10 Best Antifungal Shampoos 2024 in the US

Around half of all people suffer from dandruff. The white flakes of dead skin are unsightly, but the itchy scalp can also be quite uncomfortable. Recent research has identified a certain yeast called Malassezia or Pityrosporum ovale--which is also a type of fungus-- that contributes to dandruff, even though it is not the cause of dandruff. Still, there are a few antifungal treatments that can help make the scalp healthier, and stop producing dandruff. So, there are a number of antifungal shampoos on the market that are recommended for people who suffer from dandruff.

Also, there are more serious fungus infections, such as ringworm--actually a fungus, not a worm. A ringworm infection of the scalp and hair can cause hair loss. An antifungal shampoo can’t get rid of ringworm, since the ringworm fungus is inside the hair shaft, and ringworm treatments require medicines that you take by mouth. But an antifungal shampoo used twice a week can help in treating ringworm. It will speed up recovery time, and ensure that other people don’t contract the fungus accidentally.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting an antifungal shampoo. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of antifungal shampoo,

• See useful tips about that particular type of antifungal shampoo,

• Read reviews of different antifungal shampoos, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of antifungal shampoo, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

You’ll see shampoos advertised as being “antifungal”--they usually have the following ingredients that have been found to be effective:

• Ketoconazole: This is effective in reducing the levels of the dandruff-causing yeast Malassezia. It is also used to treat ringworm, candida, and other yeast infections. An example is the product "Nizoral".

• Selenium shampoo: Selenium sulfide reduces the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the scalp. That will also help reduce dandruff. It also is effective in reducing the numbers of yeasts and fungi in the scalp. Selsun Blue is a well-known anti-dandruff shampoo using selenium.

• Tea Tree Oil: This has been found to be effective in treating stubborn nail fungus, as well as Athlete’s foot. The “Remedy Soap” produced by Honestie Naturals uses Tea Tree and Peppermint oils and can defend against a number of fungi: ringworm, Athlete’s foot, nail fungus, Candida, and more.

• Emu Oil and Coconut Oil: Emu oil is derived from the fat of the Australian emu bird. It is surmised to enhance hair growth. Coconut oil has caprylic acid, which is supposed to eradicate fungi and bacteria. There are a number of products that employ these two oils as a fungicide. An example is the "Healthy Hair Plus" Antifungal Shampoo.

• Takes time to see results: People who used the First Botany Cosmeceuticals Tea Tree Oil Scalp Shampoo said that the product has a strong, medicinal smell, as expected with Tea Tree oil products. It also gives a slight tingling feeling at first. The first times of using the product actually made the itching worse initially. But this went away after the scalp shed a layer of dry skin.

• Other benefits of tea tree oil compounds: Tea tree oil in shampoos increases hair’s shine and body as well. People use these shampoos as a body wash and face wash. Some customers say that First Botany Cosmeceuticals Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is effective in washing your face if you suffer from acne. It can also dry up and heal rashes, as from poison ivy. Also, Maple Holistics sells a shampoo and conditioner for alleviating dandruff. The shampoo removes the dead skin cells, and it has lavender oil to soothe itchy scalp. Their conditioner uses tea tree oil to kill fungi and bacteria and has amino acids and vitamins to repair frizzy hair and lend the hair body.

• Ketoconazole at a 1% concentration: The Nizoral Anti-Dandruff shampoo is a 1% formula. That’s safe as a non-prescription, over-the-counter treatment for dandruff. It doesn’t need to be used more than twice a week. It also works against seborrhoeic dermatitis--red, scaly patches of skin on the face or scalp, which is essentially a very severe case of dandruff. Serious cases of seborrhea will need a doctor’s prescription and higher concentrations of Ketoconazole.

• Sun-damaged scalp also exacerbates dandruff: If you choose to keep your hair short, you have to be careful when going in the sun. Excessive sun exposure will dry and sunburn the scalp. So you should take precautions, as by wearing a hat.

• Healthy Hair Plus--was founded in 1996, as a manufacturer of hair and skin care products. They have soaps and shampoos for moisturizing, deep-cleaning, and skin tightening, as well as for treating dandruff, psoriasis, and acne. They also sell antifungal and antibacterial shampoos.

• Nizoral--is a treatment that fights the fungus that causes dandruff, Malassezia or Pityrosporum ovale. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. manufactures a version of Nizoral that is sold over-the-counter.

• Purely Northwest-- is a company that makes products based on natural oils to promote healthy skin and nails. They are located in Sedro Woolley, Washington. They have a series of antifungal washes and creams.

• First Botany Cosmeceuticals--is located in Denver, Colorado, and are manufacturers of beauty and health products for the skin and hair, as well as products that reduce the effects of aging. Their tea tree oil shampoo is reputed for treating dandruff and fighting fungus.

• Maple Holistics--is located in Farmingdale, New Jersey, and are makers of holistic products for hygiene and healthy living. They market shampoos, conditioners, facial masks, skin care products and even organic health foods.