11 Best Shampoos For Sensitive Skin Suggested by Dermatologists

If you have sensitive skin, many factors can cause irritation, such as using too many skincare products or exposure to cold, dry weather. One often overlooked trigger is your shampoo.

When you wash your hair, the shampoo not only affects your hair but also drips onto your skin, potentially causing irritation if you have sensitive skin.

Dr. Ivy Lee, a board-certified dermatologist from Pasadena, California, mentions that a red, itchy rash around the hairline, ears, or neck and back could be a result of using the wrong shampoo, conditioner, or styling products.

To avoid flare-ups, it’s essential to use shampoos specifically formulated for sensitive skin. These shampoos are gentle and free of common irritants that can trigger reactions. Below are the details you need to know.

The most common irritants found in shampoo

When choosing a shampoo for sensitive skin, it’s crucial to look for products that do not contain three common irritants identified by dermatologists:

1. Sulfates

Sulfate surfactants, common in shampoos, can strip the natural oils from your scalp and hair, leading to dryness and irritation, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin, according to Dr. Rebecca Kazin, a dermatologist from Maryland.

2. Fragrance

Fragrances in shampoos can trigger reactions in sensitive skin. Dermatologists recommend opting for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic shampoos to minimize the risk of irritation.

3. Preservatives

Some preservatives, like propylene glycol, can also cause sensitivity in certain individuals. Choosing shampoos labeled for sensitive skin can reduce exposure to preservatives.

What to look for in a shampoo for sensitive skin

If you suspect your shampoo is causing irritation, consider eliminating hair-care products individually to identify the culprit. Switching to shampoos free of common irritants and enriched with soothing ingredients like tea tree oil or argan oil can benefit your scalp and skin.

In case of persistent irritation, using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone shampoo or seeking advice from a dermatologist for a prescription anti-inflammatory formula may be necessary.

11 best shampoos for sensitive skin

Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo — $11.00

Dr. Lee recommends this shampoo to patients with allergies or sensitivity to hair-care products due to its fragrance-free and paraben-free formulation that avoids common allergens.

Shop Now

HairSanity Shampoo — $30.00

Developed by Dr. Kazin, this shampoo uses hydrocortisone to soothe scalp itch caused by irritation. It offers relief without relying on antifungal ingredients.

Shop Now

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind — $26.00

Dr. Rebecca Marcus, a dermatologist from Dallas, recommends this shampoo for sensitive skin due to its nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract that provide antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.

Shop Now

<<!-- -->

DHS Clear Shampoo — $11.00

Diedre Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans, Louisiana, often suggests this shampoo for individuals with sensitive skin. It is formulated with a combination of cleansing and conditioning agents that delicately cleanse the hair and scalp while maintaining pH levels to keep the scalp calm and content.

Shop Now

Aveeno Skin Relief Soothing Shampoo — $20.00

Dr. Marcus, the founder of skin-care line Maei MD, also approves of this Aveeno shampoo. It contains colloidal oatmeal to calm and nourish dry, itchy scalps.

Shop Now

Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt — $19.00 to $53.00

Dr. Marcus recommends this purifying scalp scrub for individuals with sensitive skin and oily scalps. It aids in cleansing hair and eliminating oil build-up, which is often prevalent in warm, humid, and/or polluted environments.

Shop Now