8 best dandruff shampoos for kids of 2024, according to parents and dermatologists

This drugstore staple uses pyrithione zinc to control flakes, fight itch and wash away excess oil. Plus it can be lathered and rinsed just like regular shampoo, so there's less need to worry over whether your child will use it correctly. It's a budget-friendly choice that can be used both on you and your kids. However, it's worth noting some users complain that the shampoo can be drying. 

Selenium sulfide fights fungus that can lead to flakes while sloughing off existing ones, while cooling menthol soothes itchiness and irritation. The quick-lather formula doesn't need to sit on your child's scalp for an extended period. Selenium sulfide can cause scalp or hair discoloration if it stays on for too long, so make sure it's rinsed out of your child's hair quickly.

At under $6 a bottle, this shampoo kicks flakes to the curb without putting a dent in your wallet. The mild formula, made with coconut and shea butter, soothes dryness and itching too. However, kids with oilier scalps or hair may find this shampoo too heavy.

Made with less than 1 percent pyrithione zinc, this medicated option is formulated for babies or toddlers with stubborn cradle cap or dandruff. (Unlike salicylic acid, the ingredient is considered safe for tots.) But it still manages to be gentle on young skin, thanks for the fact that it's free of added fragrances and dyes.

For best results, leave this shampoo on for a minute or two before rinsing it out. 

Active ingredients aren't necessary when it comes to cradle cap shampoos, but specific formulas designed to treat it can work wonders. This foam formula from Mustela is fragrance- and tear-free, with the hero ingredient being avocado polyphenols that help soften baby's scalp flakes. Many parents recommend using it in conjunction with the Mustela cradle cap creamOpens a new window which is designed to treat flaking on the forehead and eyebrow area — however you do need to buy it separately.

Cradle cap can also be managed with a mild baby shampooOpens a new window, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. This simple, unscented option enriched with chamomile essence fits the bill while keeping your baby's sensitive skin soft and supple. Since this option isn't formulated specifically for cradle capOpens a new window, you can keep using it after your baby's scalp clears up which adds to its overall value.

Fragrance is the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis according to the American Academy of Dermatology, so when you're seeking anything to go on sensitive skin, think "fragrance-free." Made without added fragrances, essential oils or dyes, this gentle-but-effective pick keeps sensitive scalps from getting irritated while getting rid of flakes with pyrithione zinc. 

Some anti-dandruff shampoos have the potential to be drying. Not this one, which is enriched with coconut oil to keep hair and scalps hydrated. The main flake fighter is pyrithione zinc. Additionally, this shampoo is a particularly good pick for curly or textured hair. 

Dandruff, while not typically medically harmful, can be a source of embarrassment for kids and teens, and over-the-counter dandruff shampoos are inexpensive and can be a big help. Keep in mind that you might need to try a few options before finding a shampoo that works for your kid's scalp, since different shampoos are made with different active ingredients, says the Mayo ClinicOpens a new window. You may get the best results by switching between two shampoos also. 

In some instances, it may be worth getting help from your child's pediatrician. "If there is severe associated itch, swelling, or open sores it's best to see a physician," Dr. Craiglow says. You should also contact your child's doctor if over-the-counter dandruff shampoos haven't solved the problem within a couple of months.

Toddlers and babies with cradle cap (an infant form of dandruff that can also cause redness or scaliness around the neck, armpits or ears) don't need dandruff shampoo. Frequent washing with a mild baby shampoo plus soft brushing is usually enough to remove the flakes and scales, according to the American Academy of PediatricsOpens a new window. 

If you opt to use a medicated shampoo for cradle cap, you should avoid products containing salicylic acid. "For cradle cap, it's best to stick with shampoos containing zinc pyrithione and/or selenium sulfide," Dr. Craiglow recommends.

Dandruff shampoos can get their flake-fighting power from a few different active ingredients. All can be effective, though some may work better on certain scalps than others, and it's not uncommon to need to try a few different options before finding a good fit. 

"I usually recommend that patients alternate zinc/sulfur shampoos with salicylic acid shampoos for a better outcome if they are over 2 years of age," says Dr. Lal. 

Commonly used active ingredients include:

• Pyrithione zinc: An antibacterial and antifungal agent.
• Salicylic acid: Helps slough off flake-causing scales.
• Selenium sulfide: An antifungal agent. Selenium sulfide has the potential to discolor the hair or scalp, so it should be rinsed thoroughly after use. 
• Ketoconazole: Another type of antifungal agent. 
• Coal tar: Slows the rate at which flake-causing scales form on the scalp. It can also discolor hair and make the scalp more sensitive to sunlight. 
• Fluocinolone: A corticosteroid that helps control itching and irritation. 

• Karan Lal, MDOpens a new window is a board-certified adult and pediatric dermatologist with Northwell Health in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, and a spokesperson for the Society for Pediatric DermatologyOpens a new window. 
• Britt Craiglow, MDOpens a new window is a board-certified pediatric dermatologist and adjunct associate professor of dermatology at Yale University.