Scalp Dandruff

Oily scalp — Excess sebum feeds Malassezia yeast, driving flaking, greasiness and sometimes mild redness.

Dry, flaking scalp — A weakened scalp barrier and low moisture can cause fine, dry flakes, more common if you also have eczema.

Itchy, inflamed scalp — Often a sign of active yeast overgrowth or inflammation, and may need a short course of a stronger anti-inflammatory or steroid alongside antifungal treatment.

• White or yellow flakes on the scalp or shoulders
• Oily or greasy patches
• Dry, tight or flaking skin
• Itching or scalp discomfort
• Redness or mild inflammation

Ketoconazole — An antifungal that directly targets Malassezia yeast, the main driver of dandruff. It is the most well-evidenced prescription active for moderate-to-severe dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Salicylic acid — A keratolytic that loosens and lifts flakes, helping clear visible scale and improve how well other ingredients penetrate the scalp.

Niacinamide — Calms inflammation and helps regulate oil production, useful for both oily and irritated scalps.

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) — Soothes and supports the scalp barrier, helping reduce dryness and irritation.

Urea — A humectant that draws in moisture and gently softens built-up scale, particularly useful for dry, flaking scalps.

Hyaluronic acid — Boosts hydration without adding oil, helping counter the dryness that some antifungal or keratolytic treatments can cause.

Fluocinolone acetonide — A mild topical corticosteroid used short-term to calm inflammation, redness and itching in more irritated or inflamed scalps.

A prescriber reviews your answers to match you with an oily, dry or itchy scalp formula.

• Use it consistently; most improvement is seen over 4–8 weeks
• Leave it on scalp as directed; leave-on treatments need contact time to work
• Match your routine to your scalp type; more frequent washing helps if your scalp is oily or you sweat heavily, while a moisturising shampoo and focus on hydration helps a dry scalp
• Expect maintenance, not a cure; dandruff often returns without ongoing use, so a maintenance routine helps keep it controlled
• Avoid scratching or picking, which can worsen inflammation and irritation

We offer topical prescription treatments only. See a dermatologist if:

• Your scalp is severely inflamed, painful or weeping
• You have hair loss alongside your scalp symptoms
• Symptoms spread beyond the scalp to the face, chest or other areas
• Your symptoms are not improving after a reasonable course of treatment
• You would prefer a confirmed diagnosis rather than treatment based on your symptoms alone