Skin problems in horses such as itching, dandruff, redness, or oozing spots are not uncommon—and can be a real burden for affected animals. A common question from horse owners is:
Which shampoo is truly suitable for skin problems?

Why choosing the right shampoo is so important

Horse skin is particularly sensitive—it is thinner than human skin, reacts more quickly to external influences, and has its own microflora that needs to be protected.

Using the wrong shampoo with aggressive ingredients can disrupt this balance, dry out the skin, or even cause new irritations.

Therefore, not every shampoo is suitable for every horse. Especially with existing skin problems, a targeted, gentle, and skin-friendly cleansing is crucial.

What to look for when choosing a shampoo

• Gentle, skin-friendly ingredients

• pH-neutral for horse skin

• Free from artificial fragrances, colors, or preservatives

• No sulfates or parabens

Effective but natural ingredients

• Milk proteins or antibodies to soothe the skin

• Plant oils (e.g., coconut or jojoba) to restore moisture

• Moisturizers like aloe vera or glycerin

Mistakes to avoid

• Do not use human shampoo—it is not suited to the needs of horse skin.

• Avoid washing too often—it can dry out the skin and damage the protective film.

• Avoid harsh cleaning agents—they further irritate the skin and promote inflammation.

Did you know? Washing less often often leads to healthier skin and better results than frequent washing.

Doderm – for healthy skin and shiny coat

Our Alpaca Shampoo Bar is specially developed for horses and Icelandic horses with sensitive and irritated skin. This mild and nourishing soap contains alpaca keratin. The keratin from alpaca fleece is hypoallergenic, moisturizes, and contains important nutrients that can nourish and strengthen the skin. This makes the soap suitable for irritated skin and skin prone to eczema.