10 Best Baby Shampoos in 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Updated on August 20, 2024
best baby shampoos

As simple as it may seem, baby shampoo shopping can be pretty stressful. New parents often overlook the fact that more than 80% of baby shampoos contain formaldehyde, sodium Laureth sulfate and other toxic ingredients that can harm the baby, and that are cleverly hidden behind very small letters on the list of ingredients.

I see you lifting eyebrow now, starting to wonder how the heck to know where to look and what to look for when it comes to the best baby shampoo and body wash!

Editor’s Choice

Weleda-Calendula-Baby-Shampoo-and-Body-Wash

Weleda Calendula Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

Why is it better?

  • No nasty chemicals
  • Solid companion to breastfeeding
  • Mixes up easily even in cold water

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Read Review Details

The Lineup At A Glance

Our Top Ten Picks Of Best Baby Shampoos in 2024

1. Weleda Calendula Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

Weleda-Calendula-Baby-Shampoo-and-Body-Wash

Weleda, Europe’s leading baby shampoo and body wash brand, made in Germany, offers a full line of baby skincare products that are calendula based. Moreover, Hand harvested organic Calendula from Weleda gardens in Germany is used in order to produce these gentle and well balanced baby products.

  • Organic product
  • Cruelty free
  • Great for eczema and cradle cap
  • Nourishes and washes thoroughly
  • Natural Calendula scent

  • Danger to some kids from sesame seed oil
  • Expensive

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Weleda, Europe’s leading baby shampoo and body wash brand, made in Germany, offers a full line of baby skincare products that are calendula based. Hand-harvested organic Calendula from Weleda gardens in Germany is used in order to produce these gentle and well-balanced baby products.

That is to say, free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil, with tear-free formula, this shampoo and body wash promises safety for the delicate skin of our youngest. Naturally fragranced with pure essential oils, free from heavy odors and artificial fragrances, you will love the discreet scent of calendula all over your baby.

Hence, weleda Calendula shampoo and body wash contains gentle surfactant made from coconut and sugar that lathers and cleanses without drying. You may notice that the baby needs no body lotion after washing.

What’s more?

This excellent product performs miracles on baby’s cradle cap, it is very gentle and doesn’t dry out the skin of the scalp. Also, it is suitable for treating baby eczema.

The fact is, this baby shampoo and body wash has been awarded as The Best Natural Baby Shampoo for several times by European consumers.

In addition, 9 out of 10 moms is recommending this shampoo as the best shampoo for newborns, and I couldn’t agree more, as this brand was my second choice. I kept switching between Weleda and Sebamed. No special reason involved.

On the downside, please be careful if your child is allergic to sesame seed oil, as it is one of the ingredients here. Choose another shampoo from our pick.

2. Himalaya Gentle Baby Shampoo

Himalaya-Gentle-Baby-Shampoo

Himalaya company is really strong when it comes to 100% trusted Vegan products. It is also no tear formula, that is cruelty free, and contains no SLS, mineral oils, parabens, and synthetic colors.

  • Vegan certified product
  • Natural ingredients
  • Very affordable
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Free from chemicals
  • Harder to wash out
  • Possible eye irritation

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Himalaya company is really strong when it comes to 100% trusted Vegan products. It is also no tear formula, that is cruelty free, and contains no SLS, mineral oils, parabens, and synthetic colors. Using herbs, this shampoo has a protein-rich formula that strengthens your baby’s hair. The product contains Chickpea for its natural anti dandruff properties, and Hibiscus, which is a natural conditioner that softens hair. It’s mild on your baby’s scalp and has a lovely natural scent of above mentioned plants.

To clarify, great news is that, this awesome product is very affordable comparing to others from it’s range. It doesn’t lather much, it has a very thick consistency (similar to Aloe Vera gel) but it cleans your baby’s hair well, leaving it soft and smooth.

3. Nature’s Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

Nature's-Baby-Shampoo-&-Body-Wash

Nature’s Baby Organics Shampoo & Body Wash is a great and reliable organic product fit for the whole family. Soft enough for babies and children, and rich enough for adults. It moisturizes perfectly, smells fruity and it is very mild to baby’s eyes (it is not stated “Tear free formula”).

  • SLS, parabens, chemicals free
  • No hair tangling
  • One shampoo for the whole family
  • 100% Vegan
  • Made with certifiedorganic plants
  • Extremely poor quality of bottle pump
  • A bit pricey

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Nature’s Baby Organics Shampoo & Body Wash is a great and reliable organic product fit for the whole family. Soft enough for babies and children, and rich enough for adults. It moisturizes perfectly, smells fruity and it is very mild to baby’s eyes (it is not stated “Tear free formula”).

This hypoallergenic formula is 100% Vegan and almost completely organic. The product contains no synthetic chemicals or animal derived ingredients so it’s a “thumbs up” choice for vegans and those who prefer organic products. It is made with certified organic Aloe Vera, Calendula, & Chamomile.

What’s more?

Only downside is that it’s a little thin, so you have to use a good bit for to wash baby’s head, and if you’re using it for your own, long hair, squeeze that pump three of four times!

That is to say, this is one of my favorite shampoos that I don’t like sharing with kids (bad momma, bad!) I love the smell of Piña Colada in my hair! Can’t get enough of it, and I see my hubby likes it too. I also use it as a body wash and I can tell that my skin is washed thoroughly and well moisturized (I am normal-to-oily skin type).

In the summertime, I don’t need body lotion, my skin feels refreshed & rejuvenated.

4. Chicco Baby Moments No Tears Shampoo

Chicco-Baby-Moments-No-Tears-Shampoo

Chicco is a world famous italian brand. The toiletry line called Baby Moments is carefully made for everyday care of baby’s sensitive and delicate skin, from the first day.

  • Suitable for infants
  • Large bottle
  • Subtle scent
  • SLS and parabens free
  • Rich foam
  • Pricey

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Chicco is a world famous italian brand. The toiletry line called Baby Moments is carefully made for everyday care of baby’s sensitive and delicate skin, from the first day.

Gently cleanses the fine baby’s hair without any eye irritation. No tears formula contains pot marigold which has softening properties to moisturise the hair and prevent the formation of tangles.
It is microbiologically and dermatologically tested, PH neutral, free from SLS, parabens and other chemicals, also dye and alcohol free. The formula is thick, but rinses off easily leaving a subtle scent all over your sweet little baby.

Lastly, this shampoo contains natural oat extracts and it’s the right pick for the bubbly bath. It makes bathing an enjoyable experience, just add a rubber duckie!.

5. Babyganics Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

Babyganics-Baby-Shampoo-and-Body-Wash

Babyganics has created a range of mostly organic and plant based products.
This non-allergenic shampoo creates lots of foam but without tears, and plant-based ingredients and a seed oil blend that comes from five different plants (tomato, sunflower, raspberry, black cumin, cranberry) leave baby’s skin clean, soft and moisturized. Baby’s hair is easy to comb and it’s not tangling.

  • No SLS
  • No parabens
  • No phthalates
  • No artificial fragrance
  • Cruelty free
  • Several complains about itchy scalp
  • Several complains about eye irritation
  • Many times the pump gets stuck
  • Seed oil scent is too heavy

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Babyganics has created a range of mostly organic and plant based products.
This non-allergenic shampoo creates lots of foam but without tears, and plant-based ingredients and a seed oil blend that comes from five different plants (tomato, sunflower, raspberry, black cumin, cranberry) leave baby’s skin clean, soft and moisturized. Baby’s hair is easy to comb and it’s not tangling.

However, this is not a 100% organic baby shampoo, so bear that in mind if you are fully “green”. The list of ingredients includes some chemicals.

I use Babyganics from time to time, when I want a foamy fun bath for my baby, and I am happy because it rinses off easily but I am extremely conscious about the contact with his eyes. Some mothers from my daycare complained about their kids crying a lot after the shampoo-in-the-eye accident.

This formula is also kosher.

6. Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Tear Free Shampoo and Wash

Burt's-Bees-Baby-Bee-Tear-Free-Shampoo-and-Wash

Here’s the buzz: Little baby bees love this tear free shampoo so much, they enjoy every drop of it and so do their moms!

  • 99,9% natural product
  • Light honey-ish scent
  • Pediatrician-tested and hypoallergenic
  • Adds body to hair
  • Not tested on animals
  • A few complains about drying toddler’s scalp
  • Several complains about too much foam

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Here’s the buzz: Little baby bees love this tear free shampoo so much, they enjoy every drop of it and so do their moms!

There are numerous reasons for that. It is good to know that Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash is a gentle, tear-free baby shampoo that can also be used as a baby body wash. Soy proteins are the secret behind this plant-based product. They are natural moisturizers stuffed with Vitamin B and essential minerals, fit for a good scrub-a-dub-dub to reveal smooth and soft skin.

What’s more?

The product contains no phthalates, parabens, petrolatum and SLS. Natural ingredients like coconut and sunflower oils nourish skin and guard against dryness. It has a fresh scent that leaves baby’s skin smelling delicious.

As an extra bonus, this sweet-as-honey cleanser makes as a great shower gel for you too!

Lastly, the formula is really gentle and works well with sensitive skin types.

7. Sebamed Children’s Shampoo

Sebamed-Children's-Shampoo

Sebamed is a well-known German brand widely popular with parents of kids with sensitive skin. Hence, it’s unique formula is based on 30 years of research for the high quality hypoallergenic soap-free product line

  • High quality product
  • Excellent for fighting eczema or psoriasis
  • Dermatologically tested
  • No harsh chemicals
  • Good for all ages
  • It’s a bit pricey

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Sebamed is a well-known German brand widely popular with parents of kids with sensitive skin. It’s unique formula is based on 30 years of research for the high quality hypoallergenic soap-free product line

That is to say, this is one of the best shampoos on the market if your munchkin has eczema. The product is extremely mild and almost no fragrance, and tear-free.Sebamed shampoo is soap-free and made at a pH level of 5.5, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin. It deeply cleanses without irritation, and doesn’t contain any chemicals.

What’s more?

This product has herbal extracts from fennel, yarrow, melissa, mistletoe and chamomile, that prevents irritation and helps soothe the skin. Free of colorants, formaldehyde, and dioxane.

It’s formula works equally good on infants and preschoolers with sensitive skin, so no need to change your favorite shampoo as the child grows up.

Sebamed product range was my first choice when both my babies were born, and I never felt happier knowing that their skin and hair were protected even though there was no skin issues with either one of them.

8. Aveeno Baby Wash

Aveeno-Baby-Wash

Aveeno Baby Wash is the most popular baby wash on the market. This wash is great for sensitive skin types as the formula is soap free, paraben free, no more tears and hypoallergenic.

  • Available in every store possible
  • Huge bottle lasts forever
  • Affordable
  • Works good on irritated skin
  • Not labeled “Johnson & Johnson” clearly

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Aveeno Baby Wash is the most popular baby wash on the market. This wash is great for sensitive skin types as the formula is soap free, paraben free, no more tears and hypoallergenic. It can be used as a body wash and shampoo. The product leaves your baby’s skin really soft with a lovely fresh scent.
The Aveeno Baby range have a huge following of mothers that aplaude to the product efficiency, but aren’t as widely available as some other brands of the same purpose. It’s hard to find someone who’s tried this product, and hasn’t had, like, 5 star results.

That is to say, natural oat extract is the key ingredient to this paraben-free body wash and shampoo. Baby’s delicate skin will be cleansed and moisturized and it won’t irritate baby’s eyes.
If you baby has eczema prone skin, this one could be the one you should try. The oat extract really helps to soothe the irritated areas and calm the inflammation.

What’s more?

What kiddos like most during a bath is a good batch of bubbles, so there’s no mistake with Aveeno. And since it’s an 18-oz. bottle, there will be splashes and splashes.

Moreover, this baby wash and shampoo is a dual-purpose product which can be used to cleanse the body and face.

There has recently been some controversy, however, about the Johnson and Johnson baby products (Aveeno is a Johnson and Johnson brand) and the US formulation, and we’ve done some research on this Click to read, before you decide to buy.

9. Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Cream

Mustela-Stelatopia-Cleansing-Cream

Mustela Stelatopia is The Best baby shampoo for eczema-prone skin. Period.

  • Perfect for all kinds of skin conditions
  • No1 in fighting eczema
  • No nasty chemicals
  • Recognized by the National Eczema Association
  • Very expensive
  • Potential trigger for allergies

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Mustela Stelatopia is The Best baby shampoo for eczema-prone skin. Period.

If baby suffers from super-dry skin as a result of eczema, this product is specifically formulated to reduce skin flare-ups. Sunflower oil hydrates and replenishes lipids on the skin and reduces dryness and itching. Mustela Stelatopia line of products is recognized by the National Eczema Association and clinically tested on eczema-prone skin under pediatric and dermatological control.

What’s more?

It is water-soluble, meaning no rinsing needed (no slippery residue will be left behind). Mustela gently cleans your little one’s hair and body without stripping away natural oils. This tear-free, biodegradable gel uses natural ingredients like vitamin B5 and avocado perseose, a rare molecule found in the heart of avocados that hydrates skin and plant-based Glycerin, which moisturizes and prevents against water loss in the skin.

Lastly, it’s paraben, phthalate and phenoxyethanol free.

Moms, be careful: Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Cream contains Sunflower seed oil, which can trigger allergies to some kids!

10. Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

Puracy-Natural-Baby-Shampoo-&-Body-Wash

Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a gentle blend of clinical-grade cleansers, emollients, and a dash of essential oils. This product, by all means, excellent product is free of all disturbing and dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens, chlorine, dyes, phosphates, SLS, or animal by-products.

  • Can be used as babies grow up
  • Tear free formula
  • No petroleum-based ingredients
  • No sulfates
  • No rich foam
  • Can’t detangle hair
  • Pump often gets broken

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Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a gentle blend of clinical-grade cleansers, emollients, and a dash of essential oils. This, by all means, excellent product is free of all disturbing and dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens, chlorine, dyes, phosphates, SLS, or animal by-products.
It’s vegan, not tested on animals and gluten free. The product is pH balanced, so maintains the natural pH of baby’s skin leaving it soft and moisturized even with daily use.

What’s more?

It has a refreshing citrus scent from plant extracts and no artificial fragrances.

Lastly, the packaging is clean and sleek; and wouldn’t look out of place in any modern bathroom.

Word of caution: This baby shampoo is often considered as a organic baby shampoo, but, as the list of ingredients clearly shows, it is 99.95% natural, but not organic.

That’s all folks, now you are ready for the Best baby shampoos shopping!

While I was writing this text it was pretty clear that many young parents are naive and trust catchy labels with lies written, like:“100% natural” , “the best baby shampoo”, “safe for infants” , etc. The truth is behind the label, so educate yourself, and start reading. Your baby can be safer from shampoo leaking by playing with bath toys.

We know what to look for and what to avoid:

  • No nasty chemicals: meaning, no SLS, no parabens, no fragrance, no phthalates, nothing that can harm our little darlings
  • Natural and Organic: When the product is natural, it doesn’t necessary mean it’s organic.
  • Organic is expensive: If you have a baby with a skin condition, helping skin to calm down is worth every dime
  • Sesame and sunflower essential oils can trigger allergies: Be supercareful
  • Tear free formula is a must: But there is no guarantee about crying

Has your baby tried any of these baby shampoos yet?

Did it work wonders on your baby’s scalp and hair? Did you like the texture, the smell, overall quality?

Please share the experience with us.

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Thank you!

F.A.Q

Does my newborn baby need a shampoo?

Newborns (babies under a month old) often don’t need shampoo at all. There’s nothing wrong with using it, but unless your baby has a full head of hair that’s starting to look greasy, gentle cleaning with warm water should do just fine.

How does the baby bath look like?

Here are some quick tips for bathing your sweetest baby:- Newborns don’t need to be bathed daily, or even with soap (plain warm water works just fine at the beginning, while there is no hair on their scalp). Take your baby carefully to the tub (you can have the best baby bathtub in this review), check the water temperature, and sing the bath song. For the first week or so it’s best to give your infant sponge baths with a warm, damp washcloth.- When you start using soap, choose a mild, moisturizing body wash and shampoo that won’t dry out skin or irritate eyes. (Wooo-hooo, look at how many great options are in this text, yay me!). – “Tear-free” is a real thing, so try to choose one that makes that claim. Otherwise, be careful around baby’s eyes- Wrap your little on up in a hooded cotton towel with animal ears, and shoot a selfie! (Nooo, just kidding!)

What if my baby’s skin has imperfections?

Skin is essential to a baby’s health and well-being and is still developing until the age of two. One in 5 babies is born with eczema-prone skin. Eczema is a common skin condition. Eczema-prone skin is extremely dry and itchy with occasional red patches with oozing sores during flare-ups. The likelihood of experiencing eczema increases based on family history. However, there are so many products on the market to help you with the problem and to moisturize skin. In our list we have mentioned some really good shampoos, carefully made to help the baby from her first days and first baths.  

When should I stop using baby shampoo?

There’s no clear moment about this question, but most parents use baby shampoo until their children are at least 2 or 3 —  some even use it until adolescence. Teen and adult hair tends to be oilier than baby hair, so you’ll know it’s time to switch when your baby shampoo no longer seems to leave hair clean.

Does my newborn baby need a shampoo?

Newborns (babies under a month old) often don’t need shampoo at all. There’s nothing wrong with using it, but unless your baby has a full head of hair that’s starting to look greasy, gentle cleaning with warm water should do just fine.

What is the list of stay-away-from chemicals?

It would be perfect to avoid all the chemicals and use strictly natural and even better, pure organic products, but, very often that range of products is insanely expensive. These are the most vicious toxines to be avoided on all counts:Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)You may have heard abbreviations like SLS/SLES, in the news or read about it somewhere on the web. SLS is a surfactant, detergent, and emulsifier used literally everywhere in cosmetics and personal hygiene products. You can find SLS in almost all shampoos, toothpaste and body washes as well as things like laundry detergents, mouthwashes, and many skincare products. This “lovely” chemical is also found in industrial cleaners.Its main purpose in shampoos is that it acts as a lathering agent. Without it, there would be no bubble baths.- Parabens : Parabens are used as a chemical preservative  in a variety of forms, and the most common are: butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Research shows parabens are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive problems, developmental disorders, endometriosis, skin irritation and cancer.- Chemical fragrance: You might love the smell of your baby’s lotion, but fragrance is linked to allergies, skin irritation and eczema and can be toxic to various organs in the body.When reading labels, avoid any product that lists fragrance, perfume or parfum.- Phthalates: Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used as preservatives in personal care products like baby shampoos and lotions.They have been linked to endocrine disruption, which can cause reproductive problems, including a decrease in sperm motility and concentration, as well as allergies, asthma and cancer.

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