On this planet of skincare, we regularly hear the term “sensitive skin” and are available across many beauty products which might be formulated with sensitive-skinned folks in mind. Nevertheless, it is vital to keep in mind that sensitive skin can exist beyond the face and body. That is why it’s imperative for individuals with sensitive scalps to seek out the suitable hair-care products in order to avoid any kind of irritation or response.

In accordance with Philadelphia-based, board-certified dermatologist Michele Farber, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology, “sensitive scalp is an umbrella term to explain stinging, burning, itching, and other similar symptoms on the scalp.” Per the dermatologist, this could encompass a broad range of conditions, reminiscent of contact dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and certain kinds of alopecia. Dr. Farber also explains that headaches, nerve damage, and physical and emotional distress are only a number of the contributing culprits of sensitive scalps. “Common causes of irritation on the scalp include fragrances, in addition to detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate,” Dr. Farber adds.

With all this in mind, Mona Gohara, MD, a Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, says that those with sensitive scalps should avoid “sulfates and other harsh surfactants that may strip the skin of natural oils and compromise skin health.” As such, she recommends looking for shampoos and conditioners which might be formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients “reminiscent of honey and coconut oil” in addition to “humectants reminiscent of glycerin to tug in hydration and shea butter to boost scalp and cuticle health.”

To maintain your scalp healthy and irritation-free, we have rounded up the most effective shampoos and conditioners for sensitive scalps, including derm recommendations and favorites from Allure editor-approved brands like Nécessaire, Briogeo, and Kristin Ess.

1. Vanicream Free and Clear Shampoo & Vanicream Free and Clear Conditioner

“Vanicream Free and Clear Shampoo is freed from fragrances and other common irritants that may contribute to sensitive scalp[s],” says Dr. Farber. Although the formula is lanolin-, paraben-, phthalate-, and sulfate-free, it is enriched with glycerin for added hydration. Pair this shampoo with its corresponding conditioner, which comes highly really useful by Latest York City-based, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD. Per the dermatologist, the glycerin-infused conditioner also comprises “gentle ingredients that work as an emollient to condition the hair and stop tangles.”

2. Kristin Ess Extra Gentle Conditioner for Sensitive Skin + Scalp

While it does have a subtle scent, the Kristin Ess Extra Gentle Conditioner for Sensitive Skin + Scalp is best suited to — you guessed it — individuals with sensitive skin. Its formula, which is each color- and keratin-safe, helps moisturize, soften, and smooth the hair. Ingredient highlights include glycerin, fatty acid-packed avocado and castor seed oils, and mango seed butter, the latter of which is wealthy in vitamins A, C, and E. As a bonus, the conditioner also features the brand’s signature Zip-Up Technology, which is described by the corporate as a “proprietary strengthening complex” that targets split ends, weak areas, and damaged cuticles.

3. Serge Normant Meta Silk Shampoo

Diane Madfes, MD, a Latest York City-based, board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, recommends the Serge Normant Meta Silk Shampoo for sensitive scalps. In accordance with the dermatologist, its conditioning formula — enriched with glycerin and camellia seed oil, which is high in vitamins A and C — “clean[s] the scalp and hairs while maintaining moisture.”

4. DHS Clear Shampoo

In accordance with Dr. Farber, the DHS Clear Shampoo “gently cleanses” while balancing your scalp’s pH levels. (Put simply, when your skin deviates from its natural pH, it could trigger inflammation and skin conditions like eczema.) The shampoo’s fragrance-free formula helps eliminate flakes and buildup, leaving your hair soft, clean, and conditioned.

5. Necessaire The Shampoo and Conditioner

Nécessaire is thought for its nourishing body-care products, but don’t sleep on the brand’s signature shampoo and conditioner (aptly named The Shampoo and The Conditioner). Each products are hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic (meaning they will not block pores) and have impressive ingredient lists, which include moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (which has been shown to assist with hair thickness and fullness), strengthening vitamin B5 (a.k.a. panthenol, and hydrating aloe extract. They’ve also been awarded Seals of Approval from the National Eczema Association.

6. Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra-Soothing Shampoo

The Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Shampoo is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, which implies it’s suitable for even probably the most sensitive scalps. Its nourishing formula features soothing aloe vera, fatty acid-rich oat milk, and antioxidant-spiked green tea — on top of some mainstay hydrating ingredients we love, like glycerin, panthenol, and meadowfoam.

7. SheaMoisture Wash ‘N Go Conditioner

In accordance with Dr. Gohara, the SheaMoisture Wash ‘N Go Conditioner has “all the appropriate actives” to maintain hair “healthy but additionally looking good.” Its ultra-hydrating formula — which features smoothing and moisturizing shea butter and a mix of coconut, baobab, and sweet almond oils — is very ideal for folk with curly hair. P.S. You may as well buy the Wash ‘No Go Shampoo and Conditioner duo.

8. Neutrogena Gentle & Soft Healthy Scalp Shampoo

Neutrogena’s Gentle & Soft Healthy Scalp Shampoo is formulated to cleanse and soften the hair, sans irritating the scalp. What’s more, its pH-balancing formula is enriched with micellar water, a mild yet powerful cleanser that works to clear buildup, debris, and excess sebum. It is also secure to make use of on color-treated hair.

9. Philip Kingsley No Scent No Color Gentle Conditioner

Those with easily irritated scalps should incorporate The Philip Kingsley No Scent No Color Gentle Conditioner into their hair-care routine, stat. This fragrance-, dye-, and paraben-free conditioner is even suitable to be used on keratin-treated hair. Plus, with ingredients like amodimethicone and hydrolyzed elastin – which cosmetic chemist Ginger King notes are conditioning and moisture-boosting, respectively — it’s gentle enough for people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. (Kingsley originally formulated the conditioner for his wife while she battled breast cancer and endured chemotherapy sessions.)

10. The Honest Company Purely Sensitive Conditioner

The Honest Company Purely Sensitive Conditioner is gentle enough for the entire family (babies, too!). Featuring a slew of key moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe, shea butter, and glycerin, this fragrance-free, hypoallergenic conditioner is specially formulated to melt hair while concurrently taming frizz.

11. Klorane Ultra-Gentle Conditioner with Oat Milk

For lightweight, shiny-looking hair, look no further than the Klorane Ultra-Gentle Conditioner with Oat Milk. The conditioner’s hero ingredient, oat milk, is thought for its skin-soothing properties. Plus, in line with Dr. Gohara, “oats can reduce inflammation and likewise be cooling in situations when there may be inflammation.” Simply lather it on, leave for 2 to 3 minutes, and rinse.