“I hate this seb derm! Face is a mess! I have tried everything (except washing my face with dandruff shampoo as someone mentioned), and nothing works. Makes my skin look older and more wrinkled. Help!”

Seborrheic dermatitis on the face can be particularly uncomfortable and can affect your self-esteem. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription face washes may help some people with facial seborrheic dermatitis, but it can be challenging to find a face wash that’s best for you. Many members of MySebDermTeam have discussed this topic.

One member reached out for advice on face washes: “How do you heal the skin barrier on the face? I’m at a loss. I use the most sensitive stuff, cool water. I want to feel normal again!!”

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common type of eczema that occurs in areas of the body with oily skin and more sebaceous glands — glands that produce sebum (oil) — including the face. Symptoms of facial seborrheic dermatitis may include itchy, burning, flaky, greasy, or dry skin and a rash that may be red or discolored (depending on your skin tone).

The condition is believed to be triggered by an inflammatory reaction to Malassezia yeast, a type of fungus that occurs naturally on the skin but can be overproduced in people with seborrheic dermatitis. Other triggers include changes in weather, harsh chemicals or soaps, hormonal changes, and a reaction to certain medications.

What To Look for in a Face Wash

Medical researchers generally recommend that people use mild cleansers to wash their skin. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin caused by skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. A good cleanser should be fragrance-free and hydrating to help prevent dry skin. Cleansers, as opposed to soaps, have a lower pH level, which helps protect the skin barrier and support the skin’s microbiome — naturally occurring microorganisms that help protect the skin.

Certain ingredients in some face washes also help soften scales, prevent infection, and fight fungal overgrowth. Ingredients in a face wash that may be beneficial for skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, acne-prone skin, and seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Salicylic acid (softens scales)
• Pyrithione zinc (antifungal and antibacterial)
• Ketoconazole (antifungal)
• Sulfacetamide and sulfur (anti-inflammatory and antibacterial)

Always be gentle when washing your face, particularly on areas affected by seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a good idea to test a new face wash on a small patch of affected skin to see if you have an unpleasant reaction. Talk to your dermatology team for face wash recommendations that may be appropriate for your skin type. Depending on your condition, your doctor may advise you to use a prescription face wash and will explain how best to use it.

Keep reading to learn about some face washes that are sometimes used for seborrheic dermatitis. Once you find one that works for you, make sure to follow the directions on the label, and try using these face washes in your morning and night skin care routine for the best outcome.

1. Salicylic Acid Gel Cleansers

Many OTC face washes contain salicylic acid, which has several beneficial properties for people with seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antifungal. Research also shows that salicylic acid helps stop too much oil and skin cells from building up, which contributes to scaly skin.

Many face washes with salicylic acid and can be bought online or in drugstores. Some cleansers with salicylic acid create a foaming lather.

“In the evening, I wash my face with a salicylic cleanser,” a MySebDermTeam member shared. “In four days, I’ve seen a remarkable difference. Wish me luck,” they said, emphasizing that cleansing was just one part of their skin care routine.

2. Pyrithione Zinc Face Washes or Bars

Pyrithione zinc is the compound in face washes most recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology for people with seborrheic dermatitis. Pyrithione zinc is a common ingredient in medicated anti-dandruff shampoos — dandruff is actually considered a form of seborrheic dermatitis.

Pyrithione zinc has two important benefits. It has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties and can be especially effective because it consists of fine particles that adhere to the skin even when it’s rinsed off.

You can find pyrithione zinc face washes or bars online and at various stores that sell skin care products.

“I’ve struggled with SD on my nose for about three years, and I’m finally seeing some results. My nose used to flake and be dry no matter what moisturizer I used. Sometimes, it would itch so bad and even hurt from how dry I felt. But I 100 percent recommend a pyrithione zinc bar of soap! It has helped so much,” a MySebDermTeam member wrote.

3. Anti-Dandruff Shampoos

A common active ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoo is ketoconazole, which has antifungal properties. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends anti-dandruff shampoos with 1% ketoconazole for people with seborrheic dermatitis under mustaches or beards. Several OTC options are available online and in stores, but your doctor may recommend another product with ketoconazole or a prescription ketoconazole cleanser.

A MySebDermTeam member shared their experience with an anti-dandruff shampoo: “So I’ve been following a regimen for the last three months of washing my face twice a day with anti-dandruff shampoo, then using prescription-strength ketoconazole cream … it works! My face has cleared up substantially. In fact, on most days, my seb derm is completely gone. I’ve reduced the washing to once a day, and I continue to see great results.”

Check with your doctor before using anti-dandruff shampoos and body washes that aren’t specifically designed for the face.

4. Sodium Sulfacetamide and Sulfur Cleansers

This combination of ingredients is available in prescription cleansers. Sodium sulfacetamide has antibacterial properties, and sulfur has keratolytic properties — treatments that help remove dead skin cells. Prescription sulfur ointments are sometimes recommended for people with seborrheic dermatitis. You can buy OTC face and skin cleansers with sulfur without a prescription.

“I was prescribed a sulfur face wash that I am trying. Takes me 30 minutes to cleanse, moisturize, and apply topical meds,” a MySebDermTeam member said.

5. Antioxidant-Rich Face Wash

Antioxidants are plant-based compounds believed to help prevent damage in cells. Although dermatology research on antioxidants is limited, there are promising signs that antioxidants may help promote skin health.

“An antioxidant, oil-free facial cleanser and moisturizer has helped me,” a MySebDermTeam member said.

Some people find other botanical and natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, aloe vera, and manuka honey, to be soothing in skin cleansers.

Side Effects of Face Washes

Any face wash can have unwanted side effects if you have seborrheic dermatitis. What works for one person may cause problems for someone else. Be sure to talk to your doctor about face washes and what ingredients might be right for your skin, particularly if you are experiencing a flare-up or have irritated skin. Always read the ingredients of a face wash and avoid ingredients that may be harmful to your skin.

Some ingredients commonly found in skin care products, such as face washes, shampoos, and lotions, are known to be irritants and allergens. They may cause unpleasant reactions in people with seborrheic dermatitis, including:

• Fragrance
• Citrus
• Bacitracin
• Formaldehyde
• Cocamidopropyl betaine

The National Eczema Association has a directory of skin care products, including gentle face cleansers, that have been screened for appropriate ingredients and have their Seal of Acceptance.

Some research has shown that chemical preservatives found in some skin care products, such as parabens, may be harmful to your skin. If you have a bad reaction to a face wash, stop using it and talk to your dermatology provider.

With face washes, it’s essential to avoid getting cleansing solutions in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If your seborrheic dermatitis is on your eyelid or near your eyes, talk to your doctor about how to best wash that area.

Be sure to maintain your skin care routine, and avoid changing your treatment plan without asking your doctor for advice.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 8,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

What face wash do you use for your seborrheic dermatitis? Do you have tips for others who are looking for a good face wash? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.