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If you routinely deal with eczema—flare-ups of dry, itchy and often red patches on the skin—then you likely know it only gets more aggravated in the winter. The combination of cold, dry air and excessive use of hot water can cause the skin concern to appear more often, especially on the scalp.

Luckily, there are options that specifically target eczema flare-ups and alleviate the symptoms, including shampoos that are gentle enough to implement into your regimen on a regular basis. In fact, these shampoos cater to those with sensitive skin and offer nourishing benefits that go above and beyond your typical shampoo formulation.

Best Shampoos for Eczema in 2025, at a Glance

  • Best Overall: Vanicream Shampoo for Sensitive Skin, $14
  • Best for Dandruff: Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
    , $16 (Originally $30)
  • Best Hydrating: CeraVe Hydrating Shampoo, $9
  • Best for Deodorizing: Scruples Clearet Dandruff & Deodorizing Shampoo
    , $30
  • Best for Ultra-Sensitive Skin: Odele Ultra Sensitive Shampoo, $13

That said, if you’re worried about adding a new formulation into the mix (and risk even worse flare-ups), it’s always wise to consult with a dermatologist to address your concerns. Fortunately, we tapped several board-certified dermatologists to give us their guidance on selecting the best shampoo for eczema, alonsgide their top recommendations from retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart.

Our Experts

  • Dr. Viktoryia Kazlosukaya, MD, PhD, owner of Dermatology Circle PLLC
  • Dr. Ross Kopelman, Hair Transplant Surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration
  • Dr. Angela Brimhall of Sage Dermatology & MOHS Surgery Clinic
  • James Kilgour, MD, Dermatologist at Stanford and Founder of KilgourMD
  • William Whatley, Celebrity Hairstylist & Creative Education Director at Scruples Haircare

What Should You Look for in a Shampoo for Eczema?

“When selecting a shampoo for eczema, it’s important to look for products that are free from irritating chemicals, fragrances, and common allergens,” says certified dermatologist, Dr. Angela Brimhall of Sage Dermatology & MOHS Surgery Clinic. “Shampoos can be difficult to ‘patch test’ because they were not designed for long contact with your skin. Depending on the severity of your eczema, consider consulting with a dermatologist for personalized recommendations tailored to your unique needs.”

What Should You Avoid in a Shampoo if You Have Eczema?

According to James Kilgour, MD, Dermatologist at Stanford and Founder of KilgourMD, one of the most important things to look for is what is not in the shampoo. “For dry, eczema prone, sensitive skin, I always recommend using sulfate-free shampoos. The common sulfates sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are far too astringent and drying for eczema-prone skin and will likely flare the skin. I also recommend avoiding products with added fragrance, as perfume is the number one skin allergen. In terms of beneficial ingredients, I recommend looking for a hydrating shampoo containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, non-fragrant plant emmolients such as jojoba and coconut oil, and shea butter, as well as ceramides.”