Sensitive Scalp Shampoo
with Organic Plum, Jasmine & Linden Flower
Where your scalp begins to feel like yours again.
Best for: reactive, uncomfortable, or recovering scalps
€40
Freshly made to your order in our COSMOS-certified European laboratories
ALLERGEN LABEL FREE · COSMOS NATURAL · NUT-FREE · VEGAN · CRUELTY-FREE
Sensitive Scalp Shampoo is a COSMOS Natural certified, allergen-label-free shampoo formulated for reactive, irritated, or recovering scalps. With organic plum extract, organic linden flower, and betaine from sugar beet, it cleanses gently without disrupting the scalp’s natural balance. Suitable for all skin types, including scalps affected by hormonal changes, medication, or post-treatment sensitivity. 400ml · €40.
From Clare
Clare Devereux IAT · Advanced Clinical Trichologist · Harley Street London & Dublin
If your scalp isn’t itself right now — if there’s a tightness, a sensitivity, something that just doesn’t feel right — I want you to know that’s your body telling you something useful. It’s not something to push through or mask. It’s something to listen to and respond to gently. Scalp sensitivity often arrives alongside life changes — new medication, hormonal shifts, stress, or simply years of products that weren’t right for you. A 2024 worldwide study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, surveying 50,552 adults across 20 countries, found that nearly half of all women report having a sensitive scalp — making it one of the most common yet under-recognised scalp conditions globally.
This is the sensitive scalp shampoo I reach for when a client’s scalp needs calm above all else. It’s allergen-label-free, which means we’ve removed the common irritants that most shampoos contain without thinking twice about. Organic plum fruit extract, organic linden flower, and jasmine work to soothe rather than stimulate. Betaine from sugar beet keeps the formula impossibly gentle — it’s why this shampoo can clean without irritating, even when your scalp is at its most reactive. And the fragrance is deliberately soft — present enough to feel considered, gentle enough that even reactive scalps can breathe.
In my practice in Dublin and London, this is the shampoo I recommend most often for clients with scalp sensitivity — and it’s the foundation of our in-clinic TRICHOFUSION scalp recovery programme. For many of my clients, this is where their hair health journey begins. Not because there’s something wrong with them, but because their scalp has been asking for something better — and this is the answer.
This is for you if
- Your scalp feels tight, itchy, tender, or reactive
- You’ve noticed flaking, redness, or irritation that won’t settle
- Your current shampoo seems to make things worse rather than better
- You’re going through a life change that’s affecting your scalp — new medication, hormonal shifts, stress, post-treatment recovery
- You have sensitive skin generally and want a shampoo that respects that
- You want the gentlest possible cleansing while your scalp rebalances
Consider instead if
- Your scalp is comfortable but your hair feels dry or dehydrated — our Moisturising Shampoo is designed for hydration without the sensitivity-specific formulation
- Your primary goal is volume and fullness rather than scalp comfort — our Keratin Volume Boost Shampoo has active scalp-stimulating ingredients
- You colour your hair and your scalp is fine — our Colour Care Shampoo protects colour while cleansing gently
- You’re looking for a special-occasion shine rather than everyday scalp care — our Gloss Shampoo delivers that editorial gloss
What’s Inside
Formulated without common allergens. Every ingredient is chosen to soothe, not stimulate — to give a reactive scalp the space it needs to settle.
Organic Plum
PRUNUS DOMESTICA
Rich in vitamins A, C, and E with natural antioxidant properties. Helps calm the appearance of redness and irritation, supporting the scalp’s natural protective barrier and helping to maintain its resilience. The ingredient that makes this formula distinctly HHE.
Jasmine
JASMINUM OFFICINALE
Naturally purifying properties help maintain a fresh, balanced scalp environment without disrupting its natural flora. Moisturises and calms visible irritation while helping to reduce the appearance of flakiness. A gentle guardian for scalps that need care, not aggression.
Linden Flower
TILIA CORDATA · ORGANIC
A traditional calming botanical known for its soothing and comforting properties. Forms a lightweight protective film that improves moisture retention and softness, reducing the tightness and reactivity that make sensitive scalps uncomfortable.
Betaine
FROM SUGAR BEET
The foundation of the gentleness in this formula. A natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture at the scalp while modifying the cleansing system to be as mild as possible. Helps reduce the feeling of irritation, smooths the hair cuticle, and improves manageability without weight.
Aqua, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Betaine, Glyceryl Oleate, Prunus Domestica (Plum) Fruit Extract*, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Tilia Cordata (Linden) Flower Extract*, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmin) Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate. (*Ingredients from organic farming)
Your Ritual
Use lukewarm water — heat can aggravate a sensitive scalp. Apply a small amount to your palms and bring it to a light lather before touching your scalp. Then massage gently, without pressure, using your fingertips rather than your nails. Let the product sit for a moment. Rinse thoroughly.
If your scalp is particularly reactive, start by washing every second or third day rather than daily. Over-cleansing can strip the natural oils your scalp is trying to restore — I’ve written about finding the right wash frequency if you’re unsure. On non-wash days, simply rinse with cool water or use the Shine Leave-In Hair Mist to refresh without disturbing the scalp.
Follow with Fresh Conditioner or Gloss Conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends only — keep conditioner away from the scalp while it’s in recovery. If you’re noticing more hair in your brush than usual, that’s worth paying attention to — but it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
The Experience
White florals and soft aquatic notes, with the warmth of red fruits settling into something gently sweet. It’s the opposite of aggressive — a quiet, considered fragrance designed to feel restorative rather than perfumed. For a scalp that’s been overwhelmed, even the aroma is part of the care.
Complete your Routine
This shampoo doesn’t have a dedicated conditioner pairing — by design. Sensitive scalps benefit from the lightest possible routine. I recommend one of these nourishing conditioners on your mid-lengths and ends only, keeping it away from the scalp.
Recommended Conditioner Pairings
Fresh Conditioner
Light, nourishing, and perfectly suited to sensitive scalp pairings. Panthenol and wheat protein protect without weight. The gentlest conditioner in the range.
Gloss Conditioner
Adds gloss and smoothness to ends while your scalp recovers. Organic avocado oil and wheat protein nourish gently. For when you want a little more shine.
Enhance with Essentials
Rosemary Strength Oil
Once your scalp begins to settle, add weekly oil treatments to deepen nourishment and support recovery. 100% natural, 69% organic.
Shine Leave-In Hair Mist
Lightweight daily protection on non-wash days. Refreshes hair without touching the scalp. The lightest addition to your routine.
Deep Cleanse Scalp Scrub
When your scalp is ready — not before. A monthly deep cleanse to clear buildup and reset the foundation. Check with Clare's guidance first.
This product features in
An Edit is a curated combination of products selected by Clare for a specific situation — everything you need to start, in one step.
The Scalp Recovery Edit
For anyone whose scalp needs focused attention — irritation, sensitivity, flaking, or discomfort. Clare's starting protocol for restoring calm and creating the conditions for healthy hair growth.
Sensitive Scalp Shampoo · Fresh Conditioner · Deep Cleanse Scalp Scrub · Rosemary Strength Oil
The Hormonal Hair Support Edit
For women experiencing hair and scalp changes during menopause, perimenopause, post-pregnancy, or fertility treatment. Restorative, considered care that works with your body's transitions.
Sensitive Scalp Shampoo · Moisturising Conditioner · Rosemary Strength Oil · Shine Leave-In Hair Mist
What our clients say
Key Takeaways
- COSMOS Natural certified and allergen-label-free — the cleanest formulation in the HHE range for reactive scalps.
- Organic plum, organic linden flower, and betaine from sugar beet soothe without stimulating.
- Suitable during hormonal transitions, medication changes, post-treatment recovery, or general scalp sensitivity.
- Begin washing every second or third day; increase frequency gradually as the scalp settles.
FAQ
The Sensitive Scalp Shampoo is allergen-label-free and formulated for reactive or compromised scalps. It excludes common irritants and uses only gentle cleansing agents. For scalps undergoing active medical treatment, consult your trichologist or oncology team before introducing new products.
Allergen-label-free means the formulation excludes the 26 fragrance allergens required to be declared on European cosmetic labels — the ingredients most commonly associated with scalp sensitivity reactions. Most shampoos contain several of these as standard. This one contains none.
Yes. The Sensitive Scalp Shampoo is COSMOS Natural certified by ECOCERT Greenlife, meeting the COSMOS standard for natural and organic cosmetics. This certification applies to this specific product — not all products in the Hair Health Essentials range carry this certification.
For most reactive scalps, starting every second or third day allows the scalp’s natural oils to partially restore between washes. Daily use is appropriate once the scalp begins to settle. Over-cleansing can perpetuate a cycle of irritation — let your scalp guide the frequency rather than defaulting to a fixed schedule.
Clare recommends applying conditioner to mid-lengths and ends only — keeping it away from the scalp during recovery. The Fresh Conditioner is the gentlest pairing. The Gloss Conditioner suits those who want additional shine on the ends. Keep both away from the scalp itself while it is rebalancing.
Yes. The formulation is mild enough for colour-treated hair. If protecting colour vibrancy is your primary goal however, the Colour Care Shampoo is formulated specifically for that purpose. The Sensitive Scalp Shampoo prioritises scalp comfort above all else.
Ready to start your scalp recovery?
The Scalp Recovery Edit contains everything you need — Sensitive Scalp Shampoo, a nourishing conditioner, and the Essentials that support recovery. One step, Clare’s complete recommendation.
Not sure which products are right for you?
for Clare’s personalised guidance.
As your scalp settles, your routine will naturally evolve. Some clients expand into Moisturising Shampoo or Keratin Volume Boost alongside this. Others stay with the Sensitive Scalp Shampoo as their long-term foundation. There’s no wrong answer — your hair will tell you what it needs, and your routine should move with it.
Formulated by an award-winning European cosmetics laboratory · COSMOS-certified laboratory · 19 years of expertise
CERTIFICATION
ECOCERT Greenlife · COSMOS Natural Standard
FORMULATION
Allergen Label Free · Paraben Free · Silicone Free
SUITABLE FOR
Dry · Sensitive · All Skin Types
MANUFACTURED
EU · COSMOS-certified facility · Freshly produced to order
SUSTAINABILITY
Recyclable packaging · No GMO · Biodiversity-respecting ingredients
VOLUME
400ml / 13.53 fl oz
This product is for general scalp care and does not constitute medical treatment. If you are experiencing persistent or worsening scalp symptoms, please consult a qualified trichologist or GP.