You’ve probably heard of tea tree as an alternative to acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but if you’ve noticed the essential oil finding its way into shampoos and scalp treatments, then you’ve picked up on what’s poised to become the next big thing when it comes to treating flakes and itchiness.
“Tea tree oil is commonly used in skin care because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. “We know that dandruff is caused by skin inflammation that results from high levels of yeast on the skin. Tea tree oil can help reduce levels of that yeast, and subsequently reduce inflammation and scalp flaking.”
If you’re ready to say goodbye to scalp concerns and hello to healthy, shiny strands, get familiar with the six tea tree shampoos ahead.
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Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
“Tea tree oil shampoos may help people with a dry or itchy scalp, and even seborrheic dermatitis,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC. “Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo is great because it’s safe for color-treated hair.” That said, if symptoms aren’t letting up, it might be time to switch to the medicated stuff: “Tea tree is a good natural alternative, but will not be as effective as traditional scalp shampoos that are prescribed.”
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Playa California Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo
Playa’s new Scrub Shampoo tackles all your scalp woes with a power pairing of tea tree oil and sea salt to offer manual exfoliation with soothing benefits. (For the record, Sephora reviewers swear by the stuff for boosting shine and volume, too.)
Playa California Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo, $, available at Sephora
OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo
Zeichner name checks this drugstore favorite formula, which is infused with peppermint oil to remove buildup and leave behind a fresh, tingly finish.
OGX Hydrating + Tea Tree Mint Shampoo, $, available at Amazon
Love Beauty And Planet Radical Refresher Clarifying Shampoo Tea Tree Oil & Vetiver
This coconut- and tea tree oil-infused shampoo gets your scalp squeaky-clean and won’t leave your roots looking weighed down. Plus, it’s sulfate-free and packaged in post-consumer plastic.
Love Beauty and Planet Radical Refresher Clarifying Shampoo Tea Tree Oil, $, available at Walmart
Aesop Calming Shampoo
Pick up this Aesop option and you’ll look forward to shampooing your strands with a sage-, chamomile-, and tea tree-infused formula that smells like a spa day.
Aesop Calming Shampoo, $, available at SkinStore
Avalon Organics Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatment Shampoo
Snap up this Costco-sized tea tree shampoo during your next Thrive Market haul. You — more specifically, your scalp — will be glad you did.
Avalon Organics Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatment Shampoo, $, available at Thrive Market
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