If you want a gentle shampoo for your child’s delicate hair, here’s our list of the best shampoos for babies to help you choose the right one. Children need special shampoos to prevent irritating the skin and eyes for a comfortable bathing experience. Although available easily, many of them might contain harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde which might harm your little one. We have researched several products to ensure the shampoos are made of chemical-free, child-safe ingredients. With mild fragrances, these shampoos gently wash your baby’s hair and treat scalp issues without hurting. However, choosing the right shampoo can be challenging with different products available. So, browse our list of products and their features and benefits to find a shampoo that suits your child’s requirements.
When To Start Using Shampoo On A Baby?
You can start using shampoo on your baby when they are around two months old.
Safety Tips For Using Baby Shampoo
Top 11 Baby Shampoos
Being a mother, we know that you want nothing, but the best for your baby. But with seemingly endless offerings in the market, choosing one shampoo can give any parent a hard time. To help you, we have come up with a list of top 11 shampoos for your baby.
1. Best Gentle Fragrance: SheaMoisture Baby Wash and Shampoo
SheaMoisture Baby Wash and Shampoo is formulated to gently cleanse and hydrate the baby’s skin. It keeps the skin soft and smooth, and the sweet pea infused into the formula gives it a delicate fragrance. The shampoo is cruelty-free and is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, and petroleum. It has a watery consistency. You may check out this video to learn more about this product. Pros
Certified safe Enriched with 100% virgin coconut oil Soothes baby’s skin Gentle formula Cruelty-free
Cons
Bottle may not be user-friendly May not be tear-free
2. Best Dye-Free: CeraVe Baby Wash And Shampoo
Formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this gentle body wash and shampoo strengthens your baby’s skin barrier while retaining the skin’s moisture. It is accepted by the National Eczema Association, making it a safe choice for babies with sensitive skin. It rinses without leaving behind any residue and keeps your baby’s skin hydrated and supple. Pros
Developed with pediatric dermatologists Enriched with vitamin E Sulfate- and dye-free Free of parabens and phthalates Tear-free formula
Cons
May not lather well May make hair greasy
3. Best Tear-Free: Mamaearth Gentle Cleansing Shampoo
This is one of the gentlest shampoos you can use on your baby. It is free of toxins, making it the perfect choice for your baby’s extra delicate scalp, and the shampoo’s tear-free formula ensures a gentle and enjoyable cleansing experience. And as the shampoo is infused with jojoba oil, aloe extract, calendula extract, and coconut-based cleansers, it leaves your baby’s hair soft, smooth, and moisturized. Pros
Non-allergenic and tear-free formula Soothes dry scalp Prevents irritation Dermatologically tested Has moisturizing properties
Cons
May have a slightly strong fragrance May not be suitable for dry hair
4. Best For Sensitive Skin: California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo And Body Wash
It is an excellent pick for your little love. The soothing ingredients of the shampoo are perfect for infants with sensitive or irritated skin. And it is enriched with the goodness of calendula extract and aloe vera to hydrate the hair and scalp. Pros
100% plant-based Free of nasty chemicals No added fragrance USDA-certified Vegan friendly
Cons
May not suit eczema-prone skin Bottle may be smaller than you expect
5. Best Soap-Free: Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo
Aveeno’s baby wash and shampoo is perfect for your darling. The soap-free shampoo is enriched with natural oat extracts for gentle cleansing. And as the scent of the shampoo is mild, it does not irritate your baby’s tiny nostrils. Pros
Hypoallergenic Suitable for normal and sensitive skin Soothing and nourishing formula Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
Cons
Some may not like the smell
6. Best Soap-Free: Johnson’s Baby Shampoo
Johnson’s baby shampoo leaves your baby’s hair feeling clean and soft with its tear-free formula. It gently rinses the hair and scalp while ensuring no irritation to your baby’s skin and eyes. The shampoo leaves behind no residue and makes your little one’s hair look healthy and shiny. Further, it has a mild and calming scent of avocado. Pros
Soap-free formula Rinses quickly and easily Dermatologist-tested Paraben-free Clinically proven to be hypoallergenic
Cons
Consistency may be a little too thick May not get rid of buildup
7. Best Fragrance-Free: Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Fragrance Free Shampoo & Wash
The fragrance-free wash by Burt’s Bees is a popular choice amongst new mothers. It is a tear-free and natural baby shampoo containing the goodness of plant products like soy proteins and oat proteins. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
8. Best Dermatologically-Tested: Chicco – No Tears Gentle Shampoo
It is a dermatologically-tested shampoo enriched with pot marigold to prevent hair tangling and glycerine to condition and nourish the hair and scalp. Pros
Rinses off quickly Gentle on the baby’s hair and scalp. Paraben- and SLS-free Hydrating formula
Cons
Some may not like the smell Bottle may be smaller than you expect
9. Best Pediatrician-Recommended: Aquaphor Baby Wash & Shampoo
Here’s a pediatrician-approved baby wash and shampoo for your little one. It has a mild and natural fragrance that comes from the chamomile extract infused in the formula. The extra gentle tear-free formula with added provitamin B5 is all your precious little one needs for a head-to-toe bath. Pros
Paraben- and dye-free Hypoallergenic formula Convenient pump bottle Rinses off quickly
Cons
May not lather well May not be hydrating enough
10. Best Plant-Derived: Pipette Baby Shampoo And Body Wash
Count on this plant-derived baby shampoo to make your baby’s bathing time a tear-free affair. Infused with rich ingredients, such as sugarcane-derived squalane and Pogostemon cablin leaf oil, this shampoo nurtures your baby’s hair and skin without exposing it to synthetic chemicals. It also leaves your baby’s hair and skin hydrated minus any irritation. The shampoo is suitable for sensitive skin and is tested to ensure it is clean and hypoallergenic. Pros
Free of sulfates and synthetic fragrances Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free EWG-verified Dermatologist-tested Pediatrician-approved
Cons
Some may not like the scent Pump may not work well
11. Best For Everyday Use: Cetaphil Baby Wash And Shampoo
This shampoo cleanses the baby’s hair and leaves it squeaky clean. It is formulated with calendula, aloe vera, and vitamins E and B5. Moreover, it is clinically tested and is free of parabens, colorants, and mineral oil, making it ideal for everyday use. The dermatologically tested and tear-free formula is a good alternative to conventional soaps and shampoos for babies. Take a look at this video to learn more about this product. Pros
Hypoallergenic Moisturizing and soothing formula Cleansing formula Ideal for everyday use
Cons
Bottle may not be user friendly Some may not like the slightly strong fragrance
How To Choose The Right Shampoo for Babies?
Consider the following factors when choosing the right shampoo for babies.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have reviewed the best shampoos for your baby after analyzing each product on factors like formula, fragrance, and ability to cleanse the scalp gently. The description of each product is also based on user reviews to help you pick the right one for you and your baby. With in-depth research, our curated list contains only the best products in the market compiled after comparing and analyzing several items.
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