Best Baby Shampoo: Top 5Picks for Your Little One’s Delicate Skin

Sean Miller, PhD
Here Itself
Published in
10 min readFeb 25, 2024

Babies have delicate skin that requires special care, and choosing the right baby shampoo is an essential part of that care. Baby shampoos are formulated to be gentle on the baby’s skin and hair, and to avoid any harsh chemicals that could cause irritation.

When looking for the best baby shampoo, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients. Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, parabens, and fragrances as they can be harsh on the baby’s skin and cause irritation. Opt for shampoos that are made with natural ingredients and are hypoallergenic.

Another critical aspect to consider is the pH level of the shampoo. A baby’s skin is more alkaline than an adult’s skin, and using a shampoo with a pH level that is too high can cause dryness and irritation. Therefore, it’s best to choose a baby shampoo with a pH level that is close to neutral.

At our publication, we spent hours researching and testing ten different baby shampoos to identify the ones that are gentle, effective, and safe for babies.

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Best Baby Shampoos

We understand that choosing the right baby shampoo can be a daunting task for new parents. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find a product that is safe, effective, and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin and hair. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various baby shampoos to bring you our top picks. Our list includes products that are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, and are specifically formulated to nourish and protect your baby’s hair. Read on to find the best baby shampoo for your little one.

Amazon Basics Tear-Free Baby Shampoo

We highly recommend the Amazon Basics Tear-Free Baby Shampoo for parents looking for a gentle and affordable option to care for their baby’s hair and scalp.

Pros

  • The ultra-mild formula is made from a combination of ingredients that won’t irritate the delicate skin of babies.
  • The shampoo is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and tear-free, making it safe for use on babies.
  • The shampoo is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals, making it a safe and gentle option for babies.

Cons

  • Some users may find the scent too strong.
  • The shampoo may not lather as well as other baby shampoos.
  • The bottle may be difficult to squeeze when the shampoo gets low.

We have been using the Amazon Basics Tear-Free Baby Shampoo on our baby for several weeks now, and we are impressed with its gentle and effective formula. The shampoo lathers well and rinses off easily, leaving our baby’s hair clean and soft. We appreciate that the shampoo is free of harmful chemicals and is safe for our baby’s delicate skin.

One of the things we love about this shampoo is its affordable price point. It is a great value for the amount of product you get, and we appreciate that we don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality baby shampoo.

Overall, we highly recommend the Amazon Basics Tear-Free Baby Shampoo for parents looking for a gentle, safe, and affordable option for their baby’s hair care needs.

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula

If you’re looking for a gentle and effective baby shampoo that won’t dry out your baby’s delicate skin, Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is a great option.

Pros

  • Blends into a rich lather to gently cleanse your baby’s delicate skin and hair leaving it soft and clean
  • Calendula from the marigold flower helps soothe, moisturize and soften sensitive skin while leaving a fresh scent
  • Dermatologist tested to be safe and gentle, these formulas are also hypoallergenic and free from parabens, colorants and mineral oil that can irritate baby’s skin

Cons

  • Some users find it a little watery
  • The scent may not be strong enough for some users
  • The packaging could be more user-friendly

We’ve been using Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo for a few months now and we’re really happy with it. It’s gentle enough to use on our baby’s sensitive skin and it doesn’t dry out her hair like some other baby shampoos we’ve tried. We love that it’s tear-free too, which makes bath time a lot less stressful for everyone involved.

One thing we did notice is that the formula is quite watery, which can make it a little tricky to dispense without wasting any. We also found that the scent is quite subtle, which might not be to everyone’s taste. However, we really like the fresh, clean smell and it doesn’t irritate our baby’s skin at all.

Overall, we think Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is a great choice for parents who want a gentle, effective, and affordable baby shampoo that’s safe for sensitive skin. We’d definitely recommend giving it a try!

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo

If you want a gentle, tear-free, and hypoallergenic baby wash and shampoo that will cleanse your baby’s skin and hair without drying them out, Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Contains natural oat extract that soothes and nourishes delicate baby skin
  • Hypoallergenic and free from soap, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol
  • Pediatrician and dermatologist recommended

Cons

  • The bottle is quite weighty
  • The large bottle does not come with a pump
  • The scent may not be strong enough for some

We have been using Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo for our baby, and it has been a great addition to our daily baby care routine. The formula is gentle and tear-free, and it leaves our baby’s skin and hair feeling soft and smooth. We appreciate that it contains natural oat extract, which is known to soothe and nourish delicate baby skin.

One of the best things about this baby wash and shampoo is that it is hypoallergenic and free from soap, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol. As parents, we feel confident using it on our baby’s sensitive skin without worrying about harsh chemicals.

We also like that Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo is pediatrician and dermatologist recommended, which gives us peace of mind knowing that it is a safe and effective product for our baby.

The only downsides we have noticed are that the bottle is quite weighty, and the large bottle does not come with a pump. Additionally, some may find that the scent is not strong enough for their liking.

Overall, we highly recommend Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract for parents who want a gentle and effective baby wash and shampoo that is safe for their baby’s delicate skin.

CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo

If you’re looking for a gentle and effective baby shampoo, CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo is a great option.

Pros

  • Developed with pediatric dermatologists, it’s tear-free, non-irritating, and free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, phthalates, and sulfates.
  • Mild body wash and shampoo for babies cleanses without stripping the skin of moisture, leaving it feeling hydrated and fresh.
  • Formulated with 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E, it helps maintain baby’s delicate skin barrier and soothes the skin.

Cons

  • Some users may find it a bit pricey compared to other baby shampoos.
  • It may not lather as much as other shampoos, but it still cleanses effectively.
  • The pump dispenser may be difficult to use when the bottle is almost empty.

We’ve been using CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo for our little one for a few months now, and we’re really happy with it. It’s gentle on her skin and doesn’t cause any irritation or dryness. We also love that it’s free of harsh chemicals and fragrances. It cleanses effectively without leaving any residue, and it’s easy to rinse off. The 8-ounce bottle lasts for a while, so it’s a good value for the price.

Overall, we recommend CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo to anyone looking for a gentle and effective baby shampoo that’s free of harmful ingredients. It’s a great option for daily use, and it’s especially beneficial for babies with eczema or sensitive skin.

Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash

If you’re looking for a natural, gentle shampoo and body wash for your baby, Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash is a great option to consider.

Pros

  • The tear-free formula makes bath time easy and stress-free.
  • The natural, plant-based cleansing complex gently cleanses your baby’s delicate skin and hair from head to toe.
  • The fresh and clean scent leaves your baby smelling irresistible.

Cons

  • The formula is quite thin, so it can be easy to accidentally use too much.
  • It may not lather as much as other baby shampoos due to its natural ingredients.
  • The price may be slightly higher than other baby shampoos on the market.

We have been using Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash for several months now and have been really happy with the results. The tear-free formula makes bath time a breeze, and we love that it’s gentle enough for everyday use.

The natural, plant-based cleansing complex is effective at cleaning our baby’s skin and hair without causing any irritation. We also appreciate that it’s pediatrician-tested and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, and SLS.

The fresh and clean scent is a nice bonus, and we love how soft and smooth our baby’s skin and hair feel after using this shampoo and wash. The only downside is that the formula is quite thin, so it can be easy to accidentally use too much and run out quickly.

Overall, if you’re looking for a natural, gentle baby shampoo and wash, we highly recommend giving Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash a try.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best baby shampoo, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features you should look for:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider is the ingredients in the shampoo. It is important to choose a product that is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Look for natural ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and coconut oil.

pH Level

The pH level of the shampoo is also important. A baby’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s, so it is important to choose a shampoo with a pH level that is close to the natural pH level of a baby’s skin, which is around 5.5.

Tear-Free

Another important feature to look for is a tear-free formula. This means that the shampoo will not sting your baby’s eyes if it accidentally gets in them. This is especially important for younger babies who may not be able to keep their eyes closed during bath time.

Packaging

The packaging of the shampoo is also something to consider. Look for a bottle with a pump or flip-top cap for easy dispensing. Also, make sure the bottle is easy to grip and won’t slip out of your hands during bath time.

Fragrance

While it is important to choose a shampoo that is free from artificial fragrances, you may still want a product that has a pleasant scent. Look for a shampoo that uses natural fragrances such as lavender or vanilla.

By considering these features, you can choose the best baby shampoo for your little one’s delicate skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should we consider when selecting a shampoo for our baby’s hair growth?

When selecting a shampoo for a baby’s hair growth, it is important to consider the ingredients used in the product. Look for shampoos that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, as these can irritate a baby’s delicate scalp. Additionally, consider the pH level of the shampoo, as a pH-balanced formula can help maintain the natural oils in a baby’s scalp and hair.

How do we find a baby shampoo that is suitable for sensitive skin?

Finding a baby shampoo that is suitable for sensitive skin can be challenging, but it is important to look for products that are hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals. Additionally, look for shampoos that are fragrance-free and have a pH-balanced formula, as these can be gentler on a baby’s delicate skin.

Can you recommend a baby shampoo and conditioner that are gentle yet effective?

We recommend looking for a baby shampoo and conditioner that are specifically formulated for babies and are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Some popular options include Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo and California Baby Calming Shampoo & Bodywash.

Are there baby shampoos that are also appropriate for adult use?

Yes, some baby shampoos can be used by adults as well. These shampoos are often gentle and free from harsh chemicals, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin. However, it is important to note that baby shampoos may not be as effective at removing product buildup and oil as regular adult shampoos.

What are some top organic baby shampoos currently on the market?

Some top organic baby shampoos currently on the market include Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash, Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Shampoo & Wash, and Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash. These shampoos are made with natural and organic ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.

Which baby shampoo formulas are recommended for both hair and skin care?

Some baby shampoo formulas are specifically designed to be used for both hair and skin care. These products are often gentle and free from harsh chemicals, making them suitable for use on a baby’s delicate skin. Some popular options include Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns and Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Wash & Shampoo.

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Sean Miller, PhD
Here Itself

I'm an educator who writes comedy fiction, with an extracurricular interest in product reviews.