11 Gentle Shampoo for Eczema That Are Dermatologist-Approved (2024)

Free of fragrances, dyes, parabens, sulfates, lanolin, and any other irritating chemical, this shampoo from Vanicream is recommended by all our experts to help alleviate eczema. Not only is it gentle enough for dry, itchy, and sensitive skin, but it also contains moisturizing super-ingredient hyaluronic acid to help keep your strands moist. Unlike other anti-flaking shampoos, this one has no aggressive smell and won’t leave hair dry or brittle.

What a reviewer says: “From the first wash, I noticed a significant difference in how my scalp felt. The itchiness that used to drive me crazy throughout the day has almost completely disappeared. One of the best things about this shampoo is how gentle it is. Unlike other shampoos that leave my scalp feeling dry and irritated, this one maintains a perfect balance. It leaves my hair feeling clean and fresh without stripping away the natural oils that keep my scalp healthy. The formula is soothing, and it doesn’t have any harsh chemicals that often aggravate sensitive skin.”

Those with persistent eczema know (and have likely used!) colloidal oatmeal for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties—so it’s no surprise it’s featured in Aveeno’s natural moisturizing shampoo. We’re fans of this drug store choice for its low price, all-natural ingredient list, and cruelty-free formula.

What a reviewer says: “I used a very expensive brand-name shampoo for years, and it made my scalp crusty and flaky. I tried several other shampoos, but none were as perfect for me as this Aveeno shampoo. My hair is no longer dry and brittle, and my scalp is clear. I love it!!! And I finally love my hair too! It feels soft, light and has volume without anything to weigh it down. It also feels strong! I also like that it is free of allergens. The value for money is amazing!”

According to Woolery-Lloyd, eczema can also come with a host of other skin sensitivities, like dermatitis, which can cause extremely unpleasant itching. This oil-free formula is such a winner that it was awarded by the National Eczema Association for its anti-itch abilities and was also the top recommendation from Castilla.

What a reviewer says: “For over a year I experienced eczema on my hand. My dermatologist believed I had developed an allergic reaction to my wedding rings. After trying several remedies I found Exederm Shampoo recommended on the Eczema Society web site. Within one week the itching and red bumps had gone away, the peeling skin went away after a couple of weeks.”

Dry, itchy scalp from eczema can also have the adverse effect of thinning, dulling, and breaking hair—all which this luxe shampoo from Kiehl’s counteracts. Via the use of amino acids and ultra-moisturizing coconut oil, this shampoo for eczema hydrates the scalp while protecting your strands for smoother and more manageable hair (without silicone or sulfates!).

What a reviewer says: “I had irritated scalp issues for a while. I’ve used so many different types of products that are no-fragrance, for sensitive skin, made of all natural ingredients, etc. Some made partial progress, but it always came back. Mad, mad itchiness was one major problem, red irritated scalp skin and pimples...and the other was burning sensation while drying hair. This product gives a nice coating sensation, not a heavy oil residue feeling. It has a very minimal fragrance, but you can still notice some. I am highly satisfied and recommended if anyone suffering similar problems as I listed above.”

Seen’s signature shampoo formula was developed by dermatologists specifically with sensitive and irritated scalps in mind. Whether you suffer from eczema, dandruff, or seasonal allergies, this gentle shampoo can help. Heck, it even has clinical trials saying it helps clear up acne on the face and body. Using hemisqualane, it helps soothe your skin by infusing it with chemical and oil-free moisture. Which might be the reason it was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

What a reviewer says: “This shampoo has done wonders for my hair and scalp. My scalp hasn’t felt this healthy and itch-free in years, and the consistency of this shampoo makes it much easier to shampoo and get your scalp clean if you have a lot of hair, which I do. The conditioner is great, too. Also, I love that this is fragrance-free. Some other fragrance-free products have a chemical smell, but SEEN products smell great. No more worrying about triggering a migraine!”

Made with glycerin and conditioners, this multi-purpose shampoo and wash works just as well on eczema-laden scalps as it does on hair and body. Not only does it help reduce skin irritation, but it can also help reduce razor burn or ingrown hairs in sensitive areas with its anti-microbial properties.

What a reviewer says: “I’ve always had scalp itches and various other aggravations. No more. Best way to describe is this shampoo has really calmed down my scalp. Expensive, so I only use it twice a week.”

“Most people who have itching and scale on the scalp have seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff,” Woolery-Lloyd tells us of the condition also known as dandruff. This common affliction is often paired with eczema and sensitive skin. “It is thought to be caused by an inflammatory reaction to the fungus that is normally on our skin. It is very common, and people with seborrheic dermatitis can experience itching, burning, stinging, and flakes on the scalp.” For those with eczema and dandruff, she recommends looking for a shampoo with an anti-fungal like Nizoral’s active ingredient, ketokonozole.

What a reviewer says: “Before using the Nizoral, I would get out of shower to comb/brush my hair, and no matter what combo of comb, brush, shampoo or conditioner I would always see flakes while combing. First time I used the Nizoral...I was so happy I didn’t see flakes anymore, my hair was nice and soft and no itchiness. The second and third time had same result...I had lost any hope in any dandruff shampoo but this one does work.”

The Shampoo is another formula that’s been awarded the Seal Of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association for its skincare-forward ingredients like aloe, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and celery seed extract. Nécessaire is a skincare based brand with best-selling moisturizers, serums, and even lubricant that’s designed specifically to improve the health of your skin, so it’s not shocking they’d have a scalp healthy-shampoo in their lineup, too.

What a reviewer says: “I have been using these products for a few weeks now and I love them! The shampoo lathers very well and leaves your hair and scalp feeling clean. I have a very very sensitive scalp and 95% of the shampoos I try irritate it, but this product did not. So far, I have not had any itching or flaking. I have also noticed less of my hair falling out when I wash it which is great!”

Formulated with antifungal zinc pyrithione, Woolery-Lloyd recommends this Head & Shoulders pick for those with coily or curly hair. That’s because the Royal Oils line was specifically developed for Black hair by Black scientists for a uniquely moisturizing formula that features apple cider vinegar, for a shiny, clean and flake-free finish that doesn’t weigh down curls or dry out natural textures.

What a reviewer says: “Literally cured my scalp issues. This has been my saving grace. I will never use another shampoo and conditioner. My hair would become dry and flaky within hours of washing with previous shampoos. With the Royal Oils collection not only do I notice a difference with my scalp health, my hair is growing and is much fuller. Would highly recommend this product!”

Because those with eczema tend to have sensitive and dry skin, they can be packed with heavy moisturizers that can weigh down oily hair. If you suffer from eczema and oily hair, this pick from Neutrogena helps control scalp build up with salicylic acid—an ingredient you likely recognize from acne-treatments and cleansers. "Shampoos with salicylic acid are particularly useful for excessive scaling," Ruth McTighe, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Waccamaw Dermatology explains. It helps loosen your skin, making it easier to wash away unwanted flakes and build-up that can lead to irritation and overproduction of oil.

What a reviewer says: “I have very oily skin and hair, and I get bouts of depression where I don’t wash my hair as often as I should. It actually made my hair thin, my scalp would get so oily and inflamed I’d get scaly buildup and sores and lose a ton of hair every shower... I bought this to try and my hair is now much fuller, my dandruff and thick scales are gone, and for the first time in my life I can go a few days without washing my hair and not experience any discomfort or scaling.”

On the other hand, if you suffer from eczema and dry hair, it’s possible that the gentle shampoos aren’t infusing your hair with enough moisture. That’s not true of this scalp-soothing formula from Briogeo, which relies on aloe and oat milk to naturally hydrate your strands without irritating your scalp.

What a reviewer says: “My hair looks so healthy and shiny after using this line of products. No more rashes, breakouts, itchiness or flakes! I am not having to wash my hair as often because it cleanses properly and doesn’t contain all that chemical filler crap that makes hair greasy and weighed down by the next day.”

“Work the product onto the scalp and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out,” Castilla advises. But there’s no need to double wash, she adds. “Avoid over-cleansing, as this strips the skin’s natural oils, leading to increased dryness and irritation. Washing with a cleanser only at night is sufficient for eczema prone skin. If your skin is really inflamed, skipping the cleanser all together and just rinsing with water can be helpful.”

Regardless of which shampoo for eczema you use, “it’s essential to thoroughly rinse the hair and scalp after use,” McTighe tells us.

“While medicated shampoos can be helpful, they may also cause irritation or dryness,” warns McTighe.

“People often complain that the over-the-counter shampoos can be very drying. These shampoos are not cosmetically elegant, and people often do not enjoy using them. Ketoconazole shampoo is particularly drying,” adds Woolery-Lloyd.

In order to protect your strands and your scalp, pairing your eczema shampoo with an extra moisturizing conditioner is recommended by all our experts.

Look for a gentle formula. No matter what type of hair or level of itching is on your scalp, all our experts agreed that the best shampoo for eczema should be free from scents, dyes, and sulfates.

Opt for moisturizing ingredients. “The key is to use gentle cleansers and products that support the skin barrier,” says Castilla. “Look for ingredients such as ceramides that support the skin barrier, humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin that draw water into the skin.”

Consider using an antifungal. “Since scalp eczema often overlaps with seborrheic dermatitis, which is caused by changes in the skin microbiome, medicated shampoos can be particularly helpful. Over the counter, look for shampoos containing, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide.” These ingredients are clinically proven to reduce your scalp’s inflammation.

Check for the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Not sure if your shampoo is gentle enough for your scalp? The NEA has done all the sensitivity-testing for you. Chances are, if it has this seal it is dermatologist-approved.