10 Best Shampoo for Kids & Babies in 2020
Selina Marie 
Angeline Mirenda For kids, they need a product that works best for their type of hair. Not to worry since we’re going to share with you the 10 best shampoos for kids in 2019. Not only will your kid’s hair smell fresher, but it will also be healthier.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 50 hrs of research
It is hypoallergenic, children don’t have a bad reaction when its used on them.
It suds up nicely and the scent is mild and pleasant.
Doesn’t burn their eyes.
Some people like to use this product on their dogs because it doesn’t irritate their skin.
10 Best Shampoos for Kids Reviewed
1. Aveeno Baby 2-in-1
It is hypoallergenic, children don’t have a bad reaction when its used on them.
It suds up nicely and the scent is mild and pleasant.
Doesn’t burn their eyes.
Some people like to use this product on their dogs because it doesn’t irritate their skin.
It may dry up your baby’s hair a little.
Its natural scent, natural ingredients, and very safe formulation make the Aveeno one of the most trusted products when it comes to taking care of your baby’s mane. It doesn’t include any chemical that’s typically used in the production of soap. Neither does it contain parabens and other harmful substances. What you get for every 8 ounce bottle of the Aveeno is peace of mind for your baby’s optimum skin and hair health.
Read moreSafety
The integumentary system of babies are very sensitive, very fragile, to say the least. This is especially true with their superfine hair. Add to this the sensitivity of their eyes and you’ve got a young individual who requires absolute patience and extra tender loving care when it comes to bathing and shampooing. Aveeno understands this well. That’s why it formulated its Baby Wash & Shampoo to be specifically gentle not only on the locks and skins of babies but also on their eyes.
Ease of Use
This product is great to use on newborns because it doesn’t irritate their skin, even when it's extremely sensitive. The gentle smelling formula doesn't skimp on cleaning power either. Parents don’t have to switch out this product as baby grows because it's strong enough to be used by children and adults. The hypoallergenic properties make it ideal to use on any type of sensitive skin.
Materials
Part of Aveeno’s success is its inclusion of natural oat extracts into its formulation. This allows it to be extra gentle on babies’ skin. And since it also nourishes the skin, more nutrients are thus, absorbed by the roots of the hair which effectively translates to healthier mane. The Aveeno doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals yet it comes off as refreshingly soothing with a scent that is guaranteed to enhance the natural baby-scent of your little one.
2. Aquaphor Baby
Recommended by Pediatricians
Proven to be super gentle on baby’s sensitive skin
Formula is designed to be mild and tear free
Produces light lather that easily rinses
Soothing cleanse without drying skin
No smell left on the skin lacks a fresh clean smell
Packaging and bottle is the same as lotion, confusing if you have both in the bathroom
The gentle wash that parents are can feel comfortable using on the gentle skin of their newest addition to the family. The gentle wash and shampoo are recommended by pediatricians. It cleans their skin and hair from head to toe. A light lather rinses easily from their body and hair. The design of the wash and shampoo features a provitamin B5 and soothing chamomile. This is great for a gentle bath before bed to relax your little one and get them ready for bed.
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One of the best things about this shampoo and wash is the extra mild formula that is tear-free. When washing your little one the last thing that you want to worry about is tears when washing their hair. The gentle formula is proven to be one of the best on their sensitive skin and scalp.
Ease of Use
From the light lather to the gentle formula this shampoo goes on with a light lather and rinses easily making bath time one of their favorite times. Washing babies and kids is a job that every parent does, but making it easier is something that this company does well. The pump bottle design makes it easier to control how much shampoo you’re using in the lather and only requires one hand to operate.
Materials
The soothing shampoo and wash contain a chamomile essence that is relaxing plus the panthenol enriched formula that gently washes without drying out or causing irritations to the skin. It is pediatrician recommended and used. You’ll also find citric acid and sea salt in the ingredients list, both of which help to freshen and clean skin.
3. Puracy Natural Baby
No harsh chemicals
Allergen-freepH-balanced formula
Combination body and hair wash
Pleasant, faint citrus scent
Certified cruelty-free and never tested on animals
Gets sticky and is difficult to wash out when mixed with thick, long hair; best for babies
Not only is this soap great for your baby but it is also great for the environment. The bottles can be recycled and the refill pouches save more than 90% in energy, plastic, and water. You will receive two16-ounce bottles of soap that can be used as body wash and shampoo
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Doctors came together and created a formula that will allow you to wash your baby without stressing about what is being put on their skin. In 2018, the bump awarded the Puracy Baby shampoo and body wash with the title of Best Baby Skincare product. Composed of all natural ingredients it can be used on babies with the most sensitive skin
Ease of Use
It’s truly developed for sensitive skin, so there won’t be any fuss from discomfort when using this combination shampoo-and-bodywash. The list of allergens and irritants it has managed to avoid is extensive and comprehensive, so if you have a little one with special hygienic needs, this is a strong contender.
Materials
A blend of natural botanical extracts and grapefruit essential oils give this soap a light citrus scent that babies will surely enjoy. The soap easily lathers thus you won’t need to use a lot to get your little one clean. With it being tear-free you can easily and confidently wash your child’s face.
4. L'Oreal Paris Strawberry Smoothie 2-in-1
Easily washes out without leaving hair feeling greasy.
Works great on many hair types.
Makes children's hair feel super soft.
It is very gentle on their skin.
It has no paraben and is ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested.
Parents wish the bottle was bigger.
The L’Oreal Strawberry Smoothie is super gentle on the skin, the scalp, the hair, and, most of all, the eyes of even the most sensitive of babies. It already comes with conditioner so there’s no need for a separate product to make sure your child’s locks are flowing as free as the wind. Plus, it’s made by one of the world’s leading brands in skin and hair care!
Read moreSafety
The eyes of children are particularly sensitive to harsh chemicals. That’s why the best baby shampoo will still have to be those that have the no-tears formulation. Unfortunately, it is quite easy to put a no-tears formula into any label. Companies can always lay claim to the property of their product as being made of safe, quality materials to safeguard your baby’s health. Now, if the product has been tested by an ophthalmologist, would you give it due consideration? Personally, we would.
Ease of Use
It easily washes out while leaving your kid’s hair super smooth and extra shiny. We have seen many moms actually using the L’Oreal product for their own locks primarily because of the way it is able to provide such extra smoothness. With this in mind, we’re sure you’d want to get your hands on the L’Oreal for your little ones too.
Materials
This product is perfect for parents who want their little one to have extra soft hair. It provides a gentle wash and smells amazing. You’ll find yourself smelling the air as your little one runs past you and fills the air with the sweat scent of strawberry smoothie.
5. Fairy Tales Super-Charge Detangling
It is free from sulfate, paraben and phthalate chemicals.
Great for all hair types.
The scent is soft and sweet.
It does a great job of detangling hair.
For extra tangled hair, this company sells a detangling spray that is available online for purchase.
If product is not rinsed out all the way, it can leave a residue on kid’s hair.
Not only will this shampoo tame your child’s curls, but it will also drastically reduce the level of frizziness. The twelve fluid ounces will last you quite a while as it only takes a few sprays to detangle your child’s hair. The formula will add a shine to your child’s hair that will leave it looking clean all day long.
Read moreSafety
There are no parabens, phthalates, nuts, soy, sulfates, or gluten found in this product. Made with all-natural ingredients, this shampoo and detangler is a light, happy alternative to some of the more chemical-riddled detanglers out there. Plus it smells great!
Ease of Use
The cute castle on the front of the bottle gives this product a kid-friendly design that will ease your child’s anxiety about having their hair brushed. The organic ingredients will provide your little one’s hair with a clean scent. Parents report that it’s so effective, it has helped them detangle hair stuck in flying toys and other fiascos. It’s available in shampoo, conditioner, and spray form so you can choose what works best for your family!
Materials
Brushing your child’s thick curly hair no longer has to be a stressful experience. The Fairy Tales Super Charge Detangling shampoo makes it easy for you to manage your child’s hair. The blend of provitamins will detangle and condition your little one’s locks. The keratin and Vitamin B extracts found in this organic formula will strengthen every strand.
6. California Baby Calendula
Gentle wash with safe ingredients perfect for all babies and kids
Designed for sensitive skin, dry skin, or skin allergies concerns
Contains no sulfate and uses plant-based cleansing materials
Features extra organic extracts and aloe vera
Shampoo and body wash in one
Creates tangles in longer hair
Pump included with the bottle does not work well
Essential oils combine together with a long lasting and gentle formula to make this light and not overpowering shampoo and body wash for kids. It is great for bedtime plus is kid friendly and kid friendly. It is an ideal wash and shampoo for the little ones that have dry skin, eczema, or any skin allergy concerns. The powerful cleansing power is never harsh on their skin. It has been constructed from French lavender and clary sage essential oils, plus organically harvested soap bark with plant-based glucosides.
Read moreSafety
This product does not contain any harsh chemicals plus does not have any SLS, parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde, but is still all the power to cleanse the body and hair. It is great for kids with allegories because it does not contain any gluten, oats, soy, or dairy. The organic materials moisturize the skin and soothing formula keeps a scent after even after bath time.
Ease of Use
Shampoo and body wash is important to make sure that it is easy to get out of the bottle and into the washcloth. When you are washing little ones the last thing you want to do is struggle with a bottle that you can’t get the product out of. This pump style bottle is ideal for bathing little ones. It is easy to use, ready to use to wash, and washes clean from the hair and skin.
Materials
Made from organic materials that have been grown right on their certified farm. The farm is a 100-acre area that is only used to grow organic products. It is located in Santa Barbara and it the key place that they grow all the awesome ingredients that they are placing in this shampoo and body wash. Growing things is their business because they want to make sure nothing but the best organic products go into their process. They watch the flowers grow, control the process, and implement all the operations that get the materials into the facility that makes their shampoos and soaps.
7. Fresh Monster Coconut 2-in-1
Comes in 3 different scents: fragrance free, coconut and watermelon.
It is 100% toxin-free.
This product was not tested on animals.
The goof-proof pump lets kiddos take charge of their own hair cleanse.
Due to its all natural ingredients, this product doesn’t lather much.
When purchasing you can choose between a coconut or watermelon scent for this product. If your little one has an aversion to those scents, you can choose to purchase the fragrance-free version. Designed with a re-closable pump your child can easily apply this product to their hair by themselves.
Read moreSafety
Nature is the best provider and this 2-in-1 understands that taking care of the planet doesn't have to come at the cost of cleanliness. Perfect for people with sensitive noses and those who just want to stay chemical free. And the goof-proof pump prevents spills and allows for single-handed application so you don't have to let go to get your little one clean.
Ease of Use
If it’s all natural, organic kids product that you’re after for your children, you may want to consider the Fresh Monster Coconut 2 in 1 Kids Shampoo and Conditioner. The Fresh Monster has your kid’s locks guaranteed looking and smelling fresh all day while also keeping it stronger.
Materials
It contains coconut fruit extracts as well as extracts from apples, apricots, vanilla, coffee beans, and rice. It is naturally rich in Vitamin B5, potassium, and citric acid as well as a host of other ingredients that have been carefully selected, processed, tested, and integrated into the final formulation of the Fresh Monster. Coconut oil extracts are primarily known for nourishing and strengthening the hair strands while giving it a certain luster that makes any hair to shine. There are no artificial and harmful chemicals to worry about.
8. Burt's Bees Baby
Gently cleans hair and skin
Includes three bottles
Composed of natural plant-based products
Moisturizes skin
Some reviewers find it to be expensive
There’s no need to spend tons of money on bath products because this formula is both a shampoo and body wash. Furthermore, you will receive three 12 ounce bottles. Burt’s Bees is a trusted, all-natural company that strives to provide safe, high-quality skin and hair care formulas with recognizable ingredients.
Read moreSafety
Not only can this product be used to wash your baby’s hair but it can also be used to gently clean their skin. It’s clinically proven to be both safe and effective. With 99.9% natural ingredients, it’s free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, and sulfates.
Ease of Use
The fresh clean scent will eliminate any fussing at bath time. It has been tested by pediatricians and formulated without parabens, petrolatum, and phthalates. The soap lathers up quickly so a small dab will be more than enough for a child’s bath. This soap is great for babies who struggle with eczema as it does a great job of moisturizing their skin.
Materials
Composed of natural plant-based products this shampoo is tear free and will not irritate your child’s sensitive skin. The soy proteins found inside the formula will moisturize your child’s skin. Your purchase will consist of three 12 fluid ounce bounces of this shampoo so you can always have a backup on hand.
9. My Little North Star
Gentle, tear-free formula
Made with organic, natural ingredients
Vegan and cruelty-free
Clean scent
Safe for babies and pets
Some users with oily hair felt that this left build-up on their scalp
The North Star is meant to guide the way and this shampoo is aptly named. If you’re looking for that bright beacon to guide you towards a safe, gentle, organic option for your little one’s head, search no further. This formula is award-winning, hypoallergenic, and made in the USA.
Read moreSafety
It’s hypoallergenic and there are no harsh chemicals! The North Star Baby Shampoo is also free of parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde, animal by-products, and synthetic perfumes. It’s gentle and it’s safe for little ones’ scalps and eyes.
Ease of Use
This tear-free formula means no more wailing little wonders when it comes to bath time. Enjoy a peaceful rinse with this combination shampoo and body wash. (That’s right; you can use it for both so you only need to grab one bottle when you’re filling up the bath or sink!)
Materials
Fully Vegan and made in the USA, the shampoo is non-toxic, cruelty-free, and biodegradable. It includes coconut-based cleansers, sunflower oil, aloe vera extract, vegetable glycerin, Vitamin E, and several essential oils.
10. Cetaphil Baby 2-in-1 Organic Calendula
Tear-free formula
Super gentle on all skin types
Calendula helps put little ones at ease
Can be used as a body wash and shampoo
The fragrance is very strong
Eye irritation may occur in babies and toddlers regardless of the tear-free promise
If you’re a fan of the Cetaphil brand then this shampoo and body wash combo might be the perfect formula for you and your child. Even though the scent is strong, it’s a well-priced product that does the job with little to no fuss. The formula also contains lotion, which helps to moisturize the skin as you’re cleansing it and leaves everyone feeling soft and clean after a good bath.
Read moreSafety
It’s organic and all-natural which goes hand-in-hand with their tear-free and moisturizing formula. The product itself can be worked up into a subtle lather but won’t hurt your child’s eyes in any way and when it’s rinsed off, there will be no residue left behind like with other body washes and shampoos. It’s gentle enough to be used in the hair as well as on the body, making it a great two-in-one for any child. Not surprisingly, this shampoo and body wash combo is hypoallergenic and contains no additives.
Ease of Use
Cetaphil is known for their incredibly gentle formula that’s efficient for adults but also safe enough to be used with children. Whether you’re familiar with the brand or not, they have a long-standing reputation for excellence as far as the bath department goes and this shampoo is sure to make your child’s bath time go a lot smoother. Calendula comes from the marigold flower and has calming and soothing properties that will ease your child into a relaxed state, which is something many children need when they get anxious about bath time.
Materials
Even though Cetaphil is known for their gentle formulas, sometimes just knowing about a brand isn’t enough. The use of calendula helps to calm little ones so that bath time isn’t such a nerve-wracking experience, while the gentle formula helps to wash away impurities without causing any tears or irritation.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Safety
Some parents think that the product they use can also be used by their kids. Unfortunately, the hair of children is grossly different from the hair of grownups. It is naturally finer, downier, thinner, and, as such, is more susceptible to changes brought about by environmental and chemical factors. If we are not careful in what we are putting in our children’s hair, we might end up disrupting the normal pH balance of their scalp as well as render every strand of hair fragile. This is the reason that our very first parameter for choosing a good product for children is the safety of the ingredients in its formulation. While organic kids shampoo is devoid of the harsh chemicals found in non-organic products, it doesn’t really guarantee absolute safety. So, even if the product is labeled organic we still had to determine the safety characteristics of its individual ingredients, particularly any additives that may have been included during the manufacturing process supposedly to lengthen the shelf life of these products. So, safety is a paramount concern for us in our choice of the best baby shampoo. It should not contain any type of chemical or substance that has been proven to be harmful to human health, especially to children, in the long-term.
Ease of Use
The ability to clean the shaft all the way to the root is already a given. If it comes with a no-tear formulation, then we checked this, too. We also took note of the product’s satisfaction rating by customers, putting the cutoff at 4.1 stars. We then correlated this with the company’s overall reputation which must jive with the product’s rating. Overall, we’d say we did a fine job identifying these 10 awesome shampoos for children.
Materials
Another consideration was the substances that were embedded into the formulation with the goal of infusing these vitamins, minerals, and other elements into each strand of the locks. While these may not be found in their purest forms and may actually be in the form of essential oils, we strived to determine the health value of such substances especially in the care of children’s manes. This is important as some substances, while they are considered safe for adults, may not be safe for kids.
Safety Materials Ease of Use
Look for specialty salons that really specialize in children’s hairstyles as these come with a variety of tools to make the experience a lot of fun and less stressful for the young child.
Always wash your kid’s hair with a product that will never sting his or her eyes. These are called no-tears formulations. You may have to be mindful of the different ingredients in these products though.
If your kid has to accessorize her locks, make sure to invest in high-quality ones. Choose those that will not hurt the scalp or lead to hair damage.
Other Factors to Consider
Comfort
The ability to clean the shaft all the way to the root is already a given. If it comes with a no-tear formulation, then we checked this, too. We also took note of the product’s satisfaction rating by customers, putting the cutoff at 4.1 stars. We then correlated this with the company’s overall reputation which must jive with the product’s rating. Overall, we’d say we did a fine job identifying these 10 awesome shampoos for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Why not use normal shampoo for babies?
Most adult products are made with lauryl sulfate. This chemical can cause eye irritation. Baby-specific products have milder chemicals that don’t cause eye irritation. The problem is that milder chemicals sometimes don’t do a good job of removing oils and other products. For babies, this isn’t an issue, but for adults who use lotions, gels, hairspray and work out, they need to use an adult shampoo and body wash.
q: Is baby shampoo safe to use?
Yes, baby shampoo is safe to use on babies and adults. All major manufacturers test their products extensively. Even if some of the ingredients are somewhat questionable, the quantity found in each bottle is extremely low and minimal.
q: Are there other uses for baby shampoo?
Baby shampoo can be used to clean makeup brushes, help make shoes shine, wash puppies, remove makeup and remove oil from brushes and combs. Mixed with baking soda, it can be used as a polish for metal and chrome household items.
q: Can baby shampoo be used on adults as a facial wash?
Adults with sensitive skin can use baby shampoo as a facial wash. Baby shampoo is usually hypoallergenic because their skin is so sensitive. And adults with sensitive skin have a better time using products that are hypoallergenic.
q: Should adults use baby shampoo?
Many adult products contain an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate. This cleaning agent tends to dry out people’s hair. Baby shampoo generally doesn’t have this ingredient, instead it has amphoteric surfactants. It is a milder cleaning agent but is less harmful than other sulfates. Baby shampoo can clean an adult’s hair without leaving it dry.
q: How often should I wash my baby’s hair?
As tempting as it can be to wash baby every chance you get (they manage to be pretty messy, don’t they?), you really only need to wash your infant’s hair between one and three times a week with a gentle shampoo. The appropriate shampooing and bath time regime will vary from infant to infant, as our biochemical make-ups are all different. Overwashing can lead to dry, brittle, or frizzy hair, as it strips away the natural oils of the scalp. Babies who suffer from cradle cap or who sweat profusely around their hair/forehead may need more frequent attention, but you hardly need to be running the bath or faucet every day.
Sources
- , Should You Use Baby Shampoo?, Informative Article
- , 19 Ways to Make Use of Baby Shampoo Outside of the Bathtub , Informative Article
- , How to Wash Your Face With Baby Shampoo , How-to guide
- , Is Baby Shampoo for Adults?, information page
- , Baby shampoo, Wikipedia Page
