Best Natural Ingredients to Look for in Shampoos for Scalp Psoriasis
Living with scalp psoriasis can be frustrating—itching, flaking, and irritation often make finding the right shampoo a challenge. While medicated treatments are sometimes necessary, many people benefit from a gentler, natural approach. The secret lies in knowing what to look for on the label.
Here’s a guide to the best natural ingredients for scalp psoriasis shampoos and the ones you should avoid.
🌿 Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis leaf juice): Cooling and hydrating, aloe helps reduce redness and itchiness.
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita flower extract): Naturally calming and anti-inflammatory, ideal for irritated scalps.
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis extract): Gentle on sensitive skin, it promotes repair and reduces inflammation.
- Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis): Rich in antioxidants, it fights oxidative stress and soothes irritation.
💧 Moisturizing & Barrier-Supporting Ingredients
Scalp psoriasis often damages the skin barrier, leading to dryness and scaling. Moisturizing ingredients help restore comfort.
- Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera): Deeply nourishing, reduces scaling and softens plaques.
- Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis): A lightweight oil similar to natural sebum, balancing without greasiness.
- Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii): Rich in fatty acids that support the skin barrier.
- Oat Extract / Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena sativa): Provides a protective film and calms itching.
🌱 Gentle Natural Exfoliants
Removing thick flakes and build-up can help treatments penetrate better. Look for mild, naturally derived exfoliants:
- Willow Bark Extract (Salix alba): Natural source of salicylic acid, which helps loosen psoriasis plaques.
- Lactic Acid: A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that hydrates while exfoliating.
- Sulfur (natural origin): Used traditionally for itchy, flaky scalp—effective but with a strong scent.
🌼 Anti-Microbial & Balancing Ingredients
An imbalanced scalp microbiome can worsen psoriasis. These ingredients help keep microbes under control:
- Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): Antiseptic, reduces itching and microbial overgrowth. Should be used in small percentages.
- Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica): Ayurvedic remedy with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Rosemary Extract (Rosmarinus officinalis): Stimulates circulation and helps reduce scalp irritation.
🚫 Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Scalp Psoriasis
Not all shampoos are gentle. Certain ingredients can worsen dryness and irritation:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Harsh detergents that strip the scalp.
- Synthetic fragrances: Can trigger irritation and allergic reactions.
- High alcohol content: Dries out already sensitive skin.
- Parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Potential irritants for sensitive scalps.
✅ How to Choose the Right Shampoo
When scanning the shampoo label:
- Look for gentle surfactants (e.g., decyl glucoside, coco-glucoside).
- Choose formulas with plant oils, butters, and extracts.
- Prefer unscented or naturally fragranced shampoos.
- Patch-test before use, as even natural ingredients can cause sensitivity in some individuals.
🌸 Final Thoughts
Scalp psoriasis requires a delicate balance: cleansing without stripping, hydrating without heaviness, and soothing without irritation. By choosing shampoos made with aloe, chamomile, oat, coconut oil, and willow bark, you can create a gentler routine that supports scalp health naturally. If you would like to make your own natural shampoo bar check my ebook with great haircare recipes
If you’re on a healing journey, remember: consistency matters more than intensity. The right natural ingredients can make your haircare both soothing and effective.
Cheers,
La Mayca x
