Image: MomJunction Design Team
Incorporating a good quality shampoo into your hair care routine to clean your hair and scalp can have lasting effects on its overall health in the long run. But when you have sensitive scalp, using the best shampoo for sensitive skin is more of a necessity than a luxury to have healthy locks while caring for your scalp. These result-driven shampoos are made with specialized ingredients that suit sensitive skin and reduce the possibility of skin irritation. In this article, we have reviewed and listed some of the best ones that can go well with your skin and keep it nourished and healthy. Scroll down to check them out.
Top Picks
14 Best Shampoos For Sensitive Skin
1. Best Fragrance-Free:CeraVe Baby Wash And Shampoo
Developed with special attention, this pediatric dermatologist-recommended baby wash and shampoo for sensitive scalps is gentle and free of parabens. This moisturizing shampoo is formulated with three essential ceramides that can fill the gaps between your skin cells, seal the moisture, and prevent impurities from getting in. The shampoo also bears the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Loaded with ingredients such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, it is a soothing shampoo that leaves behind a calming effect with no residue after every use. This shampoo is available in two sizes–eight ounces and 16 ounces.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Soothing effect
- Tear-free
Cons
- May not lather well
Did you know?2. Best Dermatologically Tested: Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo
The Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic shampoo is a medicated and dermatologically approved shampoo designed to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis and other scalp conditions. The shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid, which helps reduce itching, flaking, and scaling associated with psoriasis. It is a nourishing shampoo infused with tea tree oil and aloe vera that helps soothe and hydrate the scalp. It is also a gentle and non-irritating shampoo, making it suitable for daily use.
Pros
- Improves scalp health
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Travel-friendly bottle
- Suitable for all hair types
- Paraben- and sulfate-free formula
Cons
- May not be effective for all cases of psoriasis
- Bottle may not be user-friendly
"This dermatologically-recommended shampoo is my trusted companion for managing sensitive scalp issues. While its scent is not my favorite, the hair health benefits and versatility it offers have made it a staple in my bathing routine!"
3. Best Mild Formula:Aquaphor Baby Wash And Shampoo
Suitable for dry hair, this sensitive scalp shampoo by Aquaphor is a two-in-one solution that is clinically proven to act in favor of your skin. It is enriched with chamomile essence and provitamin B5 to keep the skin clean. It comes in a pump bottle and is convenient enough for single-hand use. This mild shampoo creates a light lather, is suitable for bath time, and is also easy to rinse. To use this shampoo, pour some of its contents onto your wet palm and gently massage on your skin or hair.
Pros
- Tested and approved for safety
- Pediatrician recommended
- Paraben-free
- Gentle formula
Cons
- May have an overpowering smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 5,003 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
CeraVe Baby Wash And Shampoo Best Fragrance-Free | Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo Best Dermatologically Tested | Aquaphor Baby Wash And Shampoo Best Mild Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | - | Dry |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 2.8 x 6.75 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 10.4 Ounces | - | - |
| Weight | - | 4 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 616 | 227 | 5,003 |
| Price | $8.97 | $12.99 | $8.89 |
4. Best For Family Use:Honest Shampoo And Body Wash
This shampoo is enriched with aloe vera extracts and has a tear-free formula that is tested by a physician. The shampoo comes in a recyclable tube and the solution is made through a sustainable approach, keeping our planet in mind. It is versatile enough to be suitable for all hair types and does not have a fragrance. The shampoo cleanses your skin without over-drying, keeping it soft and clean. Thanks to its gentle approach, this shampoo is suitable for the entire family, especially for kids aged between three months to six years.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- SLS-free
- Contains natural ingredients
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May leave a residue
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 4,543 positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Colored Hair:Aveeno Oat Milk Blend Shampoo
Made using oats as the foundation ingredient, the Aveeno Farm Fresh Oatmilk Shampoo is a blend of ingredients that keep your hair healthy, right from the root to the tip. Featuring simple ingredients, this shampoo contains the goodness of almond milk, a touch of coconut, and ripe raisin for a fresh fragrance and is suitable for colored hair. The clinically proven shampoo does not contain any parabens, sulfates, or dyes, making it an apt product for your sensitive skin.
Pros
- Suitable for adults
- Dye-free
- Balances moisture
- Suitable for daily use
Cons
- Does not help with flakes
"The Aveeno shampoo works great for my curly, color-treated hair, leaving it soft and clean. It doesn’t irritate my sensitive scalp, and while the fragrance is a bit strong, it dissipates quickly."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 405 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
6. Best Eco-Friendly:Tree To Tub Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Formulated with soapberry, the Tree To Tub sensitive shampoo and conditioneris replete with naturally mending properties with Ayurvedic benefits to keep your skin nourished. It is loaded with rich antioxidants like organic Moroccan argan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and calming chamomile. With many positive reviews, this calming shampoo leaves you with softer and shinier hair without any irritation. The shampoo is also infused with luxurious lavender essential oil that treats your scalp with gentle care. The packaging is recyclable, as it uses rPET plastic to reduce emissions.
Pros
- Sustainably sourced ingredients
- Natural lathering
- Balances scalp’s pH
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May not be suitable for colored hair
7. Best For Newborns:Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash
Specially formulated to cleanse hair and skin, the Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Shampoo is developed with ingredients like shea butter, calendula, and non-GMO colloidal oatmeal to keep your scalp healthy. It is a fragrance-free shampoo, formulated to work for newborns, toddlers, and adults. It has been formulated with pediatric supervision to make sure it is safe to use. Babo Botanicals does not test its products on animals, and is PETA-certified cruelty-free.
Pros
- B Corp-certified
- EWG-verified
- Nourishes dry patches
- Climate-pledge friendly
Cons
- Odor may be strong
"This hair care set has worked great to revitalize my hair and make it more manageable. It perfectly suits my hair type, and the natural ingredients cater well to my skin sensitivities."
Did you know?8. Best For Eczema:Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Shampoo & Body Wash
Suitable for skin that is prone to eczema, Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo is loaded with natural and plant-based ingredients like licorice root, oatmeal, and apple fruit extract to keep your skin smooth. It is gentle, fragrance-free, and helps preserve the skin’s barrier function. The shampoo does not contain any sulfate or phthalates, making it a safe and effective formula that works in favor of your skin. Enriched with special ingredients such as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, this shampoo helps leave your skin hydrated and clean.
Pros
- No synthetic colors
- Unisex
- Suitable for all ages
- Low pH
Cons
- May cause flakes
9. Best For Dry Hair:Noodle & Boo Baby Extra Gentle Shampoo
The Noodle & Boo Baby Extra Gentle Shampoo is specifically formulated for dry hair and is mild enough for daily use. It comes with a low suds formula that gently cleans the hair and keeps the delicate skin on the scalp hydrated and healthy. It is gluten and nut-free, which is good news for those allergic to these ingredients. This shampoo boasts a tearless formula and is available in two sizes, the 16 Fl Oz and 64 FL Oz.
Pros
- Safe for babies
- Free of GMOs
- Pediatrician-tested
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Consistency may be a tad thick
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,732 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
10. Best pH-Balanced:Vanicream Gentle Body Wash, Shampoo, And Conditioner Set
This is a pack of three products — pH-balanced shampoo, conditioner, and body wash that weighs almost three pounds. It can help keep the oiliness of the scalp at bay, leaving it clean and manageable. It is gluten-free, protein-free, and sulfate-free, making it a sensitive skin formula. This shampoo can also help remove the buildup caused by conditioners, hair sprays, or other hair care products. The shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, are gentle enough for daily use, leaving you with cleansed and healthy hair.
Pros
- Preservative-free
- Prevents tangles
- Non-medicated
- Suitable for daily use
Cons
- May not be tear-free
11. Best Unscented:No Nothing Very Sensitive Volume Shampoo
The No Nothing Very Sensitive shampoo is known to give fullness to fine hair, thanks to its volumizing properties. Its special protein compound can soothe your hair and keep it safe from mechanical damage. The ingredients used in this shampoo are cruelty-free and are approved by the Finnish Asthma and Energy Association. The shampoo is also available in variants like color, moisture, and repair to specifically cater to your needs. If you are allergic to parabens, other chemicals, or gluten, this shampoo is for you!
Pros
- Colorant-free
- Soy-free
- Perfume-free
- Does not dry out the hair
Cons
- May not suit curly hair
"I have tried numerous brands, but nothing works as effectively as this one. The body wash is gentle on my skin, and the shampoo offers a gentle yet effective cleaning of the scalp and hair. I have found the perfect combination for my bathing needs in this set!"
12. Best Plant-Based:Attitude Oatmeal Sensitive Natural Care Shampoo
This unscented shampoo from Attitude can help cleanse, hydrate, and soothe your hair and scalp, leaving you with smooth and shiny hair. It is made from plant and mineral-based ingredients and does not contain parabens, SLES, or silicone. It has oatmeal as its base ingredient, with grapeseed oil that can help nourish and protect your sensitive scalp. The is a vegan, dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic shampoo, making it a gentle and reliable product. Available in fragrances like argan oil, avocado oil, and chamomile, this shampoo gives you plenty of options to choose from.
Pros
- EWG-verified
- ECOLOGO-certified
- PETA-approved
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily hair
"After trying a myriad of shampoos for my sensitive scalp, I decided to stick to this one. It leathers well and is fragrance-free, which is a big plus. It is a solid pick for an eco-friendly option!"
13. Best Non-Medicated:Neutrogena Gentle & Soft Healthy Scalp Shampoo
The Neutrogena Gentle & Soft shampoo is a non-medicated alternative that helps maintain your scalp’s natural barrier with regular use. It is made for sensitive skin, and it works equally well for straight, wavy, and curly hair. It weighs 12 ounces and contains micellar water that helps attract dirt and sebum, keeping your scalp and hair clean and neat. The shampoo for sensitive skin does not contain SLS, phthalates, sulfated surfactants, and parabens. With regular use, it will maintain the natural barrier of your scalp, keeping it safe and nourished.
Pros
- Cleanses gently
- Refreshes scalp
- SLES-free
- Softens strands
Cons
- Bottle may not be user-friendly
"In my search for a gentle hair cleansing product, I stumbled upon this Attitude shampoo, and now, it is a staple in my hair care routine. It cleans the scalp and hair perfectly without aggravating my allergies. It also smells nice."
14.Best Natural:MooGoo Milk Shampoo
The natural milk shampoo by MooGoo is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and is non-irritating. With coconut as its primary ingredient, the shampoo gently cleanses the scalp while preventing dryness and frizziness. It is also silicone-free that helps prevent build-up with regular use. Further, the formula contains milk protein that protects hair fibers and strengthens the natural protective layer. This skin-friendly shampoo is free of parabens, SLS, synthetic detergents, harsh chemicals, and other skin irritants and is a gentle cleansing solution for dry, curly, oily, and color-treated hair.
Pros
- Reduces split ends
- Phthalate-free
- Tear-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May not lather well
- Some may not like the scent
"This shampoo has proven to be a soothing solution for my sensitive scalp and works well for my natural curls. Its gentle formula effectively cleans the hair and scalp and helps reduce dandruff. Overall, it is a solid pick to alleviate scalp itchiness, and I love the subtle lemongrass scent."
How To Choose The Right Shampoo For Sensitive Skin?
Here are some pointers that you should consider before you pick the right shampoo for sensitive skin.
- Ingredients: Although there are different types of shampoos for sensitive skin, it is important to choose ones that contain ingredients that go well with your hair. We recommend investing in a shampoo with clinically tested, natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, coconut oil, oatmeal, floral extracts, and vitamin E.
- Hair type: It is crucial to pick a shampoo that suits your hair type and pH level. Whether you have chemically treated, curly, or wavy hair, ensure that the shampoo you choose is specially formulated to suit your hair type and deliver favorable results.
- Fragrance: Shampoos tend to have fragrances from natural ingredients like essential oils or perfume. The intensity of the fragrance varies from shampoo to shampoo. We recommend picking one that you might find pleasant. However, if you are not used to fragrances, you can pick one that is free of fragrances, both natural and artificial.
Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, says, “Fragrance-free products are a good choice for anyone with sensitive skin. Fragrances typically contain alcohol, which has the tendency to dry out and irritate the skin.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the symptoms of shampoo allergy?
Itching, dryness, redness, and rashes are common symptoms of shampoo allergy. Some other symptoms of shampoo allergy include hair loss, pruritus (chronic itchy skin), and eczematous lesions on the ears, scalp, face, and cervical region (1).
2. What shampoo ingredients cause allergy?
Parabens, fragrances, cocamidopropyl betaine, propylene glycol, vitamin E, benzophenones, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, and phenoxyethanol are some active ingredients in shampoos that can trigger allergy or make the scalp itchy (2).
3. How should I clean a sensitive scalp?
Itching is the most common symptom of a sensitive scalp. So, choose products that can soothe the itchiness and keep the scalp hydrated. You may switch to SLS-free shampoos. Also, remember to rinse thoroughly after shampooing the scalp.
Using the best shampoos for sensitive skin can keep your hair and scalp healthy and free from irritation. However, opting for one that suits your hair and scalp involves more than just looking at the ingredients. When you set out to buy a shampoo for sensitive skin, we recommend picking a product made with natural extracts and is free of chemicals. And with a range of options available, you can consider whether you want a shampoo with your favorite fragrance or an unscented one- this article has a diverse range of such products to pick from.
Infographic: How To Take Care Of Sensitive Scalp?
Besides seeking treatment from medical professionals, it’s crucial to adhere to certain precautions on a day-to-day basis to prevent irritation and other symptoms from flaring up. So check out the following infographic to learn how to take care of a sensitive scalp effectively. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Allergic contact dermatitis by shampoo components: a descriptive analysis of 20 cases
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7562994/ - Shampoos
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19426617/ - Hyaluronic acid is just getting started
https://cen.acs.org/articles/99/i16/Hyaluronic-acid-biobased-medical-cosmetic.html - The multifaceted argan tree
https://www.un.org/en/observances/argania-day
Recommended Links:
Why Trust MomJunction?
Amrit specializes in writing about products related to skincare, makeup, and haircare. His articles are backed by research as he relies on facts backed by user reviews. After browsing through numerous options, he has listed some of the best shampoos for sensitive skin available that can deliver favorable results and suit your hair and scalp. Apart from the products, he has also listed a buying guide to help the readers narrow down their options to choose the best.
