11 Best Shampoos For Eczema To Keep Dandruff At Bay
1. Best Tear-Free Formula:CeraVe Baby Wash And Shampoo
Bid adieu to tear-streaked, stingy eyes with this tear-free and gentle shampoo cum body wash from CeraVe. While dermatologists originally formulated this shampoo for baby hair, it works wonders for adult hair as well, especially if you suffer from eczema or intense dandruff. Key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid deeply nourish the scalp and empower it to fight dryness to keep flaking and dandruff at bay. It also contains niacinamide that maintains your skin’s delicate barrier. To add more goodness to this shampoo for scalp eczema, it is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-recommended, and non-irritating. Pros
Hydrates Tear-free formula Free of fragrance Phthalates, sulfates, dye, and parabens-free Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Cons
May not be effective for severe cases of eczema.
2. Best For All Hair Types:Puriya Scalp Clarifying Shampoo
Tea tree oil is known to reduce itchiness and flakiness, and this very ingredient makes the Puriya shampoo and conditioner for eczema effective if you have a dandruff-prone scalp. It is infused with arnica, sage, and rosemary that help gently clarify the scalp of flakes and nourish brittle, damaged hair. The shampoo effectively removes the natural oils that make your hair look flat without stripping it off its natural moisture. It is suitable for curly, fine, color-treated hair, and you can also use it for your toddler or pet as it suits a delicate scalp as well. Pros
pH balanced Contains plant-rich ingredients Safe for all hair types Suitable for pets and kids Free of questionable ingredients
Cons
May not treat thick patches of flake
3. Best Anti-Fungal Properties:Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
If you’ve been dealing with seborrheic dermatitis for quite a while, it is recommended to use a medicated shampoo for eczema that contains zinc. The Free & Clear eczema hair shampoo is infused with 2% zinc pyrithione that fights the fungi that cause seborrheic dermatitis. With a maximum OTC strength, you’ll witness a quick reduction in the symptoms of dandruff within a few applications of this atopic dermatitis shampoo. It is ideal for sensitive scalps and damaged hair as it is free of dyes, lanolin protein, formaldehyde releasers, and parabens. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product. Pros
Anti-fungal properties Treats seborrheic dermatitis Doesn’t contain cocamidopropyl betaine, sulfates, phosphates Free of proteins, gluten, and parabens Dermatologist-tested pH balanced
Cons
May not lather adequately Contains alcohol
4. Best Anti-Inflammatory Properties:Sphagnum Botanicals Eczema And Psoriasis Shampoo
If you’re looking for ways to treat eczema on the scalp naturally, one of the best ways is to pick a shampoo that boasts natural ingredients. The Sphagnum shampoo for eczema of the scalp enriches your scalp and hair with peat mud, humic acid, fulvic acid, and hymatomelanic acid to promote collagen production, balance skin pH levels, and heal micro wounds, respectively. Eczema strips the scalp of the many natural minerals, and this supplies those minerals and amino acids along with its antioxidant properties to treat the underlying causes of eczema. It deeply nourishes, hydrates, and saves your scalp from eczema flare-ups. Pros
Laboratory tested and certified Free of coal tar Contains natural ingredients Anti-inflammatory properties Heals micro wounds
Cons
May not be color safe
5. Best Hypoallergenic Formula:Wild Naturals Eczema And Psoriasis Shampoo
This concentrated shampoo for eczema is the dream product you’ve been waiting for to get rid of the flaky bad guys minus the stink of chemicals. Eczema disturbs the scalp’s pH balance, but this shampoo helps restore a healthy pH balance of 5.5 while retaining vital minerals and oils in the scalp. With a list of oh-so-incredible and rare ingredients from manuka healing honey and cehami, to organic aloe vera, this organic shampoo for eczema helps promote collagen growth. It also heals and moisturizes your scalp while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. When you use this anti-inflammatory shampoo for an extended period of time, it helps reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes. Check out this video for a detailed review of the product. Pros
98% natural Hypoallergenic Not tested on animals Contains no SLS, parabens, sulfates, dyes Fragrance-free Suitable for both oily and dry hair
Cons
Slightly expensive
6. Best For Everyday Use:Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo For Scalp Build-Up Control
Salicylic acid is among the best scalp eczema remedies, and this magical ingredient makes the Neutrogena T/Sal therapeutic shampoo an effective one. It is composed of maximum strength 3% salicylic acid, which helps break down itchy, flaky scalp buildup. It combats skin issues like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff even after you rinse the shampoo off. Its use extends to the face and the whole body, which is useful if you have both skin and scalp eczema. Since it is formulated to be gentle to the skin, you can use it every day if you have a severe case of eczema or other similar conditions. Pros
Suitable for everyday use Doubles as body and face wash Dermatologist-recommended Alcohol-free Color and preservative-free Free of fragrance
Cons
May not be suitable for dry scalp
7. Best For Dry Scalp And Hair:Mustela Stelatopia Shampooing Mousse
If your toddler has an eczema-prone scalp, this is one of the best shampoos for scalp eczema that can curb the condition before it aggravates. The Mustela Stelatopia Foam shampoo packs a wealth of hair-loving ingredients like avocado and sunflower oil distillate that hydrate, protect, and repair the skin barrier to address flakiness. It helps relieve itchiness for both babies and adults. Most people who have dandruff-related conditions have a sensitive scalp. And if that’s the case with you, you can count on this shampoo since it is gentle enough for regular use. Pros
Composed of 99% plant-based ingredients Tear-free Soap-free Recognized by the National Eczema Association Pediatrician and dermatologist tested Hypoallergenic Suitable for dry scalp and hair Unscented
Cons
May not be helpful for extreme flake buildup
8. Best Anti-Bacterial Shampoo:Honey Skin Tea Tree Shampoo
What makes this remedy one of the best shampoos for eczema on the scalp is its unique fusion of natural ingredients that aid in scalp treatment while relieving itchiness and dryness. The key ingredients like manuka honey, coconut oil, apple stem cells, tea tree oil, Australian cehami, and aloe vera render countless benefits while restoring the health of the scalp. It also boosts hair growth and offers anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits that help fight conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. If you’re looking for a shampoo that keeps dandruff at bay while hydrating and nourishing the scalp, this eczema scalp treatment shampoo is worth investing in. Pros
Promotes hair growth Moisturizes Color safe Paraben and sulfate-free Fragrance-free
Cons
Contains cocamidopropyl betaine which may irritate the eyes
9. Best For Dry And Damaged Hair:DHS Zinc Shampoo
The DHS eczema shampoo contains 2% pyrithione zinc, making it one of the most effective medicated shampoos for eczema. It helps fight dandruff and improves the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. It also brings down the redness and itchiness of the scalp. Since it has hydrating properties, it is well suited for dry and damaged hair. Effective yet gentle, this is a good shampoo for eczema on the scalp that is highly recommended by dermatologists. Pros
Suitable for dry and damaged hair Soothes the scalp Controls itching and redness Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
Some may find the scent too pungent. Not suitable for colored hair.
10. Best For Oily Hair:Healthy Hair Plus Psoriasis Shampoo
One of the favorites among people with eczema and similar scalp conditions, the Healthy Hair Plus shampoo is enriched with flake fighting ingredients like keratin, peppermint, jojoba, amino acids, and zinc. While it reduces dandruff, it also treats and heals sores and bumps. Emu oil and jojoba oil have anti-inflammatory effects and pacify itchiness and scaliness. If you have skin eczema, the good news is that it doubles as a body and face wash. Pros
Relieves itchiness and flakiness Can also be used as body and face wash Suitable for both oily and dry hair Free of parabens
Cons
Contains sulfate Contains alcohol
11. Best For All Hair Types:Nature Sustained Raw And Wild Soap Nut Shampoo
If you’re looking for a shampoo that’s closest to natural remedies for dandruff-related scalp problems that pampers your hair, this shampoo from Nature Sustained is an ideal solution. Concocted with makrut lime, soap nut, pineapple, India laurel leaf, and elephant apple, it deeply nourishes the scalp. It also contains natural probiotics that help sustain a healthy bacteria biome in the scalp and equip it to fight bad bacteria. You get a rich lather out of this shampoo, and the best thing is that the soap nut gives it a natural yet rich foam that would no harm to your hair. Pros
pH balanced Hypoallergenic Suitable for all hair types Sulfate-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Slightly expensive
Let’s move on to a brief yet useful buying guide on how to buy the right eczema shampoo that remedies your condition.
How To Choose The Right Eczema Shampoo?
Active ingredients
Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis are often an outcome of fungal or bacterial infection. So, when you’re looking for a shampoo that helps treat and heal your scalp condition, some of the common ingredients to look for are zinc, tea tree oil, coal tar, and salicylic acid. These ingredients are known to attack bacteria and fungi and can bring back a healthy, flake-free scalp.
Soothing ingredients
Most of the active ingredients that kill eczema causing bacteria and fungi can be harsh to your scalp. This is why it is recommended to opt for a shampoo that makes up for the harshness with a healthy dose of soothing ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and hyaluronic acid among others.
pH balance
Eczema-causing agents primarily attack the skin barrier and throw the pH value of the scalp off balance. This is when shampoos for eczema that also restore the pH balance come to your rescue. You’ll find in the description of the product if the shampoo works on the pH of your scalp, thus making it easier to choose the right shampoo.
Dermatologist-tested
Scalp infections call for medicated shampoos. This is why it is essential to opt for a shampoo for eczema that has been clinically tested and is dermatologist recommended or approved.
Hypoallergenic
If you have sensitive skin that acts up when exposed to certain ingredients, it is best to ensure that the shampoo is hypoallergenic. While suffering from eczema is an exhausting experience in itself, suffering an allergy will only add to your troubles, which is why it is best to be careful that you’re using the best hypoallergenic shampoos that are crafted for a sensitive scalp.
Free of toxins
Since harsh chemicals are known to aggravate flake buildup and itching for eczema-prone scalp, you should make it a point to purchase a shampoo that is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, artificial colors, dyes, etc. While using a good shampoo that works for eczema can be a gamechanger, you might need to take some extra precautions to ensure that you have complete control over your scalp health. Read ahead to find out what more you can do to treat eczema on your scalp.
How Can I Treat Eczema On My Scalp?
Use hair products such as shampoos and creams that are specifically formulated with soothing ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, etc. that are known to improve the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Keep a check on your diet and other products that you use on your scalp to determine what causes flare ups. You can also observe seasonal changes and if a particular time of year aggravates your condition. Making a few changes in your lifestyle and avoiding these factors may help. Make it a point to see a dermatologist when the symptoms worsen over time. This could indicate a chronic infection of the scalp, which might need medications. Symptoms to look out for are— yellow or white discharge, pus discharge, blisters, severe itchiness that cause bleeding and a burning sensation.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Vaishnavi Kothuri, is a skin and hair care expert whose aim is to provide you with the answers to all your skin and hair issues like an eczematous scalp. She recommends using these shampoos to manage eczema and prevent your scalp from becoming dry, itchy, red, and scaly. She chose these products because they have soothing ingredients with pH regulating properties and are dermatologist-tested and approved. Does anti-dandruff shampoo help with eczema? If the anti-dandruff shampoo contains zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, or similar ingredients that are generally used in OTC shampoos, the shampoo might help with eczema. Does tea tree shampoo help with eczema? Tea tree oil is known to relieve mild to moderate dandruff, a common symptom of eczema. However, not everyone would find a tea tree shampoo to be effective. Is sulfate-free shampoo good for eczema? Yes, because sulfate may aggravate itching, redness and can be a bad choice for sensitive skin if you have eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or any other similar scalp condition. Can shampoo cause eczema? While a shampoo can’t cause eczema by itself, some of the shampoos that contain certain toxins like sulfates and phthalates can make it worse for you. Is Head and Shoulders good for eczema? If you’re looking for over-the-counter alternatives to prescription shampoos, Head and Shoulders is an option worth considering.
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