Our best overall pick is Mustela Stelatopia Foam Shampoo
If you’re battling eczema, take heart in the fact that you’re not alone; it affects an estimated 31.6 million people in the U.S.1 “Eczema is a condition where a genetic variation affects the skin’s ability to protect itself from outside factors, such as irritants and allergens, and the skin becomes red and itchy,” explains dermatologist Dr. Kautilya Shaurya, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. This redness and inflammation can crop up anywhere on the face or body, including the scalp.
“The most common type of scalp eczema is known as seborrheic dermatitis,” adds dermatologist Dr. Annie Gonzalez, of Riverchase Dermatology in Miami. It manifests as scaly patches, red, inflamed, itchy skin, and even flaking.2
Here’s where choosing the right shampoo comes into play. You basically have one of two options. You can seek out medicated formulas with ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and selenium sulfide, all of which can help address those unwanted symptoms.3 Or, you can stick with ultra-mild, hypoallergenic options that will be very gentle on the compromised skin so as to not irritate it any further. (You can also try alternating between the two.)
We conducted hours of research on the best eczema shampoos, evaluating each formula on active ingredients and effectiveness. We also took a look at whether or not the formula is free from sulfates, which could potentially cause irritation to sensitive skin4. After consulting with dermatologists on the best formulas to treat and prevent eczema, we landed on the following best in show.
Best Overall
Mustela Stelatopia Foam Shampoo
What We Like: Hydrating, super gentle, and plant-based formula.
What We Don’t Like: May leave behind a faint residue.
“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.
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Mild | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo
What We Like: Helps with dandruff, smooths hair, and soothes an itchy scalp.
What We Don’t Like: Contains 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.3
Hair Type: Dry | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Clean | Size: 12 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Tip
When you are using a medicated shampoo, such as this one, make sure to let it sit on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing, in order to give the active ingredients enough time to do their thing, Gonzalez says.
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo With Build-Up Control
What We Like: Clears buildup, soothes an itchy scalp, and is reasonably priced.
What We Don’t Like: Not for very dry hair.
You’re likely used to seeing salicylic acid in skincare (specifically acne-fighting products), but it may be equally beneficial in an eczema shampoo. The beta-hydroxy acid is choice for dissolving excess oil,5 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.
Hair Type: Oily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 4.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Dryness
Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo
Amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins and have a role in virtually all the biological processes that occur in our bodies, including the reparation of skin.6
What We Like: Boosts shine and adds softness, available in multiple sizes, and clears buildup.
What We Don’t Like: Contains fragrance.
Improving the skin barrier is a key component in helping to address eczema; this shampoo contains amino acids and coconut oil meant to 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.
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Original | Size: 8.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Fragrance-Free
Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
What We Like: Byrdie Clean, effective formula, and clears buildup,
What We Don’t Like: Could be more hydrating.
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.
Hair Type: Oily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Set
Wild Naturals Eczema Psoriasis Shampoo
KEY INGREDIENTS
Aloe vera is a naturally derived ingredient known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. The aloe plant’s inner gel mucilage (the part that’s used in skin care products) is made up of 99.5% water.
What We Like: Won’t irritate a sensitive scalp, pH balanced, and gentle, clean formula.
What We Don’t Like: Expensive.
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 to the shampoo. Instead, the first ingredient is skin-soothing, organic aloe vera, and it also boasts healing manuka honey.9
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 8 / 16 / 32 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Flakes
DHS Zinc Shampoo
What We Like: Soothes an itchy scalp, reasonably priced, and helps with dandruff.
What We Don’t Like: Not Byrdie Clean.
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.
Hair Type: Oily | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Clean | Size: 8 / 16 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Itching
Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo
What We Like: Soothes an itchy scalp, fresh, fruity scent, and can be used daily.
What We Don’t Like: Contains sulfates.
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 meant to alleviate both itch and flaking. She also lauds it for being safe even on color-treated hair, though FYI, it does contain added fragrance.
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Green apple | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Curly Hair
Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo
What We Like: Moisturizing, smells tropical, and clears buildup.
What We Don’t Like: Not Byrdie Clean.
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.10 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.
Hair Type: Curly, coily | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Coconut | Size: 13.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Dry Hair
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Fragrance-Free Hypoallergenic Shampoo
What We Like: Removes excess sebum and build-up, has no scent, and reviewers note it leaves hair feeling soft.
What We Don’t Like: Doesn’t lather.
One of the drawbacks of using shampoos made to prevent and treat eczema is that they can be drying. This can have a more pronounced effect if your hair is already prone to dryness. Enter this ultra nourishing shampoo replete with meadowfoam oil to help soften hair, and formulated with glycerin, aloe, oat bran, and panthenol to gently clean and soothe an irritated scalp.
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Oily Hair
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo With Build-Up Control
What We Like: Contains salicylic acid to remove dry and scaly patches, and removes oil build-up.
What We Don’t Like: Can be drying.
T/Sal is the gold standard for those dealing with dandruff, and this formula is just as effective for treating scalp eczema. Because it’s medicated with salicylic acid, it tends to be drying, which is why we love it for those with oily scalp and hair. Dermatologists love it for its proven effective results.
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 4.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Eczema is no fun to deal with anyone on your body, but perhaps even more so on your scalp, which is when a good eczema shampoo can make all the difference. The Mustela Stelatopia Foam Shampoo is approved by experts and the National Eczema Association, a formula that’s so gentle that its intended use was for babies. At the drugstore, pick up the Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo with Build-Up Control, a good choice if you have scalp eczema, psoriasis, or dandruff. And if flakes are your main complaint, try the DHS ZInc Shampoo, an affordable go-to.
What to Look for In an Eczema Shampoo
A Medicated Formula
More specifically, a shampoo that contains salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide, active ingredients that can help combat the symptoms of eczema, such as itching and flaking.3
A Super-Gentle Formula
On the flip side, if your eczema is milder or you perhaps don’t want a medicated option, stick with mild, hypoallergenic formulas that won’t irritate your already stressed-out scalp. (Fragrance-free is always one important criterion.)
FAQ
- What shampoo is best for someone with eczema?Shampoo specifically formulated for eczema is best if you have this skin condition. Consider using a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione and/or salicylic acid and selenium sulfide.3 If your scalp is very sensitive, it may be best to avoid medicated shampoos. Instead, choose a gentle formula or primarily use a mild formula with a medicated one reserved for occasional use.
- What can I use for eczema on my scalp?For eczema on your scalp, look for a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for people with eczema. These can include medicated products with zinc pyrithione and/or salicylic acid and selenium sulfide or gentle, non-irritating products that can help to calm angry, inflamed skin. Which one you choose depends on the reason for your eczema and how your skin reacts. Seek the help of a dermatologist for personalized advice.
- Can shampoo make eczema worse?Some types of shampoo can make eczema worse. Some people have eczema due to allergic reactions and skin sensitivities. If this is the case for you, looking for a shampoo designed for sensitive skin may be best. Medicated shampoos specifically for treating eczema may help, or they may be too harsh. Determine the best choice for you depending on how your scalp reacts.
- Should you wash your hair every day if you have eczema?Washing your hair every day if you have eczema may worsen your skin, especially if your hair products are irritating. Try cutting back to washing every two to three days and using a medicated shampoo for eczema or a non-irritating formula that contains ingredients like amino acids that can help heal the skin.6
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.