That’s why if you see salicylic acid, or its all-natural cousin willow bark or white willow, on a shampoo’s ingredient label, you might think, Huh? Well, much like it has skin-supporting benefits for your face, it actually can be quite beneficial for the scalp as well—particularly if you have certain scalp conditions. It makes sense if you think about it: Since the BHA is so good at breaking down oil in your pores, of course it can do the same on your scalp and hair follicles. And since it’s able to slough off dull skin cells, it can help ease flakes and dandruff (which are just dead skin anyway). Here are some of our favorite options, if you think you’d like to try. African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Pre-Shampoo Scalp Scrub, Shea Moisture ($11.99) Scalp Relief Shampoo, Derma-E ($10.99) Salicylic Acid Shampoo, Collective Wellbeing ($8.99) Clean Rinse, Sunday Riley ($48) R.A.W. Scalp Care Antidandruff Shampoo, Matrix Biolage ($25) Organics Anti-Dandruff Itch & Flake Shampoo, Avalon ($12.99) Squeaky, Uncle Funky’s Daughter ($12.99)
