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 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.
13 Best Shampoos For Sensitive Skin
1. Best Fragrance-Free:CeraVe Baby Wash And Shampoo
Developed with special attention by pediatric dermatologists, this baby wash and shampoo for sensitive scalp is gentle and free of parabens. It 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. It is loaded with ingredients such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid for a soothing feeling and leaves no residue. 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
2. 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. The shampoo comes in a pump bottle and is convenient enough for single-hand use. It 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
3. 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
Cons
May leave a residue
4. 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 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
5. 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 to give you soft and shiny 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
6. 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 fragrance-free and is formulated to work for newborns, toddlers, and adults. The shampoo has been clinically tested with pediatric supervision to make sure that it is safe to use. Babo Botanicals takes pride in not testing the shampoo on animals, thus getting the PETA approval. Pros
B Corp-certified EWG-verified Nourishes dry patches Climate-pledge friendly
Cons
Odor may be strong
7. 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
8. 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
9. Best pH-Balanced:Vanicream Gentle Body Wash, Shampoo, And Conditioner Set
This is a pack of three products- shampoo, conditioner, and body wash that weighs almost three pounds. The contents in these products are pH balanced and 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 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
10. 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
11. 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 shampoo is vegan, hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested, 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
12. 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
13. Best Nut-Free:California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash
Specially made for toddlers, the California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash comes with nourishing ingredients, such as pure and organic calendula extract and aloe vera. This shampoo also acts as a cleanser and does not contain any alcohol or irritants. It is 100% plant-based with no added fragrances. Thanks to its no-sulfate formula, the shampoo can leave your skin, from head to toe, squeaky clean without causing irritation. Pros
Nut-free USDA-certified Formaldehyde-free Free of SLS and parabens Suitable for newborns
Cons
May not be suitable for dry skin
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.
1. 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 natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, coconut oil, floral extracts, and vitamin E.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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.
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