Our hair needs more nutrition, care, and time than we think it does. If you are stressed out, most likely it will affect your hair first. If you are not drinking enough water, it will damage your hair.
But did you know the shampoo or conditioner you are using can also result in breakouts? You might have never had a pimple in your life, but using a certain shampoo can suddenly change it. Things can get worse for those who already have acne-prone skin.
One of the best and most recommended, also our favorite shampoo is Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo. It is best because of the amazing ingredients. This shampoo is great for people who have acne on the scalp or forehead. Other than fragrance and alcohol, it includes a color-free formula to benefit your hair for a long time.
Additionally, it has 3% Salicylic Acid and considerably the best solution for acne. So, people with itchy skin or dandruff can use it to their advantage and get strong hair along with an acne-free scalp.
The 5 Best Shampoo and Conditioners for Acne-Prone Skin:
If your skin is prone to acne, chances are that you are looking for a shampoo that doesn’t worsen it. So, here is a list of the top 5 shampoos recommended by different dermatologists. Check them out and see if there’s one you would like to use.
1. NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer

We don’t all want glimmering cheeks. That’s why this NYX Bronzer is in a pressed powder format that is free of shimmer and shine. Instead, it has a matte finish ideal for those who don’t like the dewy look. It can be used for bronzing or contouring to create a natural tan that won’t highlight your acne. Terrific for oily skin, it will minimize pores and leave you looking velvety smooth.
2. Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

Want your makeup to stay on all day? That makes two of us! Rimmel London’s Bronzer has up to 10 hours of wear and is super easy to blend. This one is better for warmer skin, so be aware if you have fair cool-toned skin. With great color and pigment, you can get a natural glow as intense as you need. As a bonus, the price is affordable too!
3. Covergirl Queen Natural Hue Mineral Bronzer

A powder bronzer that is ultra-blendable, the Covergirl Bronzer provides a year-round tan. Do you struggle to find the right bronzer for your skin tone? With a choice of 8 shades, you can find the best match for you. Just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a great bronzer. This is why its matte formula (best for acne-prone and oily skin) works wonders. It will provide a color you can build up to get the coverage you want.
4. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powder

For the ultimate effortless look, try the Hoola Bronzer to get a natural tan. This bronzer’s lighter shade is known to work well for fair skin with pink undertones. Its matte formula won’t highlight your acne and will still provide depth and warmth to the face. What’s great is you can use different brushes to achieve either a light dusting for pale skin or a heavier coat for darker skin tones. Brilliant for complementing your natural complexion!
5. Physicians Formula Powder Palette Color Corrective Powders

Dry skin can get acne too (unfortunately we know). But thankfully the Physicians Formula Bronzer knows this too. With 6 options to choose from this powder contains a multitude of shades to help get the best look for you. Its hydrating ingredients such as murumuru powder help keep the skin feeling and looking good. Something essential for dry acne-prone skin. It proves you can look good without damaging your skin.
The 5 Best Selling Shampoo and Conditioner for Acne-Prone Skin:
For your convenience, the below list shows the 10 best selling shampoo and conditioner for acne-prone skin on Amazon.com. The list is automatically updated once a day.
What You Need To Look For When Choosing A Shampoo Or Conditioner
The one thing that every woman or man should know about their shampoo is the ingredients. Moreover, when you are choosing a shampoo or conditioner, make sure you know your skin type too. Some people have oily scalp while others have to deal with dandruff. These are the warning signs that some ingredient in your hair care product is hurting your scalp.
So, while you are taking care of other things, look for the right shampoo and conditioner too. Remember that many shampoos contain a lot of unnecessary ingredients in them. The ones you must avoid are:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Isopropyl myristate
- Sodium chloride
Ingredients that men should avoid are:
- Sulfates
- Artificial Fragrances/Dyes
- Parabens
If you are a male, you should avoid over-shampooing unless you have dandruff. Just make sure that you are cleaning your hair enough.
These ingredients can be irritating for people who have sensitive skin. So, if you have sensitive skin, make sure you look at the label for ingredients before you buy your next shampoo or conditioner.
However, if you find the following ingredients mentioned on the label, you are good to go.
- Gluten-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Silicone-free
Knowing about the manufacturing ingredients, you can easily spot the shampoo or conditioner that fits your needs.
Choose the Shampoo/Conditioner According to Your Hair Type
If your hair is very curly, you are probably going to have to deal with the problem of dryness. So, try to find a shampoo/conditioner with creamy and moisturizing ingredients.
In the case of oily hair, avoid creamy shampoos. If your hair is limp, you can completely do away with conditioner. However, using a mild conditioner won’t hurt your hair.
Most importantly, you need to stay hydrated as much as possible. Drink water and take shower often. Remember, your body dryness can also affect the skin of the scalp and forehead. So, do not forget to choose a cleansing routine. Set it like a daily alarm clock, as though without it, you will be late for work or lose your job. Well, you can lose your hair, so consider the risk of that.
Advice from the Dermatologist
There is no shame in discussing your problem with a professional doctor. They can examine your skin and diagnose the issue. If your skin is acne-prone and hair shows signs of damage, they can recommend you a better shampoo and conditioner.
So, try to reach a doctor before you start applying every available remedy on your scalp. It is unhealthy to try everything without knowing the real problem you are facing with acne and hair damage.
Other than the suitable shampoo options, you can try some treatments too. They will help you with better hair growth and cure the skin breakouts for good.
FAQs
How can hair care products contribute to acne?
Hair care products with certain ingredients can clog pores or irritate the skin, potentially causing breakouts, especially on the forehead, scalp, and back. Using non-comedogenic, gentle products can help prevent this.
What ingredients should I avoid in shampoos and conditioners if I have acne-prone skin?
Avoid products with heavy oils, silicones, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, as they can clog pores and cause irritation. Opt for products labeled as non-comedogenic and free from these ingredients.
Are there specific shampoos recommended for acne-prone skin?
Yes, products like SEEN Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated to be non-comedogenic and are suitable for acne-prone skin. Additionally, Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo & Conditioner are acne-safe options.
How often should I wash my hair to prevent acne?
Washing your hair regularly helps remove excess oil and product buildup that can contribute to acne. However, over-washing can strip natural oils and cause irritation. Aim for a balanced routine based on your hair type and activity level.
Can using a clarifying shampoo help with acne?
Yes, using a clarifying shampoo once a week can help remove buildup of products and oils that may contribute to acne. Ensure the clarifying shampoo is free from harsh sulfates and is suitable for your hair type.
Is my shampoo giving me acne?
It depends on the one you are using and the frequency of using it. Certain ingredients cause severe acne and all men and women should avoid them. If you are noticing breakouts on your scalp, you might want to pay attention to the ingredients in your hair care products.
What shampoo is best for acne-prone skin?
As mentioned earlier in the article, you will be happy to use the Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo. This has the best reviews so far and people are using it on the recommendation of their dermatologists. So, give it a try.
What should I look for in a shampoo?
The best advice is to look for the ingredients. If your medical adviser is telling you to avoid some specific ingredients, avoid them. Choose the one that fits your skin and hair type.
If your skin is prone to acne, chances are that you are looking for a shampoo that doesn’t worsen it. So, here is a list of the top 5 shampoos recommended by different dermatologists. Check them out and see if there’s one you would like to use.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, choosing a shampoo can require a lot of time. You may have to go through a few experiments to get the one shampoo and conditioner that’s suitable for your skin by all means. So, if you are reading the article, you must understand that your hair needs special care.
If you are seeing any signs of acne, change the shampoo immediately, and follow the given advice for buying a new one. Stay hydrated and keep your cleansing routine in check as much as possible. Also, do not forget to ask for professional advice, as it always helps.
This article was last updated on February 2, 2025 .