Don’t wash too aggressively

Over-cleansing strips the scalp and leads to more inflammation.

Avoid random product switching

Stick with one product for several weeks before assessing results.

Which Shampoo Should You Choose?

If you’re still wondering what is the best shampoo for psoriasis, here is a simple guide:

Choose MG217 if:

  • You have thick scaling

  • Your psoriasis is moderate to severe

  • You need faster, more targeted relief

Choose Sea Salt Shampoo if:

  • You want something natural

  • Your scalp feels flaky and irritated

  • You prefer mineral-rich formulas

Choose a Gentle Shampoo if:

  • Your scalp is extremely sensitive

  • You have mild psoriasis

  • You wash frequently

Every scalp is different, so the right shampoo depends on your symptoms, skin sensitivity, and how your psoriasis behaves day-to-day.

Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Shampoo for Psoriasis?

The best shampoo for psoriasis is one that:

  • Soothes inflammation

  • Softens plaques

  • Supports long-term scalp health

  • Avoids harsh chemicals

  • Works well for your individual symptoms

At Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies, we offer hand-selected products that give real relief and help people manage scalp psoriasis with confidence. Whether you choose MG217 for maximum strength, Sea Salt Shampoo for gentle cleansing, or a calming botanical formula, the key is consistency and choosing products designed specifically for psoriasis.

With the right shampoo and daily routine, clearer, calmer scalp skin is absolutely achievable.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.