CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Review: Does It Really Get Rid of Flakes?

Dandruff is one of those things that feels small but can seriously mess with your confidence. Flakes on your shoulders, itchiness, and irritation are more than just inconvenient — they can alter your entire day.

Over-the-counter products can help, though. CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is one of the more affordable options from the drugstore. The personal care brand is known for its gentle ceramide formulas, and this shampoo aims to bring the same science-backed approach to your scalp.

But does it actually work, and is it worth adding to your hair care routine? In this CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo review, we’ll discuss what the product does, how it works, and what a doctor thinks.

CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo is a paraben-free, over-the-counter shampoo formulated to help control the flakes, product buildup, itching, and irritation linked to dandruff. Unlike some harsher dandruff shampoos that leave your scalp dry, this one is designed with ceramides — lipids that help restore and maintain the scalp barrier.

For more sensitive scalps, the CeraVe product line includes a Gentle Hydrating Conditioner and an Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Conditioner.

The star ingredient in their anti-dandruff hair care line is 1% pyrithione zinc, an FDA-approved active ingredient used in many dandruff shampoos. It targets the yeast on the scalp that can trigger dandruff but is gentle enough for regular use.

CeraVe positions this shampoo as a balance between clinical treatment and cosmetic care. It’s fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and meant for people who want to reduce visible flakes without stripping their scalp or hair.

The shampoo works on two levels: treating dandruff and nourishing the scalp. Pyrithione zinc fights the overgrowth of Malassezia, a type of yeast that contributes to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. With regular use, this helps reduce flakes, itching, and irritation.

It also contains benzoic acid (an antimicrobial agent) and salicylic acid to help eliminate scalp buildup.

Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid and ceramides offer moisturizing benefits to help prevent dryness. Ceramides support the skin barrier, which can help keep your scalp hydrated and less reactive over time. This might make the formula appealing if you’ve tried harsher dandruff shampoos in the past that left your scalp feeling dry or tight.

CeraVe also includes niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, the blend aims to provide both immediate dandruff relief and longer-term scalp health support.

Below, find an honest review of CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo from Hannah Kopelman, DO, including how she rates it (out of five stars) for efficacy, side effects, and ease of use.

Product type: Anti-dandruff shampoo

Key ingredients: 1% pyrithione zinc

Cost: $12–$15 per 8-ounce bottle

Purpose: Uses zinc pyrithione to reduce itchy scalp and flaky skin from dandruff

• Efficacy: ★★★★ (Dr. Kopelman says it works great for dandruff and mild seborrheic dermatitis.)

• Side effects: ★★★★

• Ease of use: ★★★★★

“I like that CeraVe’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo uses 1% pyrithione zinc, which targets the yeast on the scalp that causes flaking and irritation,” says Dr. Kopelman. “What makes it different is that they’ve also added ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help restore the scalp’s barrier while you treat dandruff.”

Dr. Kopelman adds that pyrithione zinc works well for addressing flaking and itching on the scalp and might indirectly support hair growth. “It’s not a direct hair regrowth product, but getting inflammation under control can improve hair quality if dandruff was contributing to shedding,” she says.

But does it work? It can, if used correctly. “The key with any medicated shampoo, this one included, is you have to leave it on the scalp for at least two to five minutes before rinsing,” says Dr. Kopelman. “Otherwise, you’re just washing it down the drain before it has a chance to work.”

Here are the main pros of the product based on Dr. Kopelman’s CeraVe dandruff shampoo review:

• It contains FDA-approved pyrithione zinc to fight dandruff.

• The formula includes ceramides and niacinamide to support scalp health.

• The added moisturizing ingredients should make it work for most hair types.

• It’s fragrance-free and sulfate-free, so it’s gentle on sensitive skin and okay to use with color-treated hair.

• The shampoo is affordable compared to many prescription and salon dandruff treatments.

• CeraVe hair care and skincare products are readily available in drugstores and online.

• This product can be used regularly without over-drying the scalp.

Here are the possible drawbacks:

• Results may take several weeks of consistent use.

• Without sulfates, it doesn’t lather as much as traditional shampoos.

• The formula may not be strong enough for severe dandruff or scalp psoriasis.

• It lacks the cooling, tingling effect some people like in medicated shampoos.

• The bottle size is relatively small, so it won’t last long if you use it daily.

• It has limited cosmetic benefits (not marketed for shine, volume, etc.).

Find answers to frequently asked questions about CeraVe dandruff shampoo ahead.

How Often Should You Use CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo?

Most people use it two to three times per week, though it’s gentle enough for daily use if needed. Consistency is key — skipping washes may delay results.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

For many users, flakes and itchiness can improve within two to four weeks of regular use. However, severe cases of dandruff may take longer to calm down or may require prescription-strength treatments. As Dr. Kopelman mentioned, it’ll work best if you leave it on your scalp for up to five minutes before rinsing.

Is It Safe for Color-Treated Hair?

Yes. Since it’s sulfate-free and formulated to be gentle, many people with dyed or chemically treated hair should be able to use it without issue. Still, if you’re worried about fading, alternate with a color-safe shampoo.

Is CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Similar to Head & Shoulders?

Both CeraVe and Head & Shoulders use pyrithione zinc as the main dandruff-fighting ingredient. The key difference is in the supporting formula. Head & Shoulders shampoos are often fragranced and designed with cosmetic benefits like shine or smoothness in mind. CeraVe, on the other hand, is fragrance-free, includes ceramides, and is geared toward sensitive or dry scalps.

If you’ve struggled with irritation or dryness from Head & Shoulders, CeraVe may be worth trying as a gentler alternative.

How Much Does CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Cost?

CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo typically goes for around $12 to $15 per 8-ounce bottle, depending on the retailer. This makes it slightly more expensive than drugstore staples like Head & Shoulders but still much cheaper than prescription options or luxury scalp care products.

Like most pyrithione zinc shampoos, side effects are generally rare and mild. The most common complaints are temporary scalp dryness or irritation, especially in the first few washes.

There aren’t large-scale clinical trials specific to CeraVe’s shampoo, but pyrithione zinc itself is well-studied and FDA-approved for dandruff control. The addition of ceramides and niacinamide is considered safe, with the added benefit of scalp hydration.

What other products can you use to tackle flakes and promote healthy hair growth? Here are a few to consider.

Minoxidil

While not a dandruff treatment, minoxidil is an over-the-counter, FDA-approved topical ingredient that stimulates hair growth.

If you’re dealing with dandruff and thinning hair, pairing a dandruff shampoo with minoxidil may address both concerns. Through Hims, you can get minoxidil delivered to your door with a subscription that’s more affordable than many cosmetic treatments.

Finasteride

Finasteride is a prescription medication that treats hair loss at the hormonal level by blocking DHT (dihydrotestosterone). It doesn’t target dandruff, but if scratching or inflammation has caused hair loss, or if you’re experiencing thinning or a receding hairline, it’s one of the most effective long-term options.

Hims can connect you with licensed providers who can prescribe finasteride if it’s right for you— and at a lower cost than most brand-name alternatives.

Hims Thick Fix Shampoo

Hims Thick Fix Shampoo contains natural ingredients like saw palmetto (a natural DHT blocker). It’s designed to improve scalp and hair health and promote thicker-feeling hair while supporting the fight against hair loss.

Sulfate-free and good for daily use, so it’s an excellent product for anyone who wants to complement stronger treatments.

Ketoconazole Shampoo

Another option for dandruff is ketoconazole shampoo (often sold as Nizoral). It works differently from pyrithione zinc by directly targeting fungal growth. Some people find ketoconazole more effective for stubborn or severe dandruff. It’s usually affordable and available without a prescription.

Here’s what to keep in mind when considering CeraVe dandruff shampoo and other hair care products:

• CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo cleanses the scalp and uses pyrithione zinc to fight flakes while adding ceramides and niacinamide for scalp health.

• It’s fragrance-free, formulated without sulfates, and gentle compared to other dandruff treatments.

• Results can take several weeks, and it may not be strong enough for severe dandruff.

For hair regrowth concerns, FDA-approved hair treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are more effective. Hims also has an affordable anti-dandruff shampoo with 1% pyrithione zinc.