The 15 Best Hypoallergenic Shampoos for Sensitive Scalps

• Why We Love It: top seller on Amazon, four scents, no synthetic fragrances
• What We Don't Love: strong scent, flimsy pump, thin consistency
• Best For: sensitive scalps, fine hair
• Promising Review: "Finally, finally, finally, a shampoo that doesn't have a perfume [scent], and that actually works as advertised. I used it for hair, scalp and face. It's all good, clean and soft with no irritation. Finally. It's on the top of my essential list." — an Amazon Reviewer

This two-in-one formula aims to give you a gentle wash from head to toe. The soothing formula (featuring aloe juice, chamomilla flower extract and lavender oil) offers a rich lather that rinses clean. It’s also made without any parabens, dyes or synthetic fragrances. With more than 11,000 5-star reviews, customers rave about the calming formula—and how it’s great for little ones, too.

• Why We Love It: fragrance-free, gentle formula
• What We Don't Love: thick consistency, not suitable for thick hair
• Best For: dry hair, fine hair, dandruff
• Promising Review: "This is the only brand that does not make my scalp burn or itch. It took me a long time to find this [shampoo]." — Kennedy, an Amazon reviewer

This shampoo is paraben-free, fragrance-free and color-safe, and it features glycerin, a key ingredient that hydrates and soothes sensitive scalps. Thanks to the fatty acids found in the formula, it also removes excess oil and improves volume. "If you have problems with sensitivity to shampoo and conditioner, I highly recommend giving this brand a shot," writes one buyer. "I also appreciate that this shampoo completely cleans my hair and it doesn't weigh it down."

• Why We Love It: contains a citrus and mint scent, safe for color-treated hair
• What We Don't Love: not suitable for oily scalps, thick formula
• Best For: dry and thin hair
• Promising Review: "I can honestly say, of all the shampoos I've used in my life, this shampoo is the easiest to lather. The smell is also amazing, no complaints there...The shampoo alone has improved the quality of my hair by a lot; it is the softest it’s been in a long while." – An Amazon reviewer

This daily shampoo promises a deep cleanse that won’t strip away your natural oils. In it, you’ll find a betaine, squalene and rosemary oil blend, which refreshes, softens and clarifies the hair and scalp. It also offers a subtle scent that won’t weigh down your locks, courtesy of natural ingredients (like fresh bergamot, eucalyptus and muddled peppermint) and small doses of essential oils (like citrus and mint). With nearly 800 5-star reviews, many users appreciate the gentle lather for wash day.

• Why We Love It: creamy formula, fragrance-free
• What We Don't Love: not suitable for color-treated or super dry hair
• Best For: curly, thinning, fine and gray hair
• Promising Review: “DHS Clear Shampoo [cleans] my hair without causing any irritation or allergic reaction. It doesn't dry my hair out as much as some other fragrance-free shampoos. And it causes less hair loss than many others." — Kate, an Amazon reviewer

Want a clarifying shampoo that doesn’t dry out your scalp? This one promises a gentle but thorough cleanse that removes buildup, dirt and oil. The nourishing formula doesn't just clean—it conditions and balances your scalp’s pH for stronger, healthier locks overall. The brand claims it’s especially great for curly, thinning, fine and/or gray hair. 

• Why We Love It: two-pack, great for flakes, fragrance-free
• What We Don't Love: not suitable for sensitive scalps or dry hair
• Best For: oily hair
• Promising Review: "There is nothing to dislike about this shampoo. It is an effective yet gentle, non-irritating, low, pleasant scent and cleans my hair just fine. My scalp has never felt this good...I could never go back to anything else." — Vaughn, an Amazon reviewer

Have dandruff or pesky flakes? This shampoo might be the solution. The glycerin blend helps to control oil production, remove build-up and soothe any irritation. It’s also free of formaldehyde, botanical extracts and sulfates that can cause irritation.

• Why We Love It: contains grapeseed oil, fruity scent, EWG-certified
• What We Don't Love: not suitable for color-treated hair
• Best For: dry, thin and damaged hair
• Promising Review: "It smells so good and lathers [in my hair] really well. It has also helped with my dry scalp. [I] finally found a shampoo that doesn’t dry out my hair." — an Amazon reviewer

If you’re dealing with dryness, this shampoo is packed with nourishing ingredients, like grapeseed oil, which is said to repair and soften parched strands and skin. The hydrating formula also has olive leaf extract to condition the scalp and brighten dull ends. Plus, there's watercress and Indian cress (which contain a ton of vitamins and minerals) to strengthen hair and encourage new growth.

• Why We Love It: gentle formula, sustainable packaging, suitable for daily use
• What We Don't Love: pricey
• Best For: sensitive scalps
• Promising Review: “We needed a shampoo with no fragrance or SLS that wouldn't dry out my husband and my hair. This completely fits our needs. My husband's scalp has shown significant improvement and it’s not as scaly or itchy. He's amazed.” — an Amazon reviewer

If you have a very sensitive scalp, this soothing pick can help. It has no scent or artificial dyes that can potentially irritate the scalp. Instead, the vegan formula cleanses and improves the appearance of your strands using a rich blend of glycerin, citric acid and capryl gluoside.