A face wash can be the first step in your skincare towards managing seborrheic dermatitis. Some ingredients when given brief contact time with the skin can do wonders.
The face wash/cleansers I will be talking about below have one or another ingredient that can target inflammation, Malassezia, or the buildup of dead skin cells.
Many cleansers targeted for seborrheic dermatitis can be too harsh for facial skin, so you will have to see what will fit your needs. In addition, you may not need to use these cleansers every single day.
Even a few days a week might be enough to manage the condition. Following up with a good moisturizer is a must to counteract the drying effects of the cleansers.
Don’t try to scrub away the layers of dead skin. It is challenging but if you scrub, use a sponge or a washcloth to wash off the dead skin, it is just a matter of hours before they build up again.
I have tried it all, and unless we try to target some of the factors related to seborrheic dermatitis, the symptoms and the flakiness just keep coming back. This results in a never-ending chronic cycle. (Read more about the details of seborrheic dermatitis in this post)
So, let’s talk about the best face washes that can help target seborrheic dermatitis in a gentle way.
1. Dermadoctor Calm Cool & Corrected Tranquility Cleanser
Read my full review on Dermadoctor Calm Cool & Corrected Tranquility Cleanser.
This cleanser is based on zinc pyrithione which can decrease the burden of Malassezia on the skin. There are very few cleaners with a 2% concentration of zinc pyrithione and this is one of them.
It has a thick milky white consistency and it foams well. Make sure to let the foam sit on the skin for a couple of minutes for it to work.
It contains sulfates (sodium laureth sulfate is much more gentle compared to sodium lauryl sulfate) but is gentle for facial skin. A few years back, it used to come in glass packaging which was hard to use. But now the packaging is changed making it more user-friendly.
If you are looking for a paraben-free option, this will not fit your criteria.
Pros
- High concentration of zinc pyrithione
Cons
- Contains sulfates, which may be problematic for some people
- Can be drying for some skin types
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 2%
Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyquaternium-7, Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben
2. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash
If you are looking for a sulfate-free cleanser, this might be it. This is based on zinc pyrithione, an effective antifungal ingredient. It can decrease Malassezia on the affected skin and help the skin to regain its barrier function.
This produces a soft fluffy lather that cleans well. Make sure to leave it on for a couple of minutes for best results. It is free of fragrance making it sensitive skin friendly.
Pros
- Free of sulfates or fragrance
Cons
- Wish it had a higher concentration of zinc pyrithione
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 0.95%
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid
3. Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Bar Soap
This soap has been around for quite some time and a lot of people with seborrheic dermatitis love this. It has a high concentration of zinc pyrithione – 2%.
This brand has a few variations of this soap and it varies depending on the oil it is based on. So, you can choose what you prefer.
I find it less drying than other bar soaps. It does have oats for an exfoliating effect, but they don’t physically exfoliate your skin unless you rub the soap directly onto your skin.
The best way is to foam it in your hands, lightly apply the foam onto your skin, and let it sit for a couple of minutes before washing it off.
Pros
- High concentration of zinc pyrithione
Cons
- Can be drying for some skin types
Full ingredient list
Saponified olive oil (infused with calendula), saponified argan oil, milled oats, pyrithione zinc.
4. Vanicream Z-Bar (Medicated Cleansing Bar)
This is another bar soap based on zinc pyrithione – which is effective against Malassezia. It also contains sorbitol which can disrupt the fungi biofilms.
This foams really well just like a typical bar soap. I find it more drying than some other cleansers. However, this would be a great choice if your skin is more tolerant or for treating hairy areas of the face.
Pros
- High concentration of zinc pyrithione
- Contains sorbitol which may target fungi biofilm
Cons
- Can be drying
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 2%
Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Stearic acid, Coconut acid, Water, Sodium isethionate, Sodium cocoyl glycinate, Sodium chloride, Petrolatum, Sorbitol, Cetearyl alcohol, Propanediol, Ceteareth-20, Simethicone, Glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 stearate, Sorbic acid
5. Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser
There are not many sulfur-based cleansers on the market. Most are bar soaps which can be too harsh for facial skin. This is a sulfate-free face wash with 3% sulfur, a sweet spot making it more sensitive skin friendly.
This does contain fragrance, but it is usually less of a problem in wash-off products. If you are allergic to fragrance, probably skip this one. It foams and cleans well. Sulfur can decrease the buildup of dead skin along with decreasing Malassezia.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- One of the very few sulfur-based face cleansers
Cons
- Contains fragrance
- Can be drying if used too often
Full ingredient list
Sulfur 3.0%
Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Coco-Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Coconut Alcohol, Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate, Glycereth-18, Stearyl Alcohol, Honey Extract/Mel/Extrait de Miel, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Oligopeptide-10, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Behenyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/Parfum, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Carboxyethyl Siliconate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
6. Uriage DS Regulating Foaming Gel
Just like sulfur, there are very few face cleansers with piroctone olamine – which is an effective antifungal. It can help decrease the amount of Malassezia on the skin’s surface.
This is a foaming face cleanser that cleans the skin well. It is free of any added fragrance. It does contain sodium laureth sulfate and a dye.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Contains sulfates and dye
Full ingredient list
Piroctone Olamine
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate, Zinc Coceth Sulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Lactic Acid, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Piroctone Olamine, Magnesium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Oleth Sulfate, Magnesium Laureth-8 Sulfate, Benzoic Acid, Copper Gluconate, Manganese Gluconate, Magnesium Oleth Sulfate, Coceth-3, Phytosphingosine, Asiaticoside, Ci 42090 (Blue 1).
7. CeraVe Renewing Face Wash for Normal Skin with Salicylic Acid
Cerave is known for its sensitive skin-friendly products and this product is no different. It is based on 2% salicylic acid – a beta-hydroxy acid, which penetrates deep into the pores to exfoliate.
This is a very gentle option for decreasing the build-up of dead skin cells on seborrheic skin. It foams very lightly and cleans the skin well. Make sure to leave it on your skin for a minute or two to get the most benefit.
Pros
- High concentration of salicylic acid in a mild formula
- Free of fragrance and sulfates
Cons
- Can be drying for some skin types
Full ingredient list
Salicylic Acid 2%
Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Zea Mays Oil/Corn Oil, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholecalciferol, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Tetrasodium Edta, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
8. The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser
Salicylic acid can help in decreasing the inflammation and buildup of dead skin cells. This cleanser is based on salicylic acid and is very gentle. It also contains zinc PCA which can decrease inflammation.
It is referred to as lightly foaming but it hardly foams. After massaging the formula on the skin, let it sit for a couple of minutes. If you are a fan of non-foaming cleansers, you are going to love this. It is free of sulfates, fragrances, or dyes.
Pros
- Gentle formulation with 2% salicylic acid
- Free of sulfates and fragrance
Cons
- Can be drying for some skin types
Full ingredient list
Salicylic Acid 2%
Water (Aqua/Eau), Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Salicylic Acid, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Betaine, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Benzyl Alcohol, Coconut Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate.
9. Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
This is another gem based on salicylic acid. It has a lower concentration of salicylic acid – 0.5%. It foams lightly and cleans the skin well.
It is free from sulfates and fragrance. If a higher concentration of salicylic acid dries out your skin, this can be a great alternative.
Pros
- Gentle formula free of sulfates and fragrance
Cons
- Can be slightly drying
Full ingredient list
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Water (Aqua), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Glycerin, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin.
10. Dermaharmony 2% Zinc Pyrithione (ZNP Bar) Soap
Read my full review on Dermaharmony 2% zinc pyrithione bar soap.
This is a bar soap based on zinc pyrithione (2%) – effective against Malassezia. This is free of any added fragrance, dyes, or essential oils. This brand also has a bar soap with 1% zinc pyrithione, but I prefer this one.
This foams really well, however, it can be drying for the skin. So make sure to follow with a rich moisturizer. Comparing it to the Vanicream Z-bar, this is somewhat more drying.
Make sure to leave the foam on the skin for a few minutes before washing off.
Pros
- High concentration of zinc pyrithione
- Free of fragrance
Cons
- Can be drying
Full ingredient list
Zinc pyrithione 2%
Saponified Oils (from palm and coconut), Water, Glycerin (from vegetable oil), Pyrithione Zinc, Titanium Dioxide (a natural mineral), Oatmeal, Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Table Salt, Salt of Pentetic Acid.
Comparison chart
| Face Wash | Key ingredients | Fragrance-free | Fragrance free |
| Dermadoctor Calm Cool & Corrected Tranquility Cleanser | Zinc pyrithione 2% | No | Yes |
| Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash | Zinc pyrithione 0.95% | Yes | Yes |
| Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Bar Soap | Zinc pyrithione 2% | Yes | Yes |
| Vanicream Z-Bar (Medicated Cleansing Bar) | Zinc pyrithione 2% | Yes | Yes |
| Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser | Sulfur 3.0% | Yes | No |
| Uriage DS Regulating Foaming Gel | Piroctone olamine | No | Yes |
| CeraVe Renewing Face Wash for Normal Skin with Salicylic Acid | Salicylic Acid 2% | Yes | Yes |
| The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Acne + Pore Cleanser | Salicylic Acid 2% | Yes | Yes |
| Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser | Salicylic Acid 0.5% | Yes | Yes |
| Dermaharmony 2% Zinc Pyrithione (ZNP Bar) Soap | Zinc pyrithione 2% | Yes | Yes |
FAQs
Which face wash is the best for seborrheic dermatitis?
There are many ingredients in a face wash like sulfur, zinc pyrithione, and salicylic acid which are useful for seborrheic dermatitis. The best face wash is the one that you are able to tolerate on your facial skin. Consistency is the key to managing seborrheic dermatitis.
Does washing the face help seborrheic dermatitis?
Washing the face once or twice daily can be useful for seborrheic dermatitis by removing impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oils. However, over-cleansing the face can result in barrier disruption which can lead to a flare of seborrheic dermatitis.
Using a face wash targeted for seborrheic dermatitis a few times a week can be useful as well.
Should you exfoliate if you have seborrheic dermatitis?
One can benefit from using ingredients like salicylic acid which can exfoliate and remove layers of dead skin cells. However, exfoliation should be done in moderation to decrease the chances of skin barrier damage.
Further reading
- Seborrheic Dermatitis on Face: Treatment, Causes, Symptoms
- Products to Avoid with Seborrheic Dermatitis
- The 12 Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Moisturizers and Creams
Disclaimer: The ingredient list/ price is subject to change over time, so make sure you check them before buying any product.