For people living with seborrheic dermatitis, keeping track of products that won’t cause a flare-up can be overwhelming. Without knowing what’s safe to use, picking out a new soap or hair gel can feel like guesswork.

Everyone’s skin type is different. While one product might work well for someone with seborrheic dermatitis, it might cause a flare-up, dryness, or a scaly scalp for another.

Make sure you talk to a dermatologist before you try a new product. They often advise people with skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis to test a new product on a small area of affected skin and monitor it for a reaction. If you do have a bad reaction to a new product, stop using it immediately. If your symptoms don’t go away on their own, get in touch with your doctor right away.

This article lists products and ingredients to watch out for if you have seborrheic dermatitis. With these tips, maybe your next shopping trip will be more of a breeze than a burden.

1. Soaps and Detergents With Sulfates

Harsh soaps and detergents can be characterized by their ingredients. True soaps are made with an alkali — traditionally lye — and natural fats or oils. Detergents, on the other hand, are made with synthetic ingredients like sulfates.

One common ingredient in these products is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It’s an artificial chemical with a very high pH of about 8.5 to 10. The pH of skin is usually about 5. Harsh soaps and detergents can raise the pH of the skin. This strips it of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and, ultimately, flare-ups.

Avoid soaps and detergents that contain harsh synthetic ingredients (surfactant sulfates, for example). To minimize irritation, opt instead for cleansers that are mild, pH-balanced, and free of sulfates​.

2. Alcohol-Based Products

Alcohol-based products can be drying and irritating. Simple alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and methanol are solvents. They dissolve and remove solutes, like oil. That means that they can strip the skin of natural oils, disrupt the lipid barrier, and increase water loss from the skin. This leads to dryness and irritation, especially for sensitive skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

Look for products labeled “alcohol-free” or ones made with fatty alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol. Fatty alcohols are less irritating, and they can be beneficial as moisturizers (also called emollients). When looking for alcohol-free products, choose ones with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin. Ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide can help repair the skin’s lipid barrier.

3. Products With Fragrances

Fragrances, both synthetic and natural, are common irritants in skin care products, especially for people with sensitive skin. A 2022 study found that fragrances ranked in the top five allergens with the highest proportion of positive reactions in individuals with seborrheic dermatitis. Fragrances can irritate the skin and worsen symptoms of sensitive skin conditions. This disruption leads to increased dryness, inflammation, and sensitivity to environmental stressors.

Look for cleansers, soaps, moisturizers, and lotions that are labeled fragrance-free. Ask your dermatologist for recommendations on the best fragrance-free products for your skin specifically.

4. Products With Parabens and Other Preservatives

Parabens (such as methylparaben and propylparaben) are preservatives in many cosmetics, shampoos, and conditioners. They prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which extends the product’s shelf life. But they can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen symptoms for people with seborrheic dermatitis. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that even sunscreen can contain parabens.

Parabens aren’t the only household preservatives that can irritate skin. Other ingredients to check for include:

• Formaldehyde releasers (for example, DMDM hydantoin, found in shampoo and liquid soap)
• Isothiazolinones (such as methylisothiazolinone in shampoos)
• Phenoxyethanol (found in facial cleansers and moisturizers)

These can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

Look instead for nonprescription or over-the-counter dandruff shampoos and other products made for people with sensitive skin.

5. Hairstyling Products

For people with seborrheic dermatitis, hairstyling products — especially waxes, gels, and hair sprays — can worsen symptoms. Waxes can clog pores and leave a heavy residue on the scalp, causing yeast overgrowth and scalp inflammation. Hair sprays often contain fragrances and alcohol-based propellants.

Look for hypoallergenic products without alcohol or fragrances. Natural alternatives like aloe vera gel or hair products made specifically for those with seborrheic dermatitis can be a safer option for styling​.

6. Products With Artificial Dyes

Artificial dyes are common in cosmetics, foods, skin care products, fabrics, and hair products. These dyes can cause skin irritation, flare-ups, and allergic reactions, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.

Artificial dyes are often labeled as “FD&C” or “D&C,” followed by a color and number. “FD&C Red No. 40” is a common example. People with seborrheic dermatitis should avoid products that are artificially dyed, if possible.

7. Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets often contain chemicals like quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs or quats), fragrances, and preservatives. They leave a residue on clothing that can transfer to the skin. This residue can then cause irritation and potential allergic reactions. It may also affect seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets if you can. If you do use fabric softeners, look for those with the fewest fragrances possible.

8. Certain Carrier Oils

A carrier oil is defined by the National Cancer Institute as an oil “with little or no scent that is used to dilute or ‘carry’ essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants).” While some are great for cooking, they’re best kept away from the skin.

Olive oil is an example of a carrier oil. It was once thought to be a good topical treatment option for seborrheic dermatitis. But it’s since been found to damage the skin barrier, according to the National Eczema Society.

There is some early evidence that tea tree oil could help relieve seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. It kills the yeasts that lead to worsening symptoms. Keep in mind that pure tree oil is harsh and should never be applied directly on sensitive skin. Ask your doctor or dermatologist which oils are safe to use on your skin.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 14,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Have you found a product that works well with your seborrheic dermatitis? Have you tried any that have caused a bad reaction? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.