At the beginning of this year I started my search for the perfect shampoo for my eczema scalp and sensitive skin. It seemed that this was no easy task. Read “10 shampoos for dry scalps, sensitive skin and eczema” here and you’ll discover that buying products recommended for eczema skin doesn’t always mean that it will be suitable.
Many of these, recommended in health food shops and found in supermarkets and pharmacies turned out to be anything but soothing, caring, gentle and healing for my scalp. From my last research the best shampoos were BareFoot SOS and Green People. Both products were natural and didn’t irritate my scalp. I still use both of these and alternate depending on my mood. So fickle… and at the moment, not loyal at all. I change shampoo like I change my underwear but I will hone in on a few firm favourites by the end.
With the help of my friends at Skins Matter and the FreeFrom SkinCare Awards team I have narrowed down my search to some truly lovely products. Special thanks to Sarah at SugarPuffish who knows a lot about shampoo!
The FreeFrom Skincare Awards did not award a winner to the hair care category this year however so I didn’t find any new shampoos. Perhaps some of the products below will enter next year. You’ve got to be in it to win it.
This blog shares a collection of shampoos that leave my scalp feeling refreshed and normal, not tight, itchy and sore. Some are recommendations from readers that I have not tried but which sound worth a go if they take your fancy. These shampoos may not be found in your local chemist but with a bit of internet searching you can find them.
- Organic babies shampoo and shower gel
Organic Babies body wash and shampoo
Organic Babies Scent Free Baby Wash is made without SLS, parabens, lanolin, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants to bring you the purest wash that nature can offer.
Ingredients: AQUA (SPRING WATER), SODIUM COCO-SULFATE (FROM COCONUT), COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE (DERIVED FROM COCONUT), DECYL GLUCOSIDE (DERIVED FROM CORN), CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (CHAMOMILE) FLOWER EXTRACT*, LEVULINIC ACID (PLANT DERIVED), ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE POWDER*, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA (YUCCA) STEM EXTRACT, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CITRIC ACID. *83.0% ORGANIC
- Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo
Actives ingredients: Strengthening horsetail, Conditioning coconut oil, Soothing chamomile, Biodynamic nettle for scalp health, Shine-promoting rosemary and Moisture-locking aloe vera juice.
Is is also 100% natural, 70% organic and Free from wheat, dairy, soy, common allergen nut oils and is suitable for vegans
It also won the SkinsMatter FreeFrom SkinCare Awards for best shampoo in 2014 so definitely worth a try.
- De Bronner’s castille soap
They have natural castille soaps so check out their website and see which you prefer. Go to the Baby and Sensitive section for the simple soap product.
Ingredients: Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Olive Oil*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol.
- Moo Goo Milk shampoo
Ingredients: Aqua, Decyl Glucoside (Glucose Derived Cleanser), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Coconut Derived Cleanser), Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate (Coconut Derived Cleanser), Sodium Lauroamphoacetate (Coconut Derived Cleanser), Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Canola Derived De-Tangler), Lauryl Glucoside (Glucose Derived Cleanser), Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant Based Emulsifying Wax), Glyceryl Oleate (Natural Ester), Coco Glucoside (Glucose Derived Cleanser), Piroctone Olamine, Allantoin, Hydrolysed Milk Protein, Fragrant Oil (Phthalate free).
Nb: Not suitable for anyone with a dairy allergy
- Green People sensitive skin shampoo
Green People sensitive skin shampoo
Green People Neutral/Scent Free Shampoo is made without SLS/SLES, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), parabens, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phthalates, artificial colourants and artificial fragrances to bring you the purest shampoo that nature can offer.
Ingredients: AQUA (SPRING WATER), SODIUM COCO-SULFATE (FROM COCONUT), COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE (DERIVED FROM COCONUT), DECYL GLUCOSIDE (DERIVED FROM CORN), ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE POWDER*, CAMELLIA SINENSIS (GREEN TEA) LEAF EXTRACT*, ANANAS SATIVUS (PINEAPPLE) FRUIT EXTRACT, YUCCA SCHIDIGERA (YUCCA) STEM EXTRACT, MARIS SAL (SEA SALT), CITRIC ACID, BENZYL ALCOHOL, SORBIC ACID, SALICYLIC ACID, GLYCERIN. *83.3% ORGANIC
Green people also do an Irritated scalp shampoo. I haven’t tried this one but I’m sure it’s as good as the sensitive scalp one. This is one of my favourite brands. All their products seem to suit my skin.
- Pure Earth Hair Wash
This is what they say:
Our Pure Earth Hair Wash is simple, pure and effective. How, exactly, does our Hair Wash work? Our Pure Earth Hair Wash cleans ever-so-gently by absorbing excess dirt and oil and never strips your hair. It is a super-natural clay-based cleanser, created by Mother Earth herself, that our small team of artisan crafters humbly blends with certified organic soothing, hydrating aloe vera juice, certified organic nourishing herbals and organic essential oils. Sweet!
Ingredients: Organic aloe vera juice (from concentrate)°, bentonite clay, organic extracts° of organic linden flower°, organic nettle°, organic chamomile° and organic shavegrass°.
I haven’t tried this product yet myself but it’s on my list of shampoos or source one day because the ingredients sound so simple and clean. Having also tried out rhassoul clay to wash my hair I know clay is a really gentle cleanser.
- Dr Essence
Thanks to one reader Mary for recommending Desert Essence shampoo. She finds the coconut shampoo the best but not so much the conditioner. I haven’t tried this one yet but thanks Mary for the suggestion
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract *, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract*, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract*, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract *, Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seed Extract*, Sambucus Nigra (Black Elderberry) Flower Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract *, Sodium Coco-Sulfate (Coconut Derived), Decyl Glucoside (Coconut and Corn Derived), Propanediol (Corn Derived), Coco-Glucoside (Coconut Derived), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil *, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Dehydroacetic Acid, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides (Coconut Derived), Sodium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate (Fruit Derived), Lauryl Glucoside (Plant Derived), Citric Acid, Stearyl Citrate (Vegetable Derived), Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Coumarin, Limonene, Fragrance (Parfum) *Certified Organic – See more at: https://www.desertessence.com/store/coconut-shampoo#ingredients
- A’Kin Unscented natural shampoo
Itchy scalp and dandruff can be caused by ingredients common in some shampoo and conditioner. If you suffer with itchy scalp or dandruff it is well worth trying a product like this, if you see an improvement it points to your condition being caused by a sensitivity to the ingredients in your old shampoo and conditioner. If you see no improvement then a therapeutic shampoo and conditioner should be tried instead – we suggest the Barefoot Botanicals SOS shampoo and conditioner.
Ingredients: Aqua (water), sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, lauryl glucoside, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium chloride, glycerin, glyceryl laurate, sorbitol, sucrose cocoate, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium gluconate, sodium hydroxy methylglycinate, tetrasodium EDTA.
All shampoo sold at mypure.co.uk is free from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) & Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES).
- Lavea green clay shampoo
All shampoo sold at mypure.co.uk is free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) & ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES).
Ingredients: All shampoo is free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) & ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES). For more information on the different types of sulfates and the sulfates which are safe to use in organic shampoo please click here
AQUA (WATER), AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, GLYCERIN, BENTONITE, ILLITE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER*, THYMUS VULGARIS EXTRACT*, VITIS VINIFERA LEAF EXTRACT*, COMMIPHORA MYRRHA RESIN EXTRACT, LAMIUM ALBUM FLOWER EXTRACT*, HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM USNATE, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, BENZYL ALCOHOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE.
* Ingredients from Organic Farming 98.9% of total ingredients are natural
I haven’t tried this one either but the ingredients look quite good. Worth noting it does contain wheat protein and perfume/fragrance.
- Madara Eco Baby mild baby shampoo
Ingredients: Aqua Sodium, Coco Sulfate, Rosa Damascena, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Cocamphoacetate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Citric Acid, Avena Sativa, Tillia Cordata, Sodium Chloride, Aroma, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene
Again, not tried this one either but it sounds good.
Other brands you might like to look at include Jason, Faith in Nature and Skin Blossom.
You’ll find many of the shampoos featured above on the So Organic website, a one stop show for people living an organic life.
Have I missed any?
Hi Ruth,
I simply use a saponified organic coconut oil and water bar soap. I wash my hair and body with it. For the driest areas of my skin, I use a saponified organic olive oil and water bar soap. These two soaps have two ingredients each.
I keep a bar of a shampoo soap by my kitchen sink for washing my hands. I’ve got oily hair so I don’t need the shampoo bar’s extra oils.
I get all my products from Soap For Goodness Sake dot com. The soaps I use have less than five ingredients.
I love this idea, such a simple product. I’ll definitely be trying these. Let’s see if I can get your link pasted in here: http://soapforgoodnesssake.com
Also have a problem with coconut makes my scalp itch, all of the above have it bar one. Just bought a QV nourishing shampoo & conditioner from the chemist used it for the second time today my scalp feels better already
Thanks Maree, I just checked out that QV shampoo. For those reading comments here the ingredients are: Aqua (water), TEA-lauryl sulphate, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Lauryl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Glycol Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Glycolic Acid, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA. I don’t know what some of these ingredients are but it does contain parabens which are not great. I’m glad it is helping your scalp but perhaps try the Pure Earth Hair wash listed above which has much better ingredients. Also I think A’kin one doesn’t have coconut… or is anything that says coco that you have a problem with? There are some coco somethings in the A’kin one. Skin Blossom which I didn’t feature here might also be free from coconut and is quite cheap, and I’ve seen it in chemists and supermarkets so look out for it. I have some to test so might blog about it soon if it’s good. I lost the will to live and just had to share this one before it turned into top 20 shampoos and took me 10 years to write ;o)
Thanks Ruth I will try the Pure Earth Hair Wash. After doing more research I found QV does have coconut in it.
These ingredients, commonly found in soaps and shampoos, come from coconut in some way, shape, or form:
1,2 Octanediol
2 Phenoxyethanol
Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate
Capryl Glycol
Caprylic Acid
Caprylic Glycol
Caprylic/Capric
Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides
Caprylyl Glycol
Ceteareth-20
Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetearyl Glucoside
Ceteth-20 Phosphate
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Esters
Cocamide MEA
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cococaprylate/Caprate
Coco Glucoside
Cocomide DEA
Coconut diethanolamide (CDFA)
Cocos nucifera (another name for coconut oil)
Coconut Oil
Decyl Glucoside
Disodium Cocamphodiprop
Disodium cocoamphodiacetate
Emusifying Wax
Glyceryl Caprylate
Glyceryl cocoate
Hexyl Laurate
Isopropyl Myristate
Laureth-3
Lauric Acid
Lauryl Glucoside
Lauryl Alcohol
Lauramide DEA
Myristic Acid
Olefin Sulfonate
Organic Sodium Cocoate
PEG – 7 Glyceryl Cocoate
PEG -100
PEG – 100 Stearate
Phenoxyethanol
Polysorbate 20
Sodium Cocoate
Sodium Coco-Sulfate
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Sucrose Stearate
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinat
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Stearate
Sorbitan Stearate
Stearyl Alcohol
Stearalkonium chloride
Sucrose Cocoate
TEA-Laureth Sulfate
Vegetable Cetearyl Glucose
Vegetable Glycerine
WOWZERS that is some list! I am on a mission now to find coconut free washing stuff. Watch this space.
It sure is, no wonder I couldn’t find a shampoo. I thought it might be helpful for those with a coconut allergy. Just ordered Pure Earth Hair Wash online, I will let you know what it’s like.
Hi Ruth
Thanks for the article – I have very dry skin and a dry, sometimes itchy scalp and after an article you did over a year ago, switched to Barefoot SOS shampoo, face and body wash and the face cream. When I use the products consistently I do not have any problems.
Chris
Hi Chris, I’m so glad you find their products helpful. I love them too, but have turned into a bit of a swapper and a changer, partly so I can try out some of these new shampoos I’m finding I guess but that brand is good. I’m using Skin Blossom at the moment which seems to be quite good
I have an allergy to Balsam of Peru (which has many other names).
Needing recommendations for shampo0/conditioner, deodarant that do NOT contain BoP, Benzaldehyde, Benzoic acid, Benzoin, Benzyl salicylate and beeswax.
Would love any helpful information.
Thanks!
Hi Mariam, well this is a rare one. I’m not an expert on this ingredient but I can have a search around. In the meantime this is a more recent blog that I wrote on the subject when I had a whole shelf of new ones to try out. https://whatallergy.com/2017/01/natural-non-irritant-shampoo-for-dry-eczema-scalps/
Dear Ruth,
Do not use any shampoo that has sodium benzoate or benzoic acid. It the worst ingredient and you should look it up before printing it in this space. I hive from it and it is in every shampoo. Go to your local grocery store or pharmacy and read the labels. Then google sodium benzoate allergy. Most people don’t even know why they itch after using an organic shampoo. Please remove this ingredient from your list.
Thank you, Nancy
Hi Nancy, I will look into this ingredient. I don’t think I react to that ingredient myself and will go through the shampoos mentioned above and add a warning. I guess it’s impossible, anyone can be allergic to any ingredient, even natural ingredients and essential oils. I will look into this ingredient though. I wonder why it’s in so many of these products made for people with sensitive skin. It certainly doesn’t sound natural in any way.
I agree with Nancy regarding sodium benzoate. It took me a lot of trial and error to determine that sodium benzoate in hair products makes my scalp itch and causes flare-ups in my otherwise well-controlled asthma.
It’s so hard to work out which one ingredient isn’t it? How did you work it out? Just trial and error? What is your go to shampoo that is safe for you?
I have eczema on my scalp and can’t find any shampoo that will not irrate my scalp. I think I would like to try Pure Earth Hair Wash as it seems not to have any harsh chemicals including Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which I think I am allergic too. I live in the UK and I can’t seem to find a webiste that will ship Pure Earth Hair Wash to the UK. Would you be able to help.
Thanks
Ah OK. Maybe contact the FreeFrom SkinCAre Awards organisers. https://www.skinsmatter.com/ I’m not an expert, just someone trying different things but I promise to scour the ones I’m using to see if any are suitable. Good luck in your search.
Hi
Re. Mariam – I too have an allergy to Balsam of Peru, and I’m struggling to find a hand wash, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner without any Benzyl Benzoate!
Any help would be gratefully received as I’m currently losing the will to live.
Check out the SkinCAre Awards, google it. They might be able to help.
My daughter has an allergy to sodium benzoate. It seems to be in most shampoos. We will be checking the ones you have listed above. The shampoos with sodium benzoate give her hives over her shoulders and back. No matter how well she rinses. We are having a hard time finding any without it.
I have one now by Odylique which is their Gentle Herb Shampoo which doesn’t look like it contains Sodium Benzoate. Please double check before buying.
Most of these are not actually allergen free, as Maree pointed out above. Anything that is coconut based can cause problems for people like me. Most of these shampoo options would cause me to break out into hives and for my head to scab over.
Hi Kara, I’m really sorry about that. I’ve just been trying to share my own findings of what works for me. I’m using John Master organic no fragrance shampoo at the moment. What do you use?
My child has an allergy to linalool which occurs naturally in over 200 essential oils including lavender and tea tree oil . Linalool exacerbates her ezema. Just about every shampoo I have researched, including the ones above, contain at least one oil. (I am unfamiliar if jojoba oil contains linalool.) Can you recommend a shampoo that does not contain linalool? Thanks so much.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is just as bad for your hair as SLS is and should be avoided! Same goes for Cocomide DEA, Cocomide MEA, Hydroxysultain and anything starting with PEG.
These are used in all the shampoos you mentioned!
I have a major allergy to coco betaine and parabens including essential oils such as lavender, rosemary and camomile and I’m really struggling to find a shampoo and conditioner
HELLO COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE IS A STRONG ALLERGENT I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU
I have a lot of allergies. Citrus and Aloe and tree-nuts. I can tolerate products with coco-nut but none of the rest. A lot of the shampoos listed have citric acid and/or aloe. Do you know of any that do have those ingredients. Almost everything seems to have the citric acid in it. Thanks.
Hi Jo, off the top of my head I don’t know of any that are citric acid free. I’ve done a quick search and your’e right, most do seem to, even the really lovely natural ones. You could experiment with Rhassoul clay, which I have used to wash my hair. One ingredient, just the clay and very natural and good for the scalp. YOu also need to make a conditioner for which I used diluted cider vinegar. Check this out https://whatallergy.com/2015/01/rhassoul-clay-shampoo-for-dry-itchy-eczema-scalp/
And in the meantime I’ll see if I can find one that is citric acid free.
My daughter is allergic to Citric acid, and the only shampoos that I can find that works for her are: ,Good bubble, shampoo and conditioner, and Garnier Ultimate blends shampoo bar. Citric acid is a natural product that is added in nearly everything to balance the PH, even in food!
Gosh yes citric acid is in a lot of things. I wonder if Kind2 bar shampoo might help, I use it. No plastic packaging and it’s got no citric acid. It does have Sorbic acid though. Use Promo Code WHATALLERGY for 15% off – https://kind2.me/?ref=kevdm7wlvl3
I have a major allergy to coco betaine and parabens including essential oils such as lavender, rosemary and camomile and I’m really struggling to find a shampoo and conditioner.
Does anyone know of any that I could try. I’ve been searching for years and the pain is unreal. I’m currently using Avalon Organics Apple cider shampoo and conditioner (which is the best I’ve found so far as only has Calendula O cinalis Flower Extract *marigold* part of the camomile family also)
It’s awful when you can’t even wash your hair without irritation.
One thing you could try is Rhassoul Clay, it’s a bit of a faff, but works well with cider vinegar natural conditioner. You make it up yourself. Check out https://whatallergy.com/2015/02/pros-and-cons-of-washing-hair-with-rhassoul-clay/
In the meantime I will have a look at the ones I’m using and see if I can find something. There must be something out there
Thank you
My pleasure… not found any miracle shampoo yet
I see many have corn derivatives included. Any suggestions on corn free products?
Yes actually, I’ve been using one by Kind2, Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Kaolin, Camellia Seed Oil, Fullers Earth, Macadamia Oil, Chia Seed Oil. Check it out here: https://kind2.me/products/the-sensitive-one
For those with Benzoate, Balsam of Peru, etc allergies you’ll also need to stay clear of any product with Aloe Vera in it. The plant contains benzoates naturally.
I’ve found several benzoate free shampoos over the years but sadly after a few months, sometimes years of using them I’ll get sensitive to them and have to start the search again.
Currently I use https://www.houseofmistry.com/ products.
Thanks so much for sharing, avoiding aloe vera and balsam of peru must be really hard work. I see it as an ingredient in so many products. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you Ruth for your very informative article and your tireless support to everyone who has written in to you
Hi Paula, thanks for your lovely comment. I’m always finding new shampoos, so perhaps I need to update this blog!