To keep your baby clean and comfortable, you need to have the right baby shampoo and body wash. Baby skin is pretty sensitive, so you may need to look around for the right formula.
The best baby lotions, conditioners, and shampoos usually include:
- Natural ingredients like coconut oil, essential oils, and aloe vera, which are better for a baby’s delicate skin. Many parents opt for shampoos with plant-based ingredients.
- Few or no harmful substances like preservatives. Check the ingredient list just be sure.
- Gentle fragrances, if any. For example, a lavender scent might be better than a strong fruity scent in a natural baby shampoo.
You may not know whether a shampoo will be right for your little one until you try it. To that end, you should look for recommendations or seals of approval from organizations like the National Eczema Association. If a product is recommended and tested by dermatologists and pediatricians, as well, that’s a sign it’s worth your time and money.
If you’re not sure where to start your search for the ideal baby shampoo, we’ll break down the nine best baby shampoo and wash products to buy in 2023.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo
Aveeno’s Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo is one of the best baby shampoos overall if your little one has sensitive skin. That’s thanks to its unique formula, which includes natural oat extract.
You can use this baby shampoo and body wash combo without worrying about your little one having an allergic reaction, as it’s totally pH-balanced and hypoallergenic — with no soap, parabens, sulfates, phenoxyethanol, or other potentially harsh chemicals or compounds. A certified tear-free shampoo recommended by both pediatricians and dermatologists, you can use it every day.
On top of that, you get 33 fluid ounces of baby shampoo in one bottle, so it’s excellent value for your money. While it is scented, consider it if you need a fantastic, one-size-fits-all formula without breaking the bank.
Best for Fragrance-Free Cleaning: The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash
The Honest Company’s 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash is the best baby shampoo for parents who don’t like fragrances. Many babies are pretty picky about what you put on their skin and head — and for good reason.
However, this can mean some scented shampoos and body washes might not agree with your little one. If your baby is overwhelmed by smells, this option is not only dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic but also free of synthetic fragrances.
As a result, you can clean your baby every day without them throwing a fit or feeling uncomfortable because of a strong smell. Naturally, this baby shampoo is also free of phthalates, parabens, dyes, and formaldehyde donors. Even better, it’s also not tested on animals or made with animal byproducts, so it could be a good pick for vegan parents.
Best for Thorough Cleaning: Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash & Shampoo
Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Gentle Baby Body Wash & Shampoo is a popular choice for parents and their little ones because known for being mild but still effective enough to clear away 99.9% of germs — so your baby stays clean and fresh all day long.
This hypoallergenic baby bath wash is paraben-free and doesn’t have any harsh fragrances, so it’s gentle enough for both your baby’s skin and hair, even if they have naturally sensitive skin. It’s pediatrician-approved and pH-balanced to promote skin health and reduce irritation.
Even better, you’ll find that Johnson’s baby shampoo is so gentle it won’t sting your baby’s eyes. Simply wash their eyes, and they’ll be fine!
Best for Dry Skin: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula
The Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula is arguably the perfect baby shampoo and body wash for dryness. A two-in-one tear-free formula, it blends into a rich lather to cleanse your baby’s skin and hair and wipe away dirt and debris.
The unique ingredient composition features calendula from the marigold flower, moisturizing and soothing your baby’s skin and leaving a fresh scent behind. This hypoallergenic foam shampoo is also free of mineral oil or colorants that might irritate your baby’s skin.
If your baby tends to have dry skin and develops rashes or flakes, this product could be just what they need. It will allow you to clean your baby’s skin every single day without exacerbating dry skin issues or contributing to the creation of excess sebum, which can even lead to acne breakouts or issues like cradle cap.
Best for Organic Ingredients: SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo for All Skin Types Raw Shea
Many parents only want to use baby products with organic ingredients, as they usually have a lower risk for side effects. The SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo is a stellar example, as it has organic ingredients like argan oil, chamomile, and shea butter.
These ingredients keep your baby’s skin feeling soft and smooth. Furthermore, this hair and body wash cleanses and moisturizes simultaneously, cleaning your baby while also preventing dry skin from getting worse.
Even better, this product is cruelty-free and sustainably produced. If you have any concerns about animal cruelty or are trying to be a conscious consumer, this could be the perfect baby bath wash for you. Keep in mind, however, that it does have a frankincense and myrrh scent — if your little one has reacted negatively to strong fragrances in the past, you may need to find another bathtime shampoo.
Best for Extra Vitamins: Johnson’s Sensitive Care Baby Body Wash & Shampoo
Johnson’s Sensitive Care Baby Body Wash & Shampoo is a fantastic baby shampoo and body wash thanks to the vitamins included in its formula — sunflower oil as well as vitamin B5, which is important for maintaining the health of your baby’s skin. It’s also good for your baby’s hair!
This hypoallergenic and gentle baby cleanser’s nourishing formula helps keep your little one’s skin and hair strong and healthy for a long time. It’s tested by pediatricians and dermatologists alike, and it’s proven to be gentle enough for sensitive skin.
You can also combine this product with Johnson’s Sensitive Care Face and Body Cream for even better results. In any case, you get 13.6 fluid ounces for your purchase, making it one of the most affordable baby washes on the market. Overall, consider this if you want to give your baby’s skin and hair extra nourishment or if you need an affordable baby shampoo on a tight budget.
Best for Dry Hair: Pipette Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
Pipette’s Baby Shampoo and Body Wash is one of the best baby shampoos for dry hair because of its gentle formula. That’s because this mild, fragrance-free, and nurturing baby shampoo doesn’t have any sulfates, making it perfect for babies of all ages and skin types.
More importantly, this baby wash and shampoo uses plant-derived glycerin, a hydrating ingredient for your baby’s hair and scalp. If you notice your baby is prone to develop dandruff, this baby shampoo could be a good choice.
On top of that, this baby shampoo is cruelty-free and EWG-verified. It can help restore your baby’s natural moisture balance. The plant-derived ingredients here are ideal for parents who want to use only products made with natural compounds.
Best for Daily Washes: Noodle & Boo 2-in-1 Newborn Hair & Body Wash for Baby
Some of the best baby shampoos and body washes are those you can use multiple times a week without risking skin irritation. This is especially true for adventurous babies who often get dirtier than they would during an average day at home.
Noodle & Boo’s 2-in-1 Newborn Hair & Body Wash for Baby is an excellent two-in-one solution because you can use it every day without stripping away your baby’s natural oils. So if you like to give your baby a bath every day instead of every other day or once every few days, this is the perfect baby shampoo for your needs.
You only need to use a little bit of the shampoo to see the results. The hypoallergenic formula is made using natural ingredients proven to be safe. There’s a 100% satisfaction guarantee, too, so you can return it or get a refund if you aren’t satisfied. This may be the best choice for parents who want their babies to have clean skin and hair 24/7.
Best for Young Babies: Baby Dove Sensitive Skin Care Baby Wash For Baby Bath Time
Baby Dove’s Sensitive Skin Care Baby Wash for Baby Bath Time is one of the best baby shampoos for newborns. That’s because it is made with 100% skin-natural nutrients — just like those already on your baby’s skin.
More importantly, this tear-free shampoo is formulated with prebiotic moisturizers, making it particularly ideal for moisturizing both your baby’s skin and hair and restoring any moisture they may lose during bath time.
The bottle is also made with 100% recycled plastic — important for parents who want to cut down on excess consumption. This hypoallergenic body wash and shampoo combo is ultra-gentle, supports your baby’s natural skin health, and is perfect for babies with sensitive skin.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, plenty of baby washes will keep your baby clean and healthy, but you may need to try more than one. The Pipette Baby Shampoo and Body Wash could be a great choice if your baby has dry hair, while the Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo is likely the top choice if your baby has especially sensitive skin. Consider the needs of your little one, then buy the best baby shampoo that suits those needs!
Sources:
- The Shampoo pH can Affect the Hair: Myth or Reality? | PubMed Central
- Parabens Factsheet | National Biomonitoring Program | CDC
- Seborrheic Dermatitis in Children | National Eczema Association
- Pantothenic Acid – Vitamin B5 | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- EWG VERIFIED™: A New Standard for Your Health | Environmental Working Group
