Managing your child’s eczema often involves a lot of trial and error, particularly when it comes to finding a shampoo and conditioner that does not trigger a flare-up. The skin on children's scalps is thinner and more absorbent than adults', making it particularly vulnerable to irritation from harsh hair care products.
Choosing a shampoo for eczema-prone skin means looking for ultra-gentle, pH-balanced formulas that support the skin barrier. With the right shampoo, you can keep your child’s hair clean and soft without causing discomfort or dryness.
At a glance
- Avoid harsh foaming agents like SLS which can strip a sensitive scalp's protective oils
- For very reactive skin, the Organic Babies Scent Free Baby Wash & Shampoo offers a fragrance-free, non-irritating cleanse
- As children grow older, transition to fruit-enriched formulas like Organic Children Berry Smoothie Shampoo
- Always rinse thoroughly to ensure no product residue is left behind
Caring for your child's eczema-prone scalp
An eczema-prone scalp can be incredibly itchy and uncomfortable for a child, often leading to scratching that can break the skin. This cycle of irritation is often worsened by sweat, heat from wearing school hats or the drying effects of chlorine after swimming lessons. Read more about learning to swim with eczema-prone skin.
To support your child's scalp, it is essential to use a shampoo that cleanses without being aggressive. Finding a shampoo for eczema that suits your child’s specific needs can make bath time a much calmer experience for everyone involved.
If your child is currently experiencing a severe flare-up or you are concerned about their health, it is important to seek professional advice. You can find more information on managing childhood skin conditions from the NHS guide to atopic eczema.
Why some children's shampoos can cause flare-ups
Many mainstream children's shampoos contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), a harsh foaming agent that creates a satisfying lather but can be irritating for sensitive skin. SLS is known to disrupt the skin's natural lipid barrier, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to enter more easily. Read more about SLS in shampoo.
Synthetic fragrances and strong preservatives are also common culprits that can lead to redness and itching. The way hair is washed can also play a role, as sweat and hair care ingredients trapped under hair can irritate the skin if hair is not rinsed thoroughly.
"When I started Green People, my daughter Alexandra was suffering from multiple skin allergies. I soon realised that many 'natural' products still contained harsh synthetic ingredients, which led me to create truly organic, gentle alternatives."
— Charlotte Vøhtz, Founder of Green People
Gentle organic shampoos for sensitive kids
For babies and young children with very sensitive skin, a fragrance-free approach is often the safest choice. Our Organic Babies Scent Free Baby Wash & Shampoo is a dual-purpose cleanser made with Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Calendula.
This neutral formula is Organic Food Federation certified and helps to soothe the scalp while it cleanses. Because it contains no essential oils or perfumes, it is ideal for those who find even natural scents irritating.
Organic Babies Baby Wash & Shampoo - Scent Free 150ml
Eczema-friendly, fragrance-free wash to cleanse and comfort sensitive skin£12.00
As your child grows, they may wish to start using products aimed at kids, rather than babies. Transitioning from a baby wash to a dedicated children's shampoo and conditioner also helps to manage tangles, which reduces the need for tugging and pulling on a sensitive scalp.
The Organic Children Lavender Burst Shampoo uses gentle Coconut-derived cleansers, Yucca and Pineapple Enzymes to clear away dirt and excess oil. It is enriched with Aloe Vera and Lavender to nourish the scalp and leave hair smelling naturally scented without synthetic perfumes.
Organic Children Shampoo & Body Wash - Berry Smoothie 200ml
A 2-in-1 children's shampoo and body wash with a natural berry scent£14.00
Shop natural and organic conditioner for children
To help keep hair easy to brush, it is often beneficial to follow up with a natural conditioner. A conditioner helps to smooth the hair cuticle, making it easier to comb through.
Our Organic Children Lavender Burst Conditioner is formulated with plant-based proteins and Sunflower Oil. It is incredibly gentle and helps to prevent the "static" and frizz that can sometimes itch against a child's neck and forehead.
Like the matching shampoo, it is gently scented with organic Lavender - perfect for bedtime baths.
Organic Children Conditioner - Lavender Burst 200ml
Boost shine and reduce tangles with this organic conditioner for kids£14.00
For more advice on choosing the right products for your family, you might find our guide on why to choose organic skin care for children helpful.
Bathtime tips: making hair washing gentler for kids with eczema
Reluctant bathers often fear hair washing because they worry about product stinging their eyes or their skin feeling "tight" afterwards. To make the process easier, try to keep the bath water lukewarm rather than hot, as high temperatures can strip the skin of essential moisture.
When washing, use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp rather than your nails to avoid causing micro-tears in the skin. Ensure you rinse the hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove every trace of shampoo, as any residue left behind can become an irritant once the skin is dry.
We hope you have found the best shampoo for your child with sensitive skin. If you need any more help or advice, our friendly UK customer care team are happy to help on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
MEET CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People's Choice in the 2023 list of Who's Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible 'Naturally Gorgeous'. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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