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Top 5 Best Baby Shampoos

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedJuly 29, 2024

Bath time for babies is especially a wonderful time that parents and the little ones spend together. But the choice of baby shampoos is a rather complex one. Since there are so many products in the market, one needs to understand the factors to consider when acquiring a product.

Baby shampoos are mild because they are specifically designed for use in washing baby’s hair and skin. This does not contain any chemicals or perfume that can cause skin irritation to the baby. Therefore, in choosing the best baby shampoo, one should consider the list of ingredients and avoid using products which contain sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

Top 3 Best Baby Shampoos

  1. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula
  2. Johnson's Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash & Shampoo
  3. Johnson's Baby CottonTouch Newborn Baby Wash & Shampoo with No More Tears

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula, Tear Free, Paraben, Colorant and Mineral Oil Free, 13.5 Fl. Oz NEW 13.5oz, Wash & Shampoo Wash & Shampoo

Editor's Choice

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula, Tear Free, Paraben, Colorant and Mineral Oil Free, 13.5 Fl. Oz NEW 13.5oz, Wash & Shampoo Wash & Shampoo

Impressed with Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo! Its tear-free formula, enriched with organic calendula, gently cleanses and moisturizes our baby's skin. Mild scent, free from harmful additives, but minimal lather. Bottle design could be better, but a minor trade-off for a safe and effective option in dry winter months. Highly recommend for a gentle bath time routine!

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For a mild and hydrating baby shampoo and wash, consider Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula.

Pros

  • Gently cleanses baby's delicate skin and hair without drying it out.
  • Contains organic calendula that soothes, moisturizes and softens sensitive skin.
  • Hypoallergenic and free from parabens, colorants and mineral oil, making it safe for baby's sensitive skin.

Cons

  • Some users may find the scent too mild.
  • The formula may not lather as much as other baby shampoos.
  • The bottle design may make it difficult to get the last bit of product out.

We have been using Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo for the last few months, and it has worked pretty fine for us. The no-tears formula is mild to our baby’s skin and hair, providing a gentle cleaning process to remove dirt. The organic calendula then assists in reducing inflammation and hydrating our baby’s delicate skin, especially during the winter seasons.

What is worth mentioning is that the smell is rather weak, which may be a problem for some people. Nonetheless, it is not harmful to our baby’s skin since it does not contain parabens, colorants, or mineral oil.

This formula does not create as much lather as some of the other baby shampoos on the market and yet we are still able to effectively wash our baby’s hair and body. The only disadvantage I can think of is that the shape of the bottles makes it quite challenging to use the product upto its last drop.

In conclusion, it is wise to use Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula for babies since it’s gentle and has moisturizing properties.


Johnson's Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash & Shampoo

Johnson's Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash & Shampoo

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If you are interested in a mild but efficient baby wash that can also be used for hair, Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash & Shampoo is perfect.

Pros

  • This 2-in-1 baby shampoo and body wash is pediatrician-tested and pH-balanced, making it gentle enough for newborns and babies with sensitive skin.
  • It is tear-free and as gentle to your baby's eyes as pure water, thanks to the No More Tears formula.
  • This sulfate-free baby shampoo and cleanser is free of harsh fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and dyes, making it safe for your baby's delicate skin.

Cons

  • Some users may find the scent too mild.
  • The pump may malfunction or break during shipping.
  • The texture may be too runny for some users.

Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash & Shampoo is convenient to use during bath time. Splash with warm water using your hand or a washcloth, wash in a circular motion, and make sure to rinse properly. Then pat dry and moisturize with Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Baby Lotion. It washes away 99. Cleans 9% of germs and does not disrupt the baby’s natural skin barrier for moisture.

In all, we strongly endorse Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash & Shampoo to any parent seeking a safe baby shampoo and body wash.


Johnson's Baby CottonTouch Newborn Baby Wash & Shampoo with No More Tears, 27.1 Fl Oz

Johnson's Baby CottonTouch Newborn Baby Wash & Shampoo with No More Tears, 27.1 Fl Oz

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For a mild and safe baby wash, you can use Johnson's Baby Cotton Touch Newborn Baby wash and shampoo.

Pros

  • Blended with real cotton for a soft and gentle wash
  • pH balanced, hypoallergenic, and clinically proven to be gentle on newborn skin
  • No More Tears technology to prevent irritation to baby's eyes

Cons

  • Some users reported that the scent is too strong
  • May not be suitable for babies with extremely sensitive skin
  • The bottle may be difficult to open for some users

I have tried Johnson’s Baby CottonTouch Newborn Baby Wash & Shampoo on our newborn, and it is safe and effective. This wash and shampoo contain real cotton, and when rubbed on our baby’s skin, it feels so soft and gentle. It is also pH-balanced, hypoallergenic, and clinically tested as mild on baby skin, which made me comfortable when using it.

Another feature I liked is the No More Tears technology which helped avoid eye irritation of our baby during bath time. The light, velvety lather of the shampoo and bath wash is easily rinsed, making our baby’s skin and hair feel fresh and healthy.

One disadvantage we observed is that the scent may be overwhelming to some people. Furthermore, this product is not ideal for babies with very delicate skin. Furthermore, it was claimed that the opening of the bottle may be challenging, especially during bath time for children.

All in all, parents should go for Johnson’s Baby CottonTouch Newborn Baby Wash & Shampoo with No More Tears technology for their newborns.


The Moms Co. Natural Tear-Free Baby Shampoo

The Moms Co. Natural Tear-Free Baby Shampoo

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If you are looking for a natural baby shampoo that should not harm the tender skin of your baby, The Moms Co. Natural Tear-Free Baby Shampoo is one of the best.

Pros

  • The shampoo is made with a unique blend of coconut-based cleansers and oils that gently clean and moisturize your baby's scalp and hair.
  • The organic argan oil and organic moringa oil in the shampoo help to strengthen and promote hair growth, while pro-vitamin B5 aids in hair growth.
  • The shampoo is hypoallergenic, mild, and gentle on your baby's skin.

Cons

  • The shampoo may not lather as much as other baby shampoos.
  • The scent may be too strong for some babies.
  • The price point may be higher than other baby shampoos on the market.

For the past few months, we have been using The Moms Co. Natural Tear-Free Baby Shampoo, and we are quite happy with its effectiveness. The shampoo is easy to apply and creates a rich lather that cleanses our baby's hair and leaves it soft. We also acknowledge that this shampoo contains natural components and no carcinogenic substances.

One thing to note is that the shampoo does not produce a lot of foam like most baby shampoos, but we also realized that this does not mean that it does not clean well. Also, the smell from the shampoo might be too intense for young babies, and therefore, it is advisable to try it first to see if your baby will be comfortable with it.

In conclusion, we recommend The Moms Co. Natural Tear-Free Baby Shampoo for all parents who want to use a natural, mild, and efficient baby shampoo.


Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash

Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash

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For a mild and organic baby shampoo and body wash, Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash is the best choice. It is tearless, and for this reason, the formula is safe to be used each and every day, and it leaves a clean scent behind. It has a natural plant-based cleansing complex and is used from head to toe as it softens the skin and hair of your baby. Moreover, it has been tested by a pediatrician, and this lotion is free from phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, and SLS.

Pros

  • This shampoo and wash is tear-free, making bath time easy and stress-free for both you and your baby.
  • The natural, plant-based cleansing complex is gentle on your baby's delicate skin and hair, leaving them feeling soft and smooth.
  • Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash has a fresh, clean scent that leaves your baby smelling irresistible.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the consistency of the product is too thin and runny.
  • While the scent is pleasant, it may not be strong enough for some users.
  • This product is more expensive than some other baby shampoos on the market.

In conclusion, we would suggest Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash to any consumer who is seeking natural baby shampoo and body wash. It is expensive for a small amount, but it is tear-free and has natural ingredients. It is good to note that it comes with a fresh and clean smell. We also like its pediatrician approval and non-use of chemicals.

Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the right baby shampoo, there are quite some factors that one needs to consider to ensure that the baby is safe and the particular shampoo is effective. In this segment, let us consider the features you should consider when searching for the best baby shampoos.

Ingredients

However, the first thing that needs to be taken into consideration when choosing a baby shampoo is the content. This means that it is necessary to opt for a product that has no chemicals, fragrances, or dyes that cause skin rash in the baby. Choose shampoos with the ‘hypoallergenic’ or ‘gentle’ on the package because these do not contain harsh ingredients that may harm the baby.

pH Balance

Another important aspect to consider is the pH level of the shampoo. Babies have very sensitive skin with different pH levels, and therefore, using a shampoo that is either too acidic or alkaline will harm the baby’s skin and make it very dry. Choose shampoos that have a balanced pH so that they do not cause irritation to your baby's skin.

Tear-Free Formula

Infants can be very wiggly during bathing and it is quite possible to get shampoo in the baby’s eyes. If you’re worried about getting shampoo in your eyes and experiencing a burning sensation, try to choose a shampoo that says that it is ‘tear-free. ’

Packaging

The packaging of the baby shampoo is also something that must be given consideration. Choose bottles that are easy to grip and that include a pump or flip-top cap that allows for easy application. Also, ensure the bottle is made of strong material to avoid cracks and leakage during transportation to the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top baby shampoos for enhancing hair growth?

In general, baby shampoos do not facilitate hair growth; however, some shampoos have components that can aid in hair growth. Choose the shampoos that are infused with natural elements such as aloe vera, chamomile and coconut oil. The aforementioned ingredients can assist in feeding and fortifying hair, resulting in better health.

Which baby shampoos are recommended for highly sensitive skin?

Newborns have especially sensitive skin that demands the use of tender and mild shampoos. Select shampoos that do not contain certain elements such as sulfate or paraben, as well as synthetic fragrances. Some examples of gentle foaming baby washes are Aveeno Baby Wash and Shampoo, Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo, and Mustela Foam Shampoo.

Can adults safely use baby shampoo, and if so, which ones?

Yes, baby shampoo is safe even for adults. In fact, many adults consider using baby shampoo simply because of its gentleness and mildness. Options for adults may include Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash, and Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash.

What are the leading baby shampoo and conditioner combinations?

Some baby shampoos include conditioners, while some do not and need to be bought separately. Some examples of baby shampoos and conditioners are Babyganics Shampoo and Body Wash with Conditioner, Honest Company Shampoo and Body Wash with Conditioner, Shea Moisture Coconut, and Hibiscus Kids Extra-Moisturizing Detangler.

What options are available for organic baby shampoos?

If you have a specific inclination towards organic baby shampoos, there are several products that can be used. Search also for special shampoos which are certified organic and do not contain dangerous elements. Some of the most popular products include California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash, Nature’s Baby Organics Shampoo and Body Wash, and Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Shampoo and Wash.

How to choose a baby wash that is gentle for sensitive skin?

It should be noted that when selecting a wash for a baby, one should avoid excessive use of chemicals or scents. It may be beneficial to use a baby wash that is hypoallergenic and specifically developed for babies with delicate skin. Sometimes, it is also wise to rub a small portion of the product on the body before applying it to the entire body of the baby. It is also important to keep in mind that if you experience any signs of redness or skin irritation, stop using the scrub.

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