Best Baby Shampoo Guide
Your baby’s bath time can be a challenge because you want it to be not only fun but also safe for your baby. You want to use products with safe ingredients for your baby’s skin and hair as well as overall health. Hence, bathing products with harsh chemicals are out of the question. You most definitely want your baby’s hair and body wash to have natural ingredients that will not cause any skin irritation to the delicate skin of your baby, especially if you or your baby have dry skin or eczema prone skin.
In this guide to the best baby shampoo, you will find out why not every baby shampoo in the market is safe for your baby. You will see why some popular baby washes, even the ones containing plant-based ingredients, fall in the “bad” and “worst” categories. Ultimately, you will not only find safe baby shampoo options, but also learn how to determine a baby bath product’s safety by yourself. If you are looking for a tear-free shampoo, turn to my post about numbing agents in tear-free baby shampoos.
Best Baby Shampoo Guide
To begin, this guide is a result of our baby wash and shampoo survey conducted on Facebook and Instagram. We will look into the most popular baby bathing products and place them in the “best,” “better,” “bad,” and “worst” categories based on their ingredients. On the I Read Labels For You website, you can also see what credible sources we use to determine an ingredient’s safety.
Below is the list of 20 baby wash and shampoo products we will discuss in this guide. Can you guess which product goes into which category – best, better, bad or worst? Read on to find out!
- Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturizing 2-in-1 Body Wash & Shampoo
- Babo Botanicals Fragrance Free Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash
- Babyganics Foaming Shampoo & Body Wash, Fragrance-Free
- Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash – Original
- Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo With Natural Calendula
- Crunchi Littles™ 3-in-1 Bathtime Bar
- Earth Mama Non-Scents Castile Baby Wash
- Earth Mama Sweet Orange Castile Baby Wash
- Earthley Wellness Kids’ Fun-Shaped Gentle Body Soap
- Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap
- Hello Bello Extra Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash, Fragrance-Free
- Honest Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, Fragrance-Free
- Kiehl’s Gentle Hair & Body Wash
- Mustela 2-in-1 Cleansing Gel
- Primally Pure Baby Bar
- Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
- Pure Haven Baby Wash and Shampoo
- Shea Moisture Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Wash & Shampoo
- Tubby Todd Hair & Body Wash
- Weleda 2-in-1 Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash – Calendula
“Best” Safe Baby Shampoo Category
For starters, we were extra careful selecting the best baby shampoo options minding the delicate skin of a baby. To determine the safest bath time products, we made a list of ingredients of concern (in our opinion) that we spotted on the ingredient labels of these baby washes. So simply put, the “worst” skin and hair products are those that contain the most concerning ingredients. And, vice versa, the “best” are those that have none.
Here is the list of the ingredients of concern (in our opinion) that we’ll talk about later (so, stay put!):
- cocamidopropyl betaine
- cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
- essential oils
- ethoxylated ingredients
- fragrance or fragrance compounds, and
- phenoxyethanol.
In fact, the “best” safe baby shampoo and wash options are those that don’t have any potentially harsh chemicals for a baby’s skin and baby’s hair. Plus, their natural ingredients, such as oils and extracts, are certified organic. Moreover, when you read the description on each product’s website, you will see that, reportedly, they work well for dry skin and are even recommended for eczema prone skin.
I do want to warn you, though, that even the most innocent plant-based ingredients may trigger allergic reactions or skin irritation in some people. Hence, it is hard to find a product that will be 100% safe for everyone. Therefore, make sure to look at the list of ingredients for each product to eliminate potential allergens for your baby.
The best baby shampoo options are products by:
- Crunchi
- Earth Mama Organics
- Earthley Wellness
- Primally Pure, and
- Pure Haven.
Crunchi Littles Soap Bar
Crunchi Littles™ 3-in-1 Bathtime Bar (ADVOCATE10 discount code for 10% off on 1st time purchase of $50+): Sodium Palmate (Organic Palm Oil & Sodium Hydroxide), Sodium Cocoate (Organic Coconut Oil & Sodium Hydroxide), Water, Glycerin*, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Sodium Citrate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Tocopherol. *Certified Organic Ingredients
As you can see, most of the ingredients in this soap-based skin and hair product are organic and are also of plant origin. This is what makes Crunchi bar a safe baby shampoo option (in addition, eco-friendly packaging made of 100% recyclable post-consumer wastepaper). In fact, the bar is gentle enough for daily use on your baby’s hair, body, and face. However, it’s not a tear-free shampoo option, so avoid the eyes and rinse well. Learn more about why I approve of all Crunchi products in my Crunchi non-toxic makeup review.
Earth Mama Organics Castile Soap
EM Organics Simply Non-Scents Castile Baby Wash: Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide+, Vegetable Glycerin*, Citric Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice* +None present in final product *Organic.
EM Organics Sweet Orange Castile Baby Wash: Water, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide+, Vegetable Glycerin*, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract*, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil*, Citric Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice* +None present in final product *Organic.
I consider these bath time products some of the best baby shampoo options because of organic plant-based ingredients such as oils, extracts, butters, and juices. They are also safe baby shampoo options because there should be no pesticide residues in the ingredients. Besides, in my opinion, soap is the safest to use on babies’ delicate skin and hair.
Earthley Wellness Kids’ Body Soap
Earthley Wellness Kids’ Fun-Shaped Gentle Body Soap: Organic Olive Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Organic Coconut Milk, Sodium Hydroxide*, Organic Mango Butter, And Organic Castor Oil.
Judging by the ingredients, this coconut milk soap should be gentle and also nourishing for people of all ages. All the natural ingredients are organic and should also work delicately on dry skin. In addition to being a safe baby shampoo option, this soap bar comes in a variety of fun shapes: butterfly, squirrel, dinosaur, bee, and an automobile. I love this great idea – it’ll definitely make your baby’s bath time more fun!
Primally Pure Soap Bar
Primally Pure Baby Bar (READLABELS10 for 10% off): Glycerin*, Coconut Oil*, Goat Milk*, Shea Butter*, Olive Oil*, Calendula*, Chamomile*, Lavender* Sodium Lactate (liquid salt). *Organic.
Although not a tear-free shampoo option (so, avoid the eyes), this baby bar is void of any harsh chemicals. The organic natural ingredients are gentle and non-drying that soothe and moisturize your baby’s skin while washing.
Pure Haven Shampoo And Wash
Pure Haven Baby Wash and Shampoo: Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin (Vegetable, Non-Gmo), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Matricaria Recutita (Organic Chamomile) Flower Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Oil, Betaine, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Levulinate, Levulinic Acid, P-Anisic Acid, Glycerin (Organic, Non-Gmo), Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate Hcl, Citric Acid.
This Pure Haven best baby shampoo and wash is soap-free. Instead of soap, it contains some of the safest surfactants such as coco glucoside and decyl glucoside. Being mild, they should not cause baby’s skin irritation as well as eye irritation. Note, though, that some sensitive babies may react to glucosides if the product is not formulated to reduce the risk of reactions. (Learn more in my post about glucosides.)
By the way, Pure Haven also has other safe mom (Mom Balm) and baby products that I like. So be sure to check them out!
“Better” Safe Baby Shampoo Category
The main difference between the “better” and the “best” baby shampoo categories is the presence of some ingredients in the “better” products that are absent in the “best.” Namely, they are:
- cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, and
- essential oils.
Product | Concerning Ingredients |
Honest Sensitive Baby Shampoo + Body Wash Fragrance Free (get $10 or 10% off) | – cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine |
Hello Bello Extra Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash, Fragrance-Free | – cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine |
Weleda 2-in-1 Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash – Calendula (get $10 or 10% off) | – fragrance made of essential oils |
“Bad” Baby Wash And Shampoo Category
The baby bath products in this category are not the best baby shampoo options (in our opinion) due to the presence of some of the following ingredients:
- fragrance / natural fragrance / fragrance compounds
- cocamidopropyl betaine (or its relative)
- cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, and
- phenoxyethanol
Therefore, the following products are not safe baby shampoo options (in our opinion).
Product | Concerning Ingredients |
Babo Botanicals Fragrance Free Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash | cocamidopropyl betaine |
Babyganics Foaming Shampoo & Body Wash, Fragrance-Free | capryl/capramidopropyl betaine (relative of cocamidopropyl betaine) |
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash – Original | – fragrance – phenoxyethanol – limonene (fragrance compound) |
Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap | – cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine – phenoxyethanol |
Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, Citrus Grove | – cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine – pink grapefruit essential oil – natural fragrance |
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Wash & Shampoo | – phenoxyethanol – cocamidopropyl betaine – fragrance |
“Worst” Baby Bathing Product Category
The main criteria for this category are the following ingredients of concern (in our opinion):
- cocamidopropyl betaine
- ethoxylated ingredients
- fragrance, and
- phenoxyethanol.
Hence, we cannot deem the products below as safe baby shampoos and, even more so, as best baby shampoos and washes.
Product | Concerning Ingredients |
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturizing 2-in-1 Body Wash & Shampoo | – cocamidopropyl betaine – ethoxylated ingredients (PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, PEG-150 Distearate) – fragrance |
Cetaphil Baby Wash + Shampoo With Natural Calendula | – ethoxylated ingredients (Sodium Laureth Sulfate,* Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Laureth-4) – cocamidopropyl betaine – fragrance – phenoxyethanol |
Kiehl’s Gentle Hair & Body Wash | – ethoxylated ingredients (Sodium Laureth Sulfate*, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, PPG-5-ceteth-20, Polysorbate 20, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) – Fragrance |
Mustela 2-in-1 Cleansing Gel | – cocamidopropyl betaine – ethoxylated ingredients (Sodium Myreth Sulfate, PEG-3 Distearate, PEG-150 Distearate) – fragrance |
Tubby Todd Hair + Body Wash | – Cocamidopropyl Betaine – Ethoxylated (Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate) – Fragrance (in the scented option) |
*NOTE: Sodium Laureth Sulfate is not the same as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. While Sodium Laureth Sulfate is an ethoxylated ingredient, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not an ethoxylated ingredient.
The Ingredients Of Concern In Baby Washes
It is important to mention that this is not an exhaustive list of the ingredients of concern (in our opinion) that can be used in baby products. That is why it is necessary to read ingredients on the products’ labels or the manufacturers’ websites. But bear in mind that manufacturers may change their formulations. This is another reason to read the ingredients of the product (even of the best baby shampoo options) before purchasing it. Ultimately, we do not consider baby bathing products with the following ingredients safe baby shampoo and washes.
Ingredient | Reason For Concern |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine | Cocamidopropyl betaine has potential to cause sensitization most likely due to the DMAPA and amidopropyl dimethylamine (amidoamine) contaminants. (Learn more in my post about cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine.) |
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine | Though safer than cocamidopropyl betaine, it still has some concerns. (Learn more in my post about cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine.) |
Essential Oils | Some people may be sensitive to essential oils. (Learn more in my post about natural fragrance.) |
Ethoxylated Ingredients | Ethoxylated ingredients may also cause allergies due to potential contaminants left behind after the manufacturing process. (Learn more in my post about hidden ingredients in cosmetics.) |
Fragrance / Fragrance Compounds / Natural Fragrance | Fragrance is a mixture of multiple ingredients, many of which have allergenic potential and other health side effects. (Learn more in my post about natural fragrance.) |
Phenoxyethanol | Due to its manufacturing process, phenoxyethanol may also have residues of harmful chemicals, which may trigger an allergic reaction. (Learn more in my post about phenoxyethanol in skin care.) |
Conclusion About The Best Baby Shampoo
It Is A Good Idea To Be Extra Careful When Choosing A Safe Baby Shampoo Due To The Delicate Skin Of A Baby.
In conclusion, I’d like to emphasize that because people are so different, it’s hard to find a product that will be 100% safe for everyone. Indeed, people may be allergic to even the most innocent ingredients, and babies – even more so. To be on the safe side, I also recommend using baby washes and shampoos with as few ingredients as possible. Specifically, watch out for the following ingredients (and avoid products with them):
- cocamidopropyl betaine
- cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
- essential oils
- ethoxylated ingredients
- fragrance or fragrance compounds, and
- phenoxyethanol.
In our opinion, the best safe baby shampoo and wash options are as follows:
- Crunchi Littles™ 3-in-1 Bathtime Bar (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off on 1st time purchase of $50+)
- Earth Mama Organics Simply Non-Scents Castile Baby Wash
- Earth Mama Organics Sweet Orange Castile Baby Wash
- Earthley Wellness Kids’ Fun-Shaped Gentle Body Soap
- Primally Pure Baby Bar (READLABELS10 for 10% off)
- Pure Haven Baby Wash and Shampoo
Until my son turned 10 years old, we had used bar soap for his hair and body and never had any problems with it. When he turned 10 and wanted to start using liquid shampoo, we chose Pure Haven Baby Wash and Shampoo for him.
For my other favorites, visit the IRLFY shop where you can find many non-toxic options for your body and house. Also, browse the IRLFY blog for answers to the many questions you may have about products and ingredients. Finally, if you have questions about the safety of products (including hair dyes), consider using one of our services.
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Hi,
I am trying to choose products for my baby from Pure Haven and Earth Mama but noticed that they do contain essential oils like sweet orange and chamomile. Should I choose only the ones that don’t have any essential oils or these essential oils would be safe to use on a baby? Also, from which age is it safe to use products with essential oils? I am just a bit confused because in this post it’s mentioned to avoid essential oils in baby products but then some products are recommended that have essential oils in the ingredients list.
Hi Taylor,
Thank you for the question!
Generally speaking, essential oils are better than “fragrance.” Plus, the amount matters (for example, Pure Haven’s amounts are minimal).
Also, please check out this blog post that has a list of essential oils recommended to be avoided.
Bottom line, to use or not to use products with essential oils (and in this case, with just one essential oil and no other ingredients of potential health concern) depends on your level of comfort. You can also contact the company to ask about the amounts used in the product.
Does this help?
Hello!
I’d love to see brands like Noodle and Boo, Pipette, and Mustella in all of your articles. We use all three and especially love the Noodke and Boo cleansing wipes, laundry detergent and fabric conditioner, the stain spray, and the fabric refresher. all three brands have body and hair products, and sunscreen. Please take a look and add them in your ratings. I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on these products, as your extensive research on all of these categories is greatly appreciated.
Hello Cinthia,
Thank you for your kind feedback and suggestions – we will take them into consideration!
We believe that the educational information in our blog posts is sufficient to enable our readers to read ingredients and draw their own conclusions about the safety of products even though they are not mentioned in our blog posts.
Also, for those who really want to know about the safety of a product they are interested in, we have a service called “product ingredient review” that anyone can take advantage of: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/ingredient-review/
We hope this helps!
I love this blog. I don’t know what I’d do without your great info! Thank you so much!
Thank you for your kind feedback!
Hello thank you for all the information!!! Very helpful. Would you say Dr Bronner’s liquid soap and bar soap are the same or do you recommend one over the other for babies and kids??
Hello Melissa! Thank you for your interest in our opinion and your kind feedback! We would say it is a matter of personal preference.
I have been using Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo, for years, to remove eye make-up. Is there a safe eye make-up remover?
Hi W! Thank you for reaching out to I Read Labels for You! Check out this eye makeup remover in our shop: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/product/organic-eye-makeup-remover/ We hope this helps!
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Thank you, Gani! We are glad our posts help you and appreciate your feedback!
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road.
Hello, Carnakar! We appreciate your interest and kind words. Thank you for reading us!