Best Baby Shampoos and Body Washes to Make Them Feel Soft and Clean

Best Baby Shampoos and Body Washes to Make Them Feel Soft and Clean

As parents, you always want to make sure your child is as clean as possible. Showering and bathing may be easy enough for us adults, but we’re sure you’ve noticed that babies just aren’t able to get the job done on their own yet. Not only do you need to make sure you give them a proper bath, but you also need to make sure that you’re using the best shampoo and body wash for your child’s delicate skin.

As adults, we tend to forget about the little labels on every shampoo and body wash bottle. These ingredients may seem insignificant to us, but for our little ones, the components will make all of the difference. Their skin is fragile, and if their hair has begun to grow, it needs to be treated with care. This can make shopping for the best shampoo and body wash seem impossible, but don’t worry, we have your back.

We’ll be showing you ten great shampoos and body washes, and we’ll give you some great pointers to look for while you shop. So, if you’re ready to make sure your baby gets the proper hair and skincare that they need, read on.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

Ingredients and Performance

As babies have sensitive hair and skin, choosing a shampoo or body wash with the right ingredients is the most important consideration. You’ll want to avoid harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and harmful synthetic fragrances and dyes, which may cause blisters, rashes, and irritation. Instead, skin-safe plant, oat, or soy-based formulas will do a much better job at cleansing without causing pain or irritation. It’s also important to choose a product that isn’t overly alkaline or acidic, so we’ve made sure that every item on this list is pH neutral.

Fragrance

Have you ever noticed that adult shampoo and body wash tends to smell fantastic? The reason that adult shampoo, soap, and body wash products feel so good are added fragrances and scents. Most wash products don’t have a pleasant smell to them, and if they even have a smell at all, it’s more of a faint odor.

While these scents may be great for adults, they can be dangerous for your children. Fragrances are typically made with additives, and in some cases, they may even be tested on animals as well. It doesn’t mean that all fragrances are harmful, but if you are buying a scented shampoo and body wash for your baby, the scent should natural and harmless.

Size and Value

Getting the right amount of shampoo and body wash is an essential part of baby care. If you run out too soon, you’ll end up with days or weeks where you can’t give your little one the wash they deserve. An excellent place to start is with an 8 ounce bottle. The 8 ounce size is the most common, and can last you a week or two. 8 ounces is a great place to start, but if you need more, there are plenty of size options. If you want shampoo and body wash to last you longer, always consider getting larger bottles. That being said, some products are more concentrated than others, so we’ll mention whenever a shampoo and body wash goes further than you’d expect.

Top 10 Best Baby Shampoos and Body Washes 2023

1. Best Overall Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Doctor Bronner's Pure-Castile Baby Soap

Doctor Bronner's Pure-Castile Baby Soap

Why we like it: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap is a liquid soap that can be used as a body wash, shampoo, and even conditioner for your child. It's made with all-natural ingredients, and it's one of the best soaps for the environment.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • Size: 8 oz
  • Fragrance: unscented
  • Price: $$

Ingredients and Performance

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap is a plant and oil-based soap that’s made with no additives, preservatives, or synthetic materials, and 90% of the ingredients included are organic. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap is also made without foaming agents, and their ingredient list is vegan friendly. Their soap is not used or tested on any animals and has no cruelty involved in the process. All of Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap ingredients are tested, and USDA certified organic.

The base formula for the soap itself is plant-based, and the active ingredients that it relies on is olive oil and organic coconut water. These ingredients create an effective recipe, but Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap also includes vitamin E to promote healthy growth.

What Sets It Apart

What sets Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap is our best overall pick because it can handle the soap needs of your entire home. A lot of shampoo and body wash may only be designed for the human body, but Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap can be used all around the house. For example, Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap can be used as laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, and as a countertop cleaner.

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap is also three times more concentrated than other soaps on the market like Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo and Cetaphil baby shampoo and body washes. A heavy concentration allows you to dilute the soap if you need to, which can make an 8oz bottle last up to 3 times as long as other brands. So, for the price, you’re getting more than you think with Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap.

Things You Should Know

One thing that you need to keep in mind when working with Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap is that it doesn’t have a foaming agent. While this may be great for your child and the environment, it can make this soap challenging to work with. Most cleanser will foam up to show you that it’s doing its job, but with Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap , you’ll have to eyeball it. There is a slight learning curve for working with soap like this. There is also no fragrance, which can cause the soap to give off an odor that some find unpleasant. It’s also not totally tear free, so you’ll need to be extra careful when using it.

Why Choose Dr. Bronner’s

Dr. Bronner’s is a brand that works directly with farms around the United States, and the company strives to make sure everyone is paid a fair wage from farm to soap bottle. The company itself pays reasonable fees and works together with farms to produce a product that’s biodegradable and healthy for the environment. Everything from the soap itself to the plastic bottle it comes in is biodegradable and vegan friendly. The company also makes sure that all executives aren’t paid over five times more than their lowest-paid employees.

Pros

  • 90% organic and USDA certified
  • Can be used for more than just skin and hair care
  • Can be diluted for extended usage
  • Very effective

Cons

  • A lack of foaming agent can make it hard to know when it's time to rinse the soap
  • It's not tear-free, which can irritate your child's eyes

2. Best Premium Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash and Shampoo

Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash and Shampoo

Why we like it: Dove is a famous company that already has a strong reputation in the skin and hair care world. Their baby shampoo and body wash line lives up to this reputation, and they deliver a quality product.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • Size: 20 oz
  • Fragrance: delicate scent
  • Price: $$

Ingredients and Performance

Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash and Shampoo understands that a baby’s skin is 30% more fragile than adults, and their ingredients are blended accordingly. The product is made with a neutral pH level that keeps your baby’s skin soft and healthy. Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash and Shampoo is also tear-free, hypoallergenic, and entirely plant-based. So, not only is it practical and safe for your child, but the blend is organic and earth-safe. The ingredients are similar to what you’ll find in any Dove shampoo and body wash, but for their baby line, Dove focuses on gentle moisture.

What Sets It Apart

What makes Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash and Shampoo our premium pick is its ability to be used at any age. Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash and Shampoo can be used on infants, toddlers, adults, and even newborns. Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash also has a delicate fragrance which can make your child smell clean, which is something brands like Dr. Bronner’s fails to do.

Things You Should Know

One thing to consider when looking at Baby Dove Tip to Toe Baby Wash and Shampoo is the bottle it comes in. It uses a pump, which means that it can become prone to clogging when the container starts to run low. The simple solution is to remove the top portion altogether, but this can be frustrating for busy parents.

Why Choose Dove

Most of you are familiar with Dove already. Dove is a leader in the skincare industry, and they make quality products that work well for both children and adults. Dermatologists may test products for companies like Dr. Bronner’s, Puracy, and Burt’s Bees, but Dove takes this a step further. Dove makes sure that pediatricians, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists test all of their baby products to totally ensure that their products are harmless. If you’re looking for a brand that makes sure professionals verify their product, Dove is the way to go.

Pros

  • Tested by pediatricians, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists
  • Comes with a mild fragrance without additives
  • Tear-free and very easy to use
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • The pump at the top of the bottle can be faulty

3. Best Baby Shampoo and Body Wash for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

Why we like it: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo uses an extract of calendula from the marigold flower that creates a sweet-smelling mixture that's great for your baby's skin.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • Size: 7.8 oz
  • Fragrance: fresh and natural marigold scent
  • Price: $

Ingredients and Performance

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is entirely plant-based and includes an ingredient list that uses no harmful oils or minerals. The plant that the formula is derived from is called the marigold flower, and the calendula extract from this flower gives this product its amazing scent. These ingredients create a very soft and mild soap mixture that’s tear-free and suitable for children with sensitive skin. The Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo mixture is also hypoallergenic and excludes harmful ingredients like mineral oil, parabens, and colorants.

The real secret to this formula is the usage of aloe vera leaves and vitamins E and B5. The usage of this formula, alongside the calendula extract, allows Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo to moisturize and hydrate your baby’s skin, which can help prevent issues like chafing, rashes, and dried skin.

What Sets It Apart

What sets the Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo formula apart is the price and calendula extract. There are some great price options that you can choose from, and for any budget, and the 8oz bottle is comparable to a Starbucks latte in price. The price for a single container may be great, but the company also allows you to reduce the price a bit by signing up for regular deliveries. This is great for parents that may be a bit scattered because it can keep you from forgetting to put in your next order.

Products like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap and Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Wash & Shampoo are great at what they do, but they include oils that can be heavy and tough on your baby’s skin. The usage of calendula extract, without additional oils, makes Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo an excellent fit for any child without breaking the bank.

Things You Should Know

The usage of calendula in Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo may be harmful to children with specific allergies to the marigold flower. This is rare, but if you happen to notice any irritation when using Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo, it might be time to go with another option. The blend may not be 100% tear-free in every child, but it tends to for most babies.

Why Choose Cetaphil

The company behind Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo makes sure that dermatologists test their products, and Galderma confirmed this in 2019. Dermatologist testing adds some much-needed peace of mind when using an extract that few other shampoo and body washes use.

Pros

  • No harmful oils, additives, or parabens
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Organic
  • Perfect for sensitive skin
  • Leaves behind a fresh scent without using synthetic chemicals

Cons

  • Not 100% tear-free for every child

4. Best Foaming Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

Why we like it: Puracy provides you with two bottles for the price of one, and their shampoo and body wash keeps your child smelling fresh and clean.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • Size: 2 pack, 16 oz each
  • Fragrance: citrus blend
  • Price: $$$

Ingredients and Performance

Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash has a very long list of ingredients that work together to bring a well-rounded shampoo and body wash. The plant-based blend is derived from fruits and vegetables, and the ingredients even give off a safe and friendly foam. The central part of Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is coco glycinate. Coco glycinate is superior to standard glycerin that you’ll find in products like Johnson’s Head-to-toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo because it comes directly from coconut-extract, which provides a powerful cleansing foam.

The other ingredients work well alongside coco glycinate, and some of these ingredients include citrus grove, vegetable glycerin, and pink Himalayan sea salt. The pink Himalayan sea salt is a great ingredient to mix with coco glycinate because it exfoliates and hydrates your baby’s skin. All of the parts are organic, tear-free, and non-toxic.

What Sets It Apart

What sets Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash apart is the foam that it creates. A lot of baby shampoo and body wash companies struggle with creating natural foam without sulfates that parents and babies can enjoy. Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is also 100% non-toxic, so even if a little bit gets in your child’s eyes, there is no need to panic.

Things You Should Know

Puracy uses a lot of fruits and extracts in the production of their shampoo and body wash. Using these extracts is great for fragrances, but it can cause skin irritation in children that may have eczema or susceptible skin.

Why Choose Puracy

Puracy began six years ago as a small partnership between two lifelong friends. A good beginning like that gives the company a family appeal, and reviews suggest that the company is speedy to handle questions or concerns consumers may have. As the company grew, so did their compassion. Unlike a lot of other companies, Puracy actively donates to those in need across the globe.

Pros

  • Creates a foam that can promote play during bath-time that helps parents and children bond
  • Fresh smelling citrus-based fragrance
  • Skin- and eye-safe for most children
  • Two bottles for the price of one

Cons

  • Using multiple fruit extracts can cause skin irritations in children with sensitive skin

5. Best Oatmeal Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo

Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo

Why we like it: Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo is an excellent option for parents that like the idea of an oat-based shampoo and body wash.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • Size: 18 oz
  • Fragrance: oatmeal scent
  • Price: $$

Ingredients and Performance

Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo is derived from all-natural and organic oats. The exact oat mixture that’s used is an extract that’s derived from oat kernels from colloidal oatmeal, and this mixture is excellent for soothing irritation, naturally moisturizing, and calming skin. The oat extract is only one component, and Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo also use glycerin. The usage of glycerin helps the formula hydrate and maintain the moisture of your baby’s skin.

What Sets It Apart

The ingredients in Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo are distinctive and help it stand out from other baby shampoos and body washes on the market. Almost every other product, like uses a traditional mixture that creates a soap-based washing solution. This is not the case for Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo, and this formula offers a soapless option for parents that may want to try a different approach to baby hygiene.

Things You Should Know

The oat-based formula that’s used in Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo is not for everyone. The solution may be light and great for your child, but it can be tough to work with if you’re not familiar with how oat-based cleaning solutions work. If you’re not a fan of an oat-based cleaning, otherwise similar products like Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo can be a better fit.

An oat-based extract can also lead to drain problems if it’s not used correctly. This can be avoided by making sure that you use ample amounts of water to dilute the mixture when using it to wash your child. The problem can also be avoided by using larger drains, which makes a shower or bathtub the best place to use Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo.

Some people love the oat-based scent while others hate it, so you may want to avoid it if you think that smell would irritate you or your child.

Why Choose Aveeno

Aveeno is a company that’s been in business since 1945, and all of their research has led them to the oat-based formula that you see today. From the start of the company, Aveeno has been working hard to produce clean oat-based washes for both infants and adults. If you want to get a premium oat-based wash from a brand you can trust, Aveeno is a great choice.

Pros

  • Oat-based formulas can offer a gentler clean than oil or plant washes and shampoos
  • The oatmeal blend paired with glycerin is great for moisturizing
  • Can be used on children of all ages
  • Adult friendly

Cons

  • The oatmeal extract may contain chunks that can clog kitchen sink drains; always use this product in a bathroom to avoid these issues
  • The oatmeal extract can also create a less than pleasant smell if a bath takes too long

6. Best Non-GMO Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap

Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap

Why we like it: Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap can be used for changing diapers or in the shower or bath. It’s completely free of GMO ingredients, and it has a very appealing fragrance.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • Size: 2 pack, 32 oz each
  • Fragrance: choice of coconut, orange, and lavender
  • Price: $$

Ingredients and Performance

Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap is made with an organic plant-based formula that doesn’t include any GMO products. The natural formula list is a long one, but some of the main ingredients to keep in mind are calendula, aloe vera, white tea, chamomile, and vitamin B5. These ingredients create a stable blend that can be used as shampoo, body wash, and even as a bubble bath. Every natural oil used within Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap is paraben-free, gluten-free, synthetic colors, synthetic fragrances, and nutrient-rich. That being said, it may not foam or clean as well as other products that do contain GMOs.

What Sets It Apart

Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap creates natural scents with the ingredient list that it uses, and this is what sets this soap apart. Brands like Puracy and Burt’s Bees may come with fragrances of their own, but they fail to incorporate a wide range of natural scents that you can pick from. Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap has natural lavender, tropical coconut, and orange summer scents.

Things You Should Know

A few things to consider when looking into Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap is that scent options will impact the price. The tropical coconut scent is the one we have linked to, but other scents may increase or decrease the cost of the soap.

Why Choose Everyone

The Everyone Company is owned and operated by two very close family members. Even as the company has grown larger, those family values have remained, and the family guides choices made by the company. The company itself has been in business for decades, and they focus on putting the Earth first with recyclable plastics. If family values and eco-friendly products are a priority, the Everyone brand is a great option.

Pros

  • Multiple additive scent options to fit different tastes
  • Can be used as more than just body wash and shampoo
  • Works for the entire family

Cons

  • Not as effective as other options

7. Best Tear-Free Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Johnson's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash & Shampoo

Johnson's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash & Shampoo

Why we like it: Johnson's Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo is 90% organic and doesn't contain sulfates that may cause tearing in infants.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • Size: 27.1 oz
  • Fragrance: fresh, clean scent
  • Price: $$

Ingredients and Performance

Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo is made by a company that’s been in business for over a century. The brand has worked hard to reduce the amount of harmful ingredients and put decades of research into creating a shampoo and body wash that’s USDA certified organic. The final result of this research is the Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo, with a formula that’s tear-free, sulfate-free, and pH tested.

The shampoo and body wash is made with a plant-based formula that keeps animal testing out of the equation. The method is also designed to be very friendly for a baby’s skin. This makes Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo an excellent choice for children that have sensitive skin or are prone to tearing up while bathing.

What Sets It Apart

Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo stands ahead of the competition in research and ingredients. While other options like Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap may have a great list of environmentally friendly components, their blend is not totally tear-free or hypoallergenic. The lack of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and dyes is what makes this formula special. Plus, a lot of other companies may preach about not having a harmful fragrance, but Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo does everything they can do to make that promise a reality while keeping your baby smelling fresh and clean.

Things You Should Know

Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo is not a foam based product. It’s an oil mixture, which means that it won’t create suds and bubbles. At first, like the Dr. Bronner’s product, there will be a slight learning curve when using this soap. The portion of the bottle that you use to pump the soap is not the best, which can make it a hassle to get the amount of detergent you need when the container starts to run low.

Why Choose Johnson’s

Johnson’s Baby Wash uses a five-step program to make sure that their products are tested and ready for your home. The process includes testing ingredients for quality, evaluating the formula, and on-going evaluations once their soaps reach consumers. The whole process helps Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Baby Wash & Shampoo refine their mixture to create a high-quality shampoo and body wash. So, if you value a company that listens to customer feedback, Johnson’s is a great choice.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic and tear-free formula that's USDA certified organic
  • Includes a fragrance that smells good without containing harmful additives
  • Over 100 years of testing has gone into the blend that you get

Cons

  • The pump to dispense the soap is weak and can make it difficult to use the entire bottle
  • No foam can be hard to work with at first

8. Best Organic Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash

Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash

Why we like it: Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash is 98.2% organic, and it uses an effective soy-based formula unique to Burt's Bees products.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • Size: 3 pack, 12 oz each
  • Fragrance: natural fresh scent
  • Price: $$$

Ingredients and Performance

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash is 98.2% organic, which helps it rank very high when compared to other so-called organic products. Brands like Dr. Bronner’s and Puracy claim to be the most natural, but most other companies can’t seem to beat that 90% number. This makes Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash the most organic baby shampoo out there.

The specific ingredients used include a mix of soy-based products that exclude phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. The soy-based blend also creates a natural foam that’s safe for everyday usage with your child.

What Sets It Apart

What sets Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash apart from the competition is their usage of a soy-based formula. Competitors like Aveeno and Johnson’s use oat- and plant-based recipes, but there is something about a soy blend that makes it very effective, while still being safe and gentle.

Things You Should Know

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash uses a soy-based formula that’s special, but it does raise some issues in children that may have soy allergies. If it’s your first time using a soy-based product for your child, always consult with your doctor to make sure you don’t cause irritations or other allergic reactions.

Why Choose Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees is a company that focuses on more than just one area of child hygiene and care. Other companies may focus on one particular product, but with Burt’s Bees, you can get lotions, ointments, and moisturizers for your child. This helps Burt’s Bees create a comprehensive baby skincare routine. If you’re a parent that likes to pick one company you can trust for all of your baby’s needs, Burt’s Bees is a great option.

Pros

  • Tear-free soy-based formula that contains natural foam
  • Contains enough shampoo and body wash to last more than a month
  • Can be used and applied to your baby's skin daily

Cons

  • Not a good options for children with soy allergies

9. Best Smelling Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: The Honest Company Shampoo + Body Wash

The Honest Company Shampoo + Body Wash

Why we like it: The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash combines a lavender scent with high-quality organic ingredients. This makes it a great shampoo and body wash for the entire family.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • Size: 10 oz
  • Fragrance: Lavender
  • Price: $$

Ingredients and Performance

The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash offers a safe and tear-free wash for the entire family. The shampoo and body wash mixture is tested by dermatologists and contains organic ingredients that are fully hypoallergenic and additive-free. Chemicals like sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances are all left out of this plant-based blend. The ingredient that makes this blend unique is the usage of lavender that gives it a moisturizing boost and natural scent.

What Sets It Apart

The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash stands out from the competition thanks to the conditioning properties that it has. While this may not be important for your child, it means that adults can get the same benefits with this shampoo and body wash. If you want to save money and use one shampoo and body wash for the entire family, The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash Tear Free Baby Shampoo is a great choice.

Things You Should Know

The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash has a very long list of ingredients, and they work well together, but it can pose some risks to your child. When a broad mixture of ingredients is used, it leaves room for error. Luckily, each solution is dermatologist tested, which means that irritation is rare. Still, this product should be avoided by anyone whose children are allergic to any of its ingredients, with lavender being the most common culprit.

Why Choose The Honest Company

The Honest Company specializes in making baby care and hygiene a breeze. Their products are safe for both adults and babies to use, which makes it easy to get your shopping done in one secure place. The Honest Company also excels at producing great shampoos that work well for people with frizzy or curly hair. Overall, it’s a company that prioritizes both you and your child. For busy parents that one to get all of their shopping done in one place, The Honest Company is a great choice.

Pros

  • Natural lavender extract creates a safe fragrance
  • Works for both parents and children; it even specializes in handling frizzy or curly hair
  • Tear-free and pH neutral

Cons

  • Lavender extract can cause allergic reactions in some children

10. Best Budget Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Baby Magic Calming Baby Bath

Baby Magic Calming Baby Bath

Why we like it: Baby Magic Calming Bath is both inexpensive and effective. It can do what premium soaps and washes do at half the cost, but you may need a bit more of it to get the full effect.

Editor’s Rating:

Specs:

  • PH: 7
  • Size: 9, 16.5, and 30 oz sizes
  • Fragrance: lavender and chamomile
  • Price: $

Ingredients and Performance

Baby Magic Calming Bath combines a high-quality formula with a meager price tag. The ingredients used are tear-free, sulfate-free, and hypoallergenic. The blend of ingredients used is one less complicated mixtures on the market, but sometimes it’s better to do more with less. Baby Magic Calming Bath also has balanced pH levels and organic plant-based ingredients.

What Sets It Apart

What sets Baby Magic Calming Bath apart is the price tag. When it comes to getting quality shampoo and body wash for your child, products like Dr. Bronner’s, Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Wash & Shampoo, and Puracy all come with a high price tag. While this may be the case, Baby Magic Calming Bath proves that the same quality can be delivered without costing a fortune. That being said, it’s not as concentrated as those products, so you may need to use a little bit more of it. But, thankfully, it’s so cheap that you’ll still come out on top.

Things You Should Know

Baby Magic Calming Bath can be used as a shampoo, body wash, and a bubble bath. Baby Magic Calming Bath is also known to have qualities that can calm a child down with lavender and other natural ingredients. The formula works well for most children, and dermatologists test it, but in some cases, it can cause irritations to children with sensitive skin. Skin problems tend to happen the most when it’s used as a bubble bath as opposed to body wash and shampoo.

Why Choose Baby Magic

Baby Magic is a brand that offers excellent products at a price that everyone can afford. While there may not be as many ingredients as other companies, you can take comfort knowing that Baby Magic strives to deliver an above-average shampoo and body wash for your child at a bargain.

Pros

  • Very affordable for every budget
  • Can be used as a bubble bath as your child gets older
  • Tear-free and hypoallergenic formula

Cons

  • The soap is not as strong as some of the top competitors
  • May cause irritation to children with sensitive skin

How to Choose the Best Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

You’ve seen the ten best baby shampoo and body washes on the market, and if you’ve made it this far, we bet you already have one or two options in mind. Knowing the products is a great place to start, but keep reading to learn about how to pick the right product for your child.
baby taking a bath

Choosing the Right Formula

Baby shampoo and body wash come in many different formulations, and this can result in some slight confusion while shopping. You should always familiarize yourself with each of the typical formula bases to make sure that the shampoo and body wash you choose works for you and your child. Let’s spend some time breaking down each of the standard formulas that you’ll come across.

Plant-Based

Plant-based baby shampoo and body wash is one of the more common formulas you’ll find. They’re easy to make, work well for moisturizing, and are mostly organic. Plant-based recipes can be made up of different ingredients, but they tend to all include some type of vegetable-based glycerin as a base. Plant-based products also allow room for more fragrance choices because different plant combinations can create different aromas.

Plant-based baby shampoo and body wash is excellent for most children, just be sure to remain mindful of any plant allergies your children may have. If you want to go the plant route, we recommend considering something like Doctor Bronner’s Pure-Castile Baby Soap.

Oat-Based

Oat-based baby shampoo and body wash is less common than the soy-based and plant-based formulas, but it’s just as effective. It comes down to preference, but oat-based recipes tend to provide a wash that doesn’t even incorporate soap. They’re gentle, but often a bit less effective than products that use other formulations. If you’re considering using an oatmeal blend, you can’t beat the Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo.

Soy-Based

Baby shampoo and body wash that uses a soy formula comes with its unique benefits. For example, soy can usually work well with ingredients that cause bath bubbles or foam. One thing to consider when working with soy is that children with soy allergies are not a good fit. A great product to try if you’ll be going the soy route is Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo.

Choosing Organic or Non-Organic Baby Wash and Shampoo

Organic and non-organic is going to be about preference. You’ll come across both types of products when shopping for baby shampoo and body wash, so this is something you’ll have to decide about. Luckily, both organic and non-organic products are typically safe. Natural products are made with little to no preservatives, pesticides, and no synthetic materials. On the other hand, non-organic products will almost always include pesticides and synthetic materials.

You might be shocked to see that organic producers may only be between 90 and 99 percent natural, but these are excellent ratings. No fully effective baby shampoo can be 100% organic, so the Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo is as good as it gets.

GMO or Non-GMO

One thing you should always consider is how you feel about genetically modified organisms (GMO). These are organisms that have been altered to either enhance an organism’s genetic traits or to help a plant grow faster. The science behind GMO products is mixed. For example, in some cases, GMO products lead to allergic reactions. Keep in mind that this is rare, and it comes down to whether or not you’re comfortable exposing your child to products containing GMOs. If you want to steer clear of them, the Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Soap should fit the bill perfectly.

Tear-Free and Hypoallergenic

Tear-free and hypoallergenic ingredients are great for both you and your child. Tear-free products make sure that the soap doesn’t irritate your child’s eyes, and hypoallergenic ingredients make sure that a shampoo and wash is safe for kids with susceptible skin. Not all shampoo and body wash will have these traits, and while they’re not necessities, it’s always a good idea to go with brands that give your child a pain-free bathing experience.

If you want to make sure that you get tear-free and hypoallergenic shampoo and body wash, consider products like Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Gentle Wash & Shampoo.

FAQ

When can I start to bathe my baby?

Though even very young baby’s can handle being bathed, you should take extra care early on in their life. Until the umbilical cord falls off, at about one week old, babies should be given sponge baths rather than a typical bath in a sink or tub.

How often should baby shampoo and body wash be used?

As adults, we tend to shower or bathe daily. You can do this for infants and babies, but the younger your child is, the less often they should be washed. Baby’s skin is fragile, which means it needs to be treated with care.

Is it safe to change shampoo and body washes?

When you run out of shampoo and body wash for your child, you might see a new product that may sound better. While it may be safe to change the current formula you’re using, just be mindful of ingredients and irritations. If you notice skin problems, always switch back to the soap you started on.

Is alcohol safe in baby shampoo and body wash?

When looking at ingredients, always make sure that there is no alcohol present. Alcohol can remove moisture, which can lead to dead skin. None of the products we’ve recommended here contain any alcohol.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for shampoo and body wash for a child is not always as simple as just picking the flashiest looking brand. When shopping for your child, you need to keep a close eye on the ingredients and make sure you’re up to date on any skin allergies your baby may have. As long as you follow our guidelines, you’ll have no trouble picking the best baby shampoo and body wash for your child.