Best Baby Shampoos and Washes

reviewed mark Medically Reviewed by Jessica Wu, M.D.  | February 16, 2023
Best Baby Shampoos and Washes

There's nothing like that sweet baby smell. But with all the spit-ups, food smeared everywhere and dreaded diaper blowouts, your baby may not always be so fresh. Regular baths can help remove dirt and bacteria, and keep his hair and skin healthy. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you bathe your baby about three times per week during the first year, as bathing too often can dry out your little one's skin.

Choosing the best baby shampoo

Whether your baby is born bald or with a full head of hair, it’s important to keep his scalp clean with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo. Your go-to shampoo might give you luscious locks, but the chemicals in it could be too harsh on your baby’s skin.

“Baby shampoos contain milder ingredients than those found in adult shampoos, so they won’t irritate a baby’s eyes and skin,” says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. 

Ideally, you should look for formulas that contain natural, plant-based ingredients, says Dr. Jaliman, including:

  • Fruit oils, such as raspberry and avocado oil
  • Chamomile extract
  • Sunflower seed oil

Steer clear of shampoos made with harsh chemicals that could irritate your baby’s skin. These include:

  • Parabens, or chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetics
  • Phthalates, or chemicals found in plastic
  • Dyes
  • Sulfates, specifically sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is commonly found in household cleansers
  • Added fragrances or perfumes, which can cause irritation or trigger an allergic reaction

You should also look for a product that’s tear-free (meaning it won’t irritate baby’s eyes) and formulated for sensitive skin.

Keep in mind, however, that just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it can’t cause a skin reaction in a baby, says Dr. Jaliman. If you think that your baby may be allergic to a particular ingredient, call your pediatrician.

Choosing the best baby wash

“You shouldn’t use regular soaps on your baby’s skin because many of them are too drying, and they can contain perfumes or other allergens which can irritate the skin,” says Bruce Robinson, M.D., a board-certified adult and pediatric dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

When choosing baby wash, keep the following in mind:

  • Use a tear-free formula to avoid irritating your baby’s eyes.
  • Hypoallergenic washes are best for babies with dry skin, eczema or allergies.
  • Ideally, you should stick with unscented baby washes because products with fragrance can cause allergic reactions, says Dr. Robinson. If you must have a scent, opt for a wash that is naturally scented and mild.
  • Avoid products that contain dyes or harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates and sulfates. Alcohol (which may be listed as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) is another ingredient to avoid. “It can cause dryness, irritation, rash and breakouts,” says Dr. Robinson.
  • Avoid lavender bath and body products for babies and children, especially lavender essential oil. The ingredient has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning it could affect baby's hormones and development.

There are different types of baby shampoos and washes on the market:

  • Baby shampoos that are just for cleaning the hair and scalp
  • Baby washes that are designed to clean baby’s body
  • Multitasking formulas that do both jobs

How we made our picks for the best baby shampoos and washes

These shampoos and washes made the cut based on whether they followed the guidelines above. Then, we analyzed the options based on popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use. We also sought out feedback from pediatricians, and What to Expect staff and contributors road-tested baby shampoos and washes at home. And, of course, we consulted real parents. We checked the reviews of parents in the What to Expect community for their feedback on the baby shampoos and washes they love the most.

Here are our favorite shampoos, washes and two-in-one products to keep baby fresh and clean.

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Baby Shampoo for Eczema

CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo

The Best Baby Shampoos and Washes -Cerave Baby Wash Shampoo
Buying Options
Pros
  • Unscented
  • gentle enough for babies with eczema
Cons
  • Pump bottle doesn't travel easily
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

If your baby has infant eczema — or red, flaky patches of skin that commonly appear on the face — try CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo. The tear-free formula was specifically designed for babies with dry skin and even earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association. The shampoo contains ceramides, which help keep skin hydrated, and added vitamins, which help prevent dryness and irritation. It's available in a 16-ounce pump bottle, or the handy 8-ounce one can easily go from sink ledge to shower.

Size: 16 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "My youngest has the most sensitive skin ever. We tried Cetaphil, Aveeno, Johnson's baby wash....all gave him rashes. This is the only thing I will ever use on my kids."

Best Foam Baby Shampoo

Babyganics Shampoo and Body Wash

The Best Baby Shampoos and Washes - Babyganics Shampoo and Wash
Pros
  • Plant-based
  • very gentle on skin
  • extra foamy
Cons
  • Pump can get stuck
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Made with plant-based ingredients like aloe, cucumber extract and sunflower seed oil, Babyganics Baby Shampoo and Body Wash is designed to be extra-gentle on baby’s skin. Plus, its thick, foamy bubbles help ensure that your baby will have fun at bathtime. You'll get three 16-ounce pump bottles in each order, which should keep you stocked for a while.

Size: 16 ounces (set of three)

Community Reviews
  • "I have sensitive skin so my son must also. We love it and haven’t had any issues. I also use the Babyganics wipes and bottle soap."

  • "I LOVE babyganics. So soapy but doesn’t leaves residue after rinsing and baby skin feels soft."

Best Lathering Baby Shampoo

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Wash & Shampoo

Best Baby Shampoos - Aveeno Gentle Bath Wash and Shampoo
Pros
  • Large bottle
  • moisturizing
  • tear-free
Cons
  • Pump bottle doesn’t travel well
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Aveeno’s gentle baby wash and shampoo is made with oat kernel extract, which can soothe irritated skin while acting as a natural moisturizer. The tear- and soap-free formula (sold in an 18-ounce bottle) works itself into a rich lather, but it’ll rinse off easily. Bonus: You’ll fall in love with the sweet, mild scent that lingers after your baby is out of the tub.

Size: 18 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "Gentle. Cleans without drying. Hasn't triggered any reaction on my baby's sensitive eczema prone skin. Love the light and delicate scent. It doesn't stay long after the bath except in her hair. And it leaves a very faint but wonderful smell. I have to hold her close and breath deeply to smell it but I can't stop sniffing her!"

Best Baby Soap

Baby Dove Fragrance Free Moisture Hypoallergenic Wash

Best Baby Shampoos - Baby Dove Fragrance Free Moisture Hypoallergenic Wash
Pros
  • Large bottle
  • moisturizing
  • eczema-friendly
Cons
  • Pump can be hard to use
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Baby Dove Fragrance Free Moisture Hypoallergenic Wash is as gentle as water — perfect for babies of all ages. Made with 100 percent skin-natural nutrients, it’s tear-free, pH-neutral and hypoallergenic. The wash is free of additives like dyes, parabens and sulfates, and it has a stamp of approval by the National Eczema Association. Your baby’s skin will be soft and moisturized from the top of her head to the bottom of her little feet.

Size: 13 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "I wish they sold this in a jumbo container. My kids have used this or regular dove sensitive since they were both newborns. I LOATHE the small size containers, but I love the formula. Tear free (yes I’ve tried it on my own eyes), and safe for allergy - eczema prone skin (at least in my offspring)."

Best Natural Baby Shampoo

Weleda Calendula Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

Best Baby Shampoos - Weleda Calendula Baby Shampoo and Wash
Pros
  • Natural ingredients
  • good detangler
  • gentle on cradle cap
Cons
  • Scent is too strong for some
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Weleda’s 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash will gently cleanse your baby’s skin while helping to detangle those precious locks. Credit the shampoo’s natural ingredient list, including calendula flower extract, which helps nourish baby’s skin, and almond oil, which prevents dryness. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use on babies with cradle cap. This bottle is 200 milliliters, or about 7 ounces.

Size: 6.8 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "The Weleda 2in1 Shampoo Body Wash has been fantastic for our baby. It has a nice fragrance and does a nice job getting my baby nice and clean. It gets him nice and soapy with out using to much. I like how it gently cleans my baby with out irritating his skin."

Best Baby Shampoo for Cradle Cap

Mustela Foam Shampoo

Best Baby Shampoos - Mustela Newborn Foam Shampoo
Buying Options
Pros
  • Effective against cradle cap
  • mostly plant-based ingredients
Cons
  • Small bottle for the price
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Cradle cap tends to fade away by the time your baby is a few months old — but in the meantime, you can treat his skin condition with the help of Mustela’s foam shampoo. Sold in a 5-ounce pump and made with 99 percent plant-based ingredients, the formula also exfoliates while preventing dryness and treating scaly, flaky skin.

Size: 5 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "I used it for my baby and her cradle cap was gone in 3 days"

  • "If anyone’s baby has cradle cap, I can not recommend the Mustela foam cradle cap shampoo enough!!! Seriously 80% cleared after only ONE shampoo, and the rest cleared after a second use. I can not believe I waited so long to try this product hoping it would clear on its own..."

Best Gentle Baby Shampoo

Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo With Organic Calendula

The Best Baby Shampoos and Washes - Cetaphil Baby Shampoo
Pros
  • Extra gentle
  • tear-free formula
  • combination wash and shampoo
Cons
  • Scent may be too strong for some
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Cetaphil is the go-to cleanser for people with sensitive skin — so it only makes sense that your baby should have his own version. Made with organic calendula, this tear-free wash and shampoo will gently clean your baby’s delicate skin without drying it out. It comes in a 7.8-ounce size.

Size: 7.8 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "This is my favorite wash for my son. The smell is great and it leaves my sons skin soft. The formula is gentle and doesn’t bother his sensitive skin. My only complaint is that it could be more hydrating."

Best 2-in-1 Shampoo

The Honest Company Perfectly Gentle Sweet Orange Vanilla Shampoo + Body Wash

Best Baby Shampoos - Honest Company Perfectly Gentle Vanilla
Buying Options
Pros
  • Free of harsh dyes
  • sizable bottle
  • tear-free formula
Cons
  • Scent isn’t for everyone
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

It’s hard to say who will love this tear-free formula more: you or your baby. The Honest Company’s do-it-all, orange- and vanilla-scented shampoo and body wash is made with natural, plant-based moisturizers like aloe, chamomile, calendula and coconut oil. Plus, it’s been dermatologist tested and is free of additives like phthalates, parabens and dyes. It comes in a 10-ounce bottle with a pump top.

Size: 10 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "I've been using Honest Brand (orange vanilla scent- which I personally like the smell of) since the beginning with my 22 month old son. He hasn't had any issues."

Best Classic Baby Shampoo

Johnson’s Baby Shampoo

The Best Baby Shampoos and Washes - Johnson's Baby shampoo
Buying Options
Amazon
Amazon
$8 for 6.8 ounces
See Now Opens a new window Target
Target
$7 for 20.3 ounces
See Now Opens a new window Walmart
Walmart
$5 for 20.3 ounces
See Now Opens a new window
Pros
  • Tear-free formula
  • affordable
Cons
  • Can be drying for some babies
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

It’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic when you use Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. (Chances are, your parents used it on you!) A go-to product for decades, the brand's mild shampoo is free of parabens, pthalates, sulfates and dyes. Plus, it's designed to be “as gentle to your baby’s eyes as water.” It's also affordable, and this size is especially convenient for travel. 

Size: 6.8 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "The shampoo smells wonderful and works well! It makes baby’s hair shine and cleans great!"

Best Baby Shampoo for Dry Skin

Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo

The Best Baby Shampoos and Washes - Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo
Buying Options
Pros
  • Sizable bottle
  • easily foams
  • gentle on hair and skin
Cons
  • Not everyone loves the smell
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

If your baby has very dry skin, you’ll want to try Aquaphor’s extra-mild baby wash and shampoo. Parents and pediatricians rave about the gentle formula, which is infused with chamomile essence and provitamin B5, and free of preservatives and fragrances. It comes in a 17-ounce pump bottle.

Size: 17 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "I use Aquaphor Baby wash & shampoo on my 3 week old and I actually still use it on my 4yo and 6yo."

  • "I liked the Aquaphor baby soap a lot! It was the best for washing baby bottles and pump parts too! Didn’t leave a residual smell/taste and it foamed up very quickly."

Best Baby Soap for Eczema

The Honest Company Soothing Therapy Eczema Body Wash

Best Baby Soap - Honest Company Eczema Soothing Therapy Wash
Buying Options
Pros
  • Moisturizing
  • eczema-friendly
  • easy to take on the go
Cons
  • Lotion-like texture isn’t for everyone
Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Thanks to prebiotics and natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and coconut oil, The Honest Company Eczema Soothing Therapy Body Wash offers much-needed relief for babies with eczema. This body wash does wonders cleaning, soothing and moisturizing dry and itchy skin. It has also earned a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.

Size: 8 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "The only body wash that helped my baby’s eczema clear up and stay moisturized."

Best On-the-Go Baby Soap

Mustela No Rinse Cleansing Water With Avocado

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

While Mustela No Rinse Cleansing Water technically isn’t a true wash, it allows parents to quickly cleanse baby's skin away from home or in between baths. Made with 98 percent plant-based ingredients, this “wash” contains micellar water to gently dissolve dirt. No rinsing required.

Size: 10.14 ounces

Community Reviews
  • "My baby has baby acne and it’s almost all gone in 3 days! It was expensive at $16 a pop in target but I’ll pay anything to see my baby’s skin all cleared up."

  • "I used it with other Mustela products (wash, lotion and the heavy duty cream - which is the one you really want) and they cleared over 48-72 hours."