Choosing the right cleansing products for your baby is a fundamental part of their care routine. A baby’s skin is significantly more delicate and porous than an adult’s, requiring formulas that are exceptionally mild and free from harsh ingredients. The ideal baby wash or shampoo should cleanse effectively while protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier and preventing irritation.
This professional review for 2025 examines eight of the top-rated baby shampoos and washes available. We have focused on key factors such as hypoallergenic properties, tear-free formulas, ingredient transparency, and suitability for sensitive skin to help you make a confident and informed decision for your little one’s bathtime needs.
The Best Baby Shampoos and Washes for 2025
- The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo and Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
- Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract
- CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo, Fragrance, Paraben, & Sulfate Free
- Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Gentle Tear-Free Baby & Newborn Wash & Shampoo
- Babo Botanicals Fragrance-Free 2-in-1 Baby Shampoo & Wash
- Johnson’s Baby Calming Shampoo with Soothing NaturalCalm Aromas
- Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturizing Wash & Shampoo
- CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo and Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
This best-selling 2-in-1 formula from The Honest Company is designed to simplify bathtime by cleansing both hair and skin with a single product. It is specifically crafted for sensitive skin, featuring a tear-free and hypoallergenic formula that is gentle enough for a newborn but effective for the entire family. The fragrance-free version is ideal for those who prefer no scent, while other variants offer subtle, naturally derived aromas.
Enriched with beneficial ingredients like chamomile extract and aloe, this wash leaves skin and hair feeling soft, clean, and hydrated without any harsh residues. The use of naturally derived botanicals ensures a mild yet effective clean, making it a reliable choice for daily use.
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract
Aveeno Baby leverages the power of natural oat extract in this 2-in-1 wash and shampoo, a trusted ingredient known for its ability to soothe and moisturize delicate skin. The rich, creamy lather gently cleanses hair and skin without stripping away natural moisture, helping to prevent dryness. This formula is hypoallergenic and free from soap, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
As a pediatrician and dermatologist-recommended brand, Aveeno provides a tear-free bathing experience that is safe for babies with sensitive skin. The large 33 fl oz bottle is designed for easy, one-handed use, offering great value and convenience for daily bathtime routines.
CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
Developed with pediatric dermatologists, CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo is a testament to gentle, science-backed skincare. This 2-in-1 product is free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, phthalates, and sulfates, making it an excellent option for babies with reactive or eczema-prone skin. Its tear-free formula ensures a comfortable and non-irritating bath time.
The formula is enriched with three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier, hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, and vitamin E for soothing benefits. It creates a mild foam that rinses away cleanly, leaving skin feeling hydrated and fresh without any residue.
Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Gentle Tear-Free Baby & Newborn Wash & Shampoo
Johnson’s brings its trusted expertise to this Head-to-Toe Wash & Shampoo, designed for the most sensitive skin, including that of newborns. This hypoallergenic formula is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, and harsh fragrances, providing a gentle yet effective clean. It is pediatrician-tested and pH-balanced to help maintain the baby’s natural skin moisture barrier.
This product turns bath time into a soothing bonding experience. Its tear-free quality is reliable and trusted by generations of parents, with a high recommendation rate from families who have used it.
Babo Botanicals Fragrance-Free 2-in-1 Baby Shampoo & Wash
Babo Botanicals offers a high-quality, fragrance-free option that is EWG Verified, meaning it meets the strictest standards for health and safety. This 2-in-1 shampoo and wash is cruelty-free, vegan, and pediatrician tested. It is formulated to gently cleanse and moisturize hair, scalp, and skin for everyone from newborns to adults.
The plant-based formula is enriched with a proprietary organic Nutri-Soothe Complex, which includes natural oat protein, shea and cocoa butter, and organic calendula. These ingredients work together to soothe the skin, nourish dry patches, and help restore softness and comfort.
Johnson’s Baby Calming Shampoo with Soothing NaturalCalm Aromas
For parents looking to incorporate a calming ritual into bathtime, Johnson’s Baby Calming Shampoo is an excellent choice. This gentle hair wash features the brand’s signature NaturalCalm aromas, a blend of soft floral and powdery notes designed to help soothe your baby before bedtime. It provides a mild cleanse that leaves hair feeling clean and touchably soft.
Most importantly, it upholds the classic Johnson’s promise of a No More Tears formula, which is as gentle to the eyes as pure water. This makes for a stress-free hair washing experience that is free from added parabens and sulfates.
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturizing Wash & Shampoo
Aveeno Baby’s Daily Moisturizing line is a staple for many families, known for its dependable and gentle formulas. This wash and shampoo is designed for everyday use, effectively cleansing without over-drying. It is typically enriched with natural oat extract, which is renowned for its skin-soothing properties.
The tear-free, hypoallergenic formula is crafted to be kind to sensitive skin. As a trusted brand frequently recommended by healthcare professionals, Aveeno Baby provides a straightforward and effective solution for keeping your baby’s skin and hair clean, soft, and healthy.
CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
CeraVe’s mission is to develop skincare that helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier, and their baby line is no exception. This Baby Wash & Shampoo is formulated with essential ceramides that are identical to those naturally found in the skin, working to lock in moisture and protect against irritants.
Its gentle, fragrance-free, and non-irritating formula is ideal for babies with delicate or problem skin. The product rinses clean without leaving a residue, ensuring that the skin’s natural balance is maintained. It is a smart choice for parents seeking a dermatologist-developed, no-frills cleanser that prioritizes skin health.
How to Choose the Best Baby Shampoos and Washes
As a parent, I know that picking a product for my baby’s delicate skin and hair can feel overwhelming. The market is flooded with options, all claiming to be the gentlest and best. After a lot of research and personal testing, I’ve learned that the key isn’t just about a brand name; it’s about understanding what makes a formula truly safe and effective for a baby’s needs. This buying guide will help you navigate the choices for the 8 best baby shampoos and washes: a professional 2025 review so you can feel confident in your selection.
First and foremost, I always check the ingredient list. A baby’s skin barrier is much thinner than an adult’s, making it more susceptible to irritation. I look for formulas that are hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals. I actively avoid sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. These ingredients can strip natural oils and cause dryness or rashes. Instead, I seek out gentle cleansers derived from coconuts or other natural sources. Fragrance is a big one, too; while a light, natural scent can be nice, I prefer products that are fragrance-free or use only natural essential oils to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction.
The next thing I consider is the product’s versatility and ease of use. As a busy parent, a product that works as a shampoo, body wash, and even a bubble bath is a huge win. These 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 formulas simplify bath time and reduce the number of bottles cluttering the tub. I also pay attention to the formula’s texture. A tear-free formula is non-negotiable; it’s designed to be less irritating if it gets into your baby’s eyes, making the bathing experience less stressful for everyone involved. Whether you prefer a liquid wash, a rich cream, or a convenient foam, the texture should be easy to rinse off completely to prevent any residue from sitting on the skin.
Finally, I think about my baby’s specific skin needs. For babies with eczema, cradle cap, or extremely dry skin, a standard wash might not be enough. In these cases, I look for products with added ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, or ceramide technology, which are clinically shown to help restore and protect the skin’s natural barrier. Brands that are dermatologist-tested and recommended by pediatricians often provide that extra layer of assurance. Remember, what works for one baby might not work for another, so be prepared to try a couple of options. The goal is to find a shampoo and wash that cleans effectively while leaving your baby’s skin and hair soft, healthy, and protected.
FAQ
How often should I wash my baby’s hair with shampoo?
For newborns and young infants, you don’t need to use shampoo every day. In fact, I found that washing my baby’s hair two or three times a week was plenty. Their hair doesn’t produce much oil at this stage, and overwashing can dry out their sensitive scalp. On other days, just rinsing with warm water during a bath is perfectly fine. As they get older and more active, or if they develop a particularly messy situation with food, you can increase the frequency as needed.
What is the difference between baby shampoo and baby wash?
The line has really blurred with many modern products, but traditionally, a shampoo is formulated specifically for the hair and scalp, while a wash is for the body. However, the vast majority of baby products today are designed as all-in-ones. These combination products are fantastic because they are gentle enough for the entire body, including the hair, which simplifies your routine and is less harsh on your baby’s skin. When looking at the 8 best baby shampoos and washes: a professional 2025 review, you’ll notice most top picks are these versatile formulas.
Are “natural” or “organic” baby shampoos always better?
Not necessarily. While “natural” sounds good, it’s not a regulated term. Some natural ingredients, like certain essential oils or botanical extracts, can actually be irritating to a baby’s skin. The most important thing is the overall safety and gentleness of the formula, regardless of whether the ingredients are synthetic or natural. I always look for a short, clear ingredient list and products that are clinically tested for gentleness and are free from the major irritants I mentioned in the buying guide.
What should I do if a shampoo seems to irritate my baby’s skin?
Stop using it immediately. Rinse your baby’s skin and hair thoroughly with cool water. If the irritation is mild, you can usually just switch to a different, gentler product and the redness should clear up on its own. I always recommend doing a patch test with any new product by applying a small amount to your baby’s arm and waiting 24 hours to see if a reaction occurs. If the irritation is severe, widespread, or doesn’t go away, it’s best to contact your pediatrician for advice.
Can I use adult shampoo on my baby in a pinch?
I strongly advise against it. Adult shampoos are formulated for a more resilient scalp and often contain stronger detergents, fragrances, and other chemicals that are too harsh for a baby’s delicate skin. Using them just once could cause dryness, itching, or a rash. It’s always worth it to use a product specifically designed for infants. If you’re out of baby shampoo, using plain warm water is a much safer alternative until you can get more.