Shampoos for Scalp Eczema-Ingredients to Look Out forand Those To Avoid

The best shampoo for scalp eczema should contain a combination of medical-grade tar, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulfur, coal tar, ciclopirox, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and sulfacetamide. These gentle and pH-balanced ingredients are best known for their ability to fight eczema discomfort.

Ingredients to Avoid

Avoid shampoos with preservatives, fragrances, allergens and sulfates. These ingredients can trigger eczema on your scalp or make it worse.

When Should Someone Opt for A Medicated Formula and When for Non-Medicated, Gentle Formula?

Use a non-medicated gentle formula when the symptoms of scalp eczema show up, and use a medicated formula 1-3 times a week after the symptoms go away. Applying a medicated shampoo will keep the symptoms from coming back.

What Are Your Top Over-The-Counter/Drug Store Shampoo Brand Recommendations for People with Scalp Eczema?

Anastasia Filipenko

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

Latest from Ask the Expert