The 11 Best Shampoos for Eczema, According to Dermatologists

“This shampoo was originally formulated for babies and is extremely gentle,” says Shaurya. Containing only very mild ingredients, it’s a great pick to use when your scalp eczema is flaring, he adds. To the point of being gentle and mild, it’s even approved by the National Eczema Association and is both hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Also nice: The weightless, mousse-like consistency.

You’re likely used to seeing salicylic acid in skincare (specifically acne-fighting products), but it can be equally beneficial in an eczema shampoo. The beta-hydroxy acid is choice for dissolving excess oil, making this formula a good pick for those dealing not only with seborrheic dermatitis but also dandruff or psoriasis. It’s one of Gonzalez’s picks, who points out that it also has the added benefit of being fragrance-free.

Yes, it’s fair to say that anyone dealing with scalp eczema has sensitive skin, but if any little thing seems to trigger a flair, this pick is for you. Another crazy gentle formula, Shaurya calls this, “one of the most hypoallergenic shampoos on the market, with minimal ingredients that will cause irritation.” It too boasts the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval and is good not only for eczema but any kind of scalp dermatitis.

Improving the skin barrier is a key component in helping to address eczema; this shampoo contains amino acids and coconut oil which will do just that, while also moisturizing the scalp, points out Shaurya. It’s also a very mild cleanser, and leaves your strands soft and shiny, always important.

This straddles the line between the medicated and mild eczema shampoo categories. While it does contain 2% pyrithione zinc, it’s still free of common chemical irritants, including fragrance, which can worsen scalp eczema, notes Gonzalez. Also on that ‘free-of’ list: parabens, dyes, and sulfates.

Gonzalez recommends this affordable option: “It’s gentle and nourishing for the hair, and can be used almost daily if needed,” she says. Still, because it does contain pyrithione zinc, it’s great for helping to target the flaking and itchiness often associated with scalp eczema.

This duo is specially formulated at a pH of 5.5 in order to ensure a healthy moisture balance on your scalp. It’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, both attributes that Shaurya says are important to look for in an eczema shampoo. Also noteworthy: There’s no water added in the shampoo. Instead, the first ingredient is skin-soothing, organic aloe vera, and it also boasts healing manuka honey.

To address scaliness, reach for this flake-fighter. “It contains zinc pyrithione, an ingredient that has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help treat and prevent eczema,” explains Shaurya. It’s a fan-favorite on Amazon, too, with many satisfied reviewers commenting on how well it works to combat not only flakes but itchiness, too.

Is there anything more annoying than an itchy scalp? We think not. Gonzalez says this shampoo can help you stop scratching, thanks to the addition of piroctone olamine, an anti-microbial that alleviates both itch and flaking. She also lauds it for being safe even on color-treated hair, though FYI, it does contain added fragrance.

Addressing scalp eczema when you have curls can be a bit more problematic; curly hair is naturally prone to be drier than straight hair because the oils your scalp produces have a harder time making their way down the hair shaft. Gonzalez recommends this sudser for those with coarse, coiled hair because it imparts plenty of moisture and isn’t stripping, yet still has pyrithione zinc to treat the scalp.