14 Best Shampoos For Sensitive Skin To Fight Irritation, 2023

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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.

14 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 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 asvitamin Eand 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

2. Best Dermatologically Tested:Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic Shampoo

The Kenkoderm Psoriasis Therapeutic shampoo is a medicated and dermatologist-recommended 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
• Dermatologically tested
• 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

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

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 afragrance.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

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 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

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. 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 a clinically tested shampoo with pediatric supervision to make sure that 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

至关重要的是选择一个适合你的洗发水公顷ir 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.