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
Selsun Blue
Medicinal Selenium Sulfide Shampoo with Menthol & French Honey for Itchy, Oily Scalp
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.
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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 | Human Nature Strengthening + PLUS Shampoo | ![]() | Stronger Roots, Fuller Hair | Balancing Shampoo | Lemon essential oil, rosemary essential oil | Herbal rosemary | 180 mL | ||||
2 | Zenutrients Curls Avocado & Tea Tree Sulfate-Free Shampoo | ![]() | Nourish Your Curls with Natural Goodness | Purifying Shampoo | Tea tree oil, avocado oil | Sweet, fresh herbal aroma | 250 mL | ||||
3 | Be Organic Sulfate‑Free Gugo Shampoo | ![]() | Revitalize Hair the Natural Way | Purifying Shampoo | Gugo extract, cocamidopropyl betaine | Light floral-herbal fragrance | 250 mL | ||||
4 | Selsun Blue Pro‑X Extra Strength Shampoo | ![]() | Medicinal Selenium Sulfide Shampoo with Menthol & French Honey for Itchy, Oily Scalp | Purifying Shampoo | Selenium sulfide, menthol | Medicinal cool menthol with light honey undertone | 120 mL | ||||
5 | Dove Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | ![]() | Hydrating Pyrithione Zinc Shampoo for Flake‑Free, Soft Hair | Purifying Shampoo | Pyrithione zinc, sweet almond oil | Light, clean floral‑almond fragrance | 170 mL | ||||
6 | The Eco Shift® Fire's Passion Shampoo Bar | ![]() | Ignite Your Hair’s Natural Radiance | Shampoo Bar | Hibiscus extract, clementine oil | Fruity‑floral with citrus overtones | 60 mL | ||||
7 | Head & Shoulders Shampoo Anti Dandruff Lemon Fresh Hair Care | ![]() | Fresh Citrus Relief For Flake-Free Confidence | Purifying Shampoo | Pyrithione zinc, citrus essences | Zesty lemon with a refreshing cooling note | 330 mL | ||||
8 | Herbal Essences Coconut Milk Shampoo | ![]() | Nourish Your Hair with Tropical Coconut Bliss | Balancing Shampoo | Coconut milk, aloe vera | Tropical coconut with floral notes | 400 mL | ||||
9 | Palmolive Naturals Anti-Dandruff + Scalp Health Shampoo | ![]() | Tea Tree & Clay Shampoo That Gently Fights Flakes | Purifying Shampoo | Tea tree oil, clay extracts | Refreshing, natural fragrance | 400 mL | ||||
10 | Pantene Micellar Rosewater Detox & Hydrate Shampoo | ![]() | Refresh Your Scalp with Rosewater Infusion | Micellar Shampoo | Micelles, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate | Rose | 530mL |
Type | Balancing Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Lemon essential oil, rosemary essential oil |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Herbal rosemary |
Net Weight | 180 mL |
Type | Purifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Tea tree oil, avocado oil |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Sweet, fresh herbal aroma |
Net Weight | 250 mL |
Type | Purifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Gugo extract, cocamidopropyl betaine |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Light floral-herbal fragrance |
Net Weight | 250 mL |
Users report immediate itch relief and a super clean, cool feel after use. Many share that it cleared persistent flakes,even with severe dandruff, and maintained scalp health with once or twice-weekly use. Some caution it can dry out hair, so they suggest pairing it with conditioner.
Type | Purifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Selenium sulfide, menthol |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Medicinal cool menthol with light honey undertone |
Net Weight | 120 mL |
Features and benefits:
Many users say this shampoo effectively reduces flakes while keeping the hair soft and manageable. Others highlight that it soothes itching without causing dryness. The creamy formula and fresh scent are also commonly appreciated, especially for daily use on dry, sensitive scalps.
Type | Purifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Pyrithione zinc, sweet almond oil |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Light, clean floral‑almond fragrance |
Net Weight | 170 mL |
Type | Shampoo Bar |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Hibiscus extract, clementine oil |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Fruity‑floral with citrus overtones |
Net Weight | 60 mL |
Type | Purifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Pyrithione zinc, citrus essences |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Zesty lemon with a refreshing cooling note |
Net Weight | 330 mL |
Type | Balancing Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Coconut milk, aloe vera |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Tropical coconut with floral notes |
Net Weight | 400 mL |
Features and benefits:
Customers consistently mention that it leaves the scalp feeling refreshed and cool, with dandruff visibly reduced after a few uses. Many appreciate the pleasant scent and soft hair feel without dryness. A few noted it's best used regularly to maintain results, and one user with severe dandruff needed extra treatments.
Type | Purifying Shampoo |
---|---|
Oil-Controlling Ingredients | Tea tree oil, clay extracts |
Suitable for Sensitive Scalp | |
Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | |
Volumizing | |
Scent | Refreshing, natural fragrance |
Net Weight | 400 mL |
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 |
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: Human Nature|Strengthening + PLUS Shampoo
No. 2: Zenutrients|Curls Avocado & Tea Tree Sulfate-Free Shampoo
No. 3: Be Organic|Sulfate‑Free Gugo Shampoo
No. 4: Selsun Blue |Pro‑X Extra Strength Shampoo
No. 5: Dove |Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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