It is a must for those with oily hair to care for their tresses with the right shampoo that can reduce oiliness and help keep their scalp feeling fresh throughout the day. Whether you have fine hair or a sensitive scalp, there is bound to be a product for you!
With the many options in the market, it's a bit daunting trying to pick the best one, so we've compiled our top 10 product recommendations for the best shampoos for oily hair. We've also prepared a buying guide to give you an idea of what you should look out for when browsing for the right shampoo, and our buying guide includes tips and comments from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison!
Quick List - Top Shampoos for Oily Hair
Zenutrients
Effective Oil Control and Anti-Dandruff Solution With Natural Tea Tree Oil
Pantene
Formulated With Micelles for a Deep, Detoxifying Clean
Olaplex
Gently Removes Oil and Keeps Scalp Balance With Mild Cleansers
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Shampoos vary in formulations based on hair type or specific concern. Before picking a shampoo, consider the key points listed in the buying guide below.
As the name suggests, oil-controlling shampoos can help regulate the excess sebum produced by your scalp. Meanwhile, clarifying shampoos aim to deep clean your hair, sloughing away product build-up and excess oil. These are perfect for those with oily scalps and greasy hair since they can act as hair detox.
Make sure to read the instructions, though, because some clarifying shampoos may be too strong for daily use. You can find the instructions in the product description or packaging, so remember to read them in full before buying anything.
If you want something more gentle, you can also look for micellar shampoos, which wash away dirt, pollution, and product build-up. They're safe for color-treated hair and will give you voluminous healthy hair without drying out your locks.
Shampoos are used primarily to clean the scalp of dirt and other environmental pollutants, sebum, sweat, scales, and other greasy residues, including previously applied hair care products. They usually contain synthetic detergents (syndets) or surfactants as primary cleansers. Shampoo for oily hair is for people who produce abundant sebum. They contain lauryl sulfates or sulfosuccinates as detergents and no conditioners.
Micellar shampoos are similar to clarifying shampoos, which are designed to remove buildup. Micelles are tiny molecules created in surfactants. These form when surfactants dissolve in water. As you wash your hair, micelles trap oil, water, and other impurities before being rinsed away. Micellar shampoos are gentler than clarifying shampoos and can be used every day.
Those with oily hair should make sure to avoid moisturizing shampoos. These shampoos will add too much moisture to your scalp and hair, which will not solve your problem but instead, aggravate it. You should also avoid shampoos with labels such as “hydrating” or “smoothening” since they tend to add unnecessary moisture to your hair.
For those with oily scalp, look for shampoos with anionic surfactants. Examples of these are lauryl sulfates, laureth sulfates, and sulfosuccinates. These are derived from fatty alcohols, and they are very good at removing sebum from the scalp and hair.
To effectively address oiliness and other hair concerns, it's important to look into the ingredients of your shampoo. We've enumerated some of the most common ones used in shampoos for oily hair below.
For those with oily scalps, check if your shampoo contains sodium laureth sulfates (SLES) and sulfosuccinates. These ingredients are both sulfates that are commonly used in cosmetic products for deep cleaning purposes. They can help remove excess oil and impurities from your scalp and hair.
Lauryl sulfates are popular primary cleansers and they work well in both hard and soft water, produce rich foam, and are easily rinsed. They are excellent cleansers, commonly used in shampoos for oily hair. Examples include sodium lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate.
Laureth sulfates are another class of excellent detergents with good cleansing abilities and foaming properties useful for normal-to-dry hair. Examples are sodium laureth sulfate, triethanolamine laureth sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate. Sulfosuccinates are strong detergents commonly used as a secondary surfactant in oily hair shampoos. Examples are disodium oleaminesulfosuccinate and sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate.
Another beneficial ingredient to look for is salicylic acid. Like the sulfates mentioned above, it can help reduce oiliness on your scalp. It also helps with hair loss by strengthening your hair and promoting its growth.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble and can function as a mild exfoliant. It is also useful for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
If you’re looking for something more natural, you can go for ingredients like tea tree oil. It has numerous benefits for oily hair including addressing dandruff as well as regulating oil production. Ultimately, this will result in a healthier scalp and better-looking hair.
Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal activities. It was shown to be effective in treating dandruff as compared to a placebo. Adverse events in the study include mild burning, stinging, and itching.
Sulfates, alcohol, and parabens are used as cleansing agents in shampoos, which are good for oily hair. But sometimes, they strip away too much moisture and natural oils from your locks. If you have a sensitive scalp, a skin condition such as eczema, or chemically-treated hair, it's best to steer clear from shampoos with these ingredients.
Instead, it would be better to opt for a sulfate-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free shampoo. Doing so will help preserve your hair color by ensuring that your locks don't get dry and that it will still retain some of its natural oils to keep it hydrated. These milder shampoos will also prevent irritation and redness on your scalp.
For those with sensitive scalps, look for nonionic surfactants because they have the mildest cleansing abilities. Examples are polyoxyethylene fatty alcohols and polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters alkanolamides. Amphoteric surfactants are gentle to the eyes, have mild cleansing properties and impart manageability as well. Examples are betaines, sultaines, and imidazolium derivatives.
Having an oily scalp can add weight to your hair, making it look lifeless. This is especially true for those with fine or thin hair. To combat this, consider going for a volumizing shampoo that will not only cleanse your hair of excess oil but will also give you much-needed volume for fuller and bouncier locks.
Aside from getting clean hair, you want to make sure that it smells good, too, so take note of the scent of your shampoo. There are different scents available, such as floral and citrus, that will help you feel fresh and clean all day amidst the hot Philippine weather.
If you don’t like products with strong scents or worry that your shampoo’s smell will clash with your body wash or perfume, you can also opt for an unscented option. This is also recommended for those who have more sensitive scalps and skin since fragrances can sometimes trigger allergies or irritation.
Fragrances are added to give the shampoo a consumer-acceptable smell, while preservatives resist germs and prevent decomposition of the shampoos. Examples are sodium benzoate, parabens, 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin, tetrasodium EDTA, methylisothiazolinone, or MIT and Quaternium-15. Some individuals may develop allergic contact dermatitis to these ingredients, so it's best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough assessment.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | Volumizing | Scent | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Zenutrients Shampoo Tea Tree Scalp Treatment | ![]() | Effective Oil Control and Anti-Dandruff Solution With Natural Tea Tree Oil | Clarifying Shampoo | Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil | Fresh | 100mL | ||||
2 | Pantene Micellar Rosewater Detox & Hydrate Shampoo | ![]() | Formulated With Micelles for a Deep, Detoxifying Clean | Micellar Shampoo | Micelles, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate | Rose | 530mL | ||||
3 | Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo | ![]() | Gently Removes Oil and Keeps Scalp Balance With Mild Cleansers | Clarifying Shampoo | Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Betaine | Fresh | 250mL | ||||
4 | Kérastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo | ![]() | A Balancing Shampoo That Targets Oily Scalp | Balancing Shampoo | Salicylic Acid, Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B6), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Tea-Lauryl Sulfate | Fresh | 250mL | ||||
5 | GFF Abo Shampoo Bar | ![]() | Combines Zinc, Tea Tree, and Charcoal to Balance Scalp Oil | Shampoo Bar | Zinc Pyrithione, Activated Charcoal Powder, Tea Tree Oil | Fresh | 50g | ||||
6 | L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Scalp Advanced Anti-Oiliness Shampoo | ![]() | Dermatologist-Tested Oil-Control Shampoo for Healthy Scalp and Follicles | Purifying Shampoo | Salicylic Acid, Coco-Betaine | Fresh | 300mL | ||||
7 | Beach Born Onya Nees Sea Salt Shampoo Bar | ![]() | Prevent Oil and Dirt Build-Up With This Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar | Shampoo Bar | Sea Salt, Nori Seaweed, Rosemary and Grapefruit Essential Oils | Citrus | 70g | ||||
8 | Moist Diane Extra Fresh & Hydrate Shampoo | ![]() | Enriched With Scalp-Relieving Herbs for Lasting Oil Control and Freshness | Balancing Shampoo | Salicylic Acid, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Tea Tree and Peppermint Oils | Fresh | 450mL | ||||
9 | Yves Rocher Refresh Purifying Shampoo | ![]() | Purifies Hair and Eliminates Excess Oil With Organic Algae | Purifying Shampoo | Organic Algae, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine | Fresh | 300mL | ||||
10 | L'Occitane Purifying Freshness Shampoo | ![]() | Brings Hair Back to Life With Essential Oils and Plant Extracts | Purifying Shampoo | Peppermint Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Rosemary Extract, Thyme Extract, Sage Extract, Lavender Extract, Apple Vinegar | Fresh | 500mL |
If you’re dealing with oily hair or dandruff, this tea tree oil shampoo can help address those concerns naturally. It combines gentle yet effective natural ingredients, making it a great choice for a thorough, non-drying cleanse. Plus, it’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, ensuring a safer, scalp-friendly formula.
In addition to tea tree oil, this shampoo includes peppermint oil for a refreshing, cooling sensation and glycerin to lock in moisture. Users rave about its effectiveness, noting that it leaves hair feeling clean, balanced, and free of irritation. Many have even found it particularly beneficial for managing scalp psoriasis.
Type | Clarifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Fresh |
Net Weight | 100mL |
Type | Micellar Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Micelles, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Rose |
Net Weight | 530mL |
Type | Clarifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Betaine |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Fresh |
Net Weight | 250mL |
The Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo from Kérastase is perfect for oily scalps with dry ends, helping balance oiliness by controlling sebum production. It detoxifies by lifting away pollution, dirt, and impurities from the scalp without harshness. Plus, it leaves hair feeling soft, hydrated, and refreshed.
This shampoo contains salicylic acid and vitamin B6 to control excess oils and glycine to nourish and fortify sensitized and damaged hair. Its formulation adds volume to hair, softens it, and helps detangle it. Reviewers rave about its ability to make the scalp less oily and the hair look healthier.
Type | Balancing Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B6), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Tea-Lauryl Sulfate |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Fresh |
Net Weight | 250mL |
Type | Shampoo Bar |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Zinc Pyrithione, Activated Charcoal Powder, Tea Tree Oil |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Fresh |
Net Weight | 50g |
For those with an oily scalp, this L'Oreal Professionnel shampoo is your secret weapon for a thorough cleanse! Packed with 3% AHA (Salicylic Acid), it works wonders to target oil and buildup while leaving your scalp feeling refreshed. This lightweight gel gives your hair the love it needs to grow healthier without weighing it down.
Created with three scalp pros, including balayage and color experts, this dermatologist-approved formula is ideal for sensitive scalps. It’s cruelty-free and free from silicones, colorants, and alcohols, so you can feel good about your hair care routine. Buyers rave about how it detoxifies the scalp and leaves hair light, bouncy, and full of life.
Type | Purifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Coco-Betaine |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Fresh |
Net Weight | 300mL |
Looking for a sustainable alternative to plastic shampoo bottles? Try the Onya Nees shampoo bar! Designed for oily and flat hair, it’s formulated to tackle excess oil and build-up by detoxifying and exfoliating the hair and scalp, leaving hair clean and voluminous.
Despite its clarifying properties, this shampoo bar keeps hair moisturized, thanks to nourishing ingredients like fresh nori seaweed and extracts. It’s also enriched with essential oils to promote strong, shiny hair. Customers love how it cleans effectively without causing dryness.
Type | Shampoo Bar |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Sea Salt, Nori Seaweed, Rosemary and Grapefruit Essential Oils |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Citrus |
Net Weight | 70g |
Type | Balancing Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Tea Tree and Peppermint Oils |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Fresh |
Net Weight | 450mL |
Type | Purifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Organic Algae, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Fresh |
Net Weight | 300mL |
Type | Purifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Peppermint Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Rosemary Extract, Thyme Extract, Sage Extract, Lavender Extract, Apple Vinegar |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Fresh |
Net Weight | 500mL |
If you still have some questions, let Dr. Meg Sison answer them as she gives her insights regarding some of the most asked questions online!
Usually, a coin-sized amount (5 peso coin) is enough for the whole scalp. You do not need to shampoo the entire length of your hair during bathing.
If you have oily hair and scalp, it is recommended to wash it once a day.
It is actually impossible to get rid of oily hair and scalp. The most that we can do is to choose the right hair care products to keep the hair and scalp from becoming greasy.
Having soft and shiny hair can make you feel more confident, so it's important to have styling tools that can help you achieve the look that you want. Check out our other articles below for the best hair styling products that we've found online.
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Editor and Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia, Valerie Lagura
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Zenutrients|Shampoo Tea Tree Scalp Treatment
No. 2: Pantene|Micellar Rosewater Detox & Hydrate Shampoo
No. 3: Olaplex|No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
No. 4: Kérastase|Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo
No. 5: GFF|Abo Shampoo Bar
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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