Top 5 Baby Shampoos for Delicate Skin

Buying Guide for Best Baby Shampoos

When cradling your newborn, it’s nearly impossible to resist the urge to touch their fragile skin and soft hair. Baby hair and skin require special attention to avoid irritation while ensuring cleanliness. Baby shampoos are specifically crafted to cleanse without harsh chemicals and are designed to be gentle on the eyes, aiming to reduce tears during bath time.

With an abundance of options available, selecting the right baby shampoo can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the process. Our guide is here to help you find a baby shampoo that meets all your needs.

So, snuggle up with your little one or take a moment for yourself as you delve into our guide to discover the ideal baby shampoo.

What Sets Baby Shampoos Apart?

All shampoos use surfactants to clean hair by breaking down dirt and grease. Adult shampoos often contain harsher ingredients such as lauryl sulfate, which can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.

Conversely, baby shampoos utilise milder surfactants known as amphoteric surfactants that are less likely to irritate the eyes. While they may not remove grease as effectively or lather as much, most babies don’t require a stronger formulation. Thanks to these gentler ingredients, natural moisturisers remain intact, leaving the hair soft and manageable.

Below are some harsh ingredients to watch out for when selecting baby shampoo.

Different Types of Baby Shampoos

All-Natural/Organic

All-natural and organic products are increasingly popular for two main reasons: they’re more likely to contain sustainable, environmentally friendly ingredients, and they typically undergo fewer chemical processes. These shampoos often come in fragrance-free or naturally scented options such as orange blossom or calendula.

Shampoo/Body Wash Combinations

Using a single product for both hair and skin can simplify bath time. Shampoo/body wash combos are formulated to efficiently cleanse your baby’s skin and hair.

Alcohol-Free

The term ‘alcohol-free’ can be misleading, as there are both beneficial and harmful alcohols present in shampoos. It’s best to avoid short-chain alcohols, which are known to dry out hair and scalp. Most baby shampoos are formulated without these ingredients, but it’s wise to double-check labels for safety.

Special Formulas

Some formulations cater to specific skin and scalp conditions, including:

• Cradle Cap: While not a medical concern, cradle cap can be cosmetically distressing. Formulations often include ingredients like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and salicylic acid to help clear patches.

• Dry Scalp: Moisturising shampoos can alleviate dry, flaky skin, often containing various synthetic and natural moisturisers.

• Dandruff: Yes, babies can get dandruff too. Baby dandruff shampoos are formulated with moisturising ingredients and gentle medications to combat flakes.

• Eczema: Specially formulated shampoos can gently cleanse eczema-prone skin without exacerbating irritation, often labelled as hypoallergenic.

• Calming: Some baby shampoos are infused with calming ingredients like lavender, which can be beneficial for bedtime routines.

Features to Consider in Baby Shampoos

Ease of Dispensing

Pump dispensers are generally the easiest to manage, allowing you to keep one hand on your baby, especially crucial during the early months when babies require more support. As they grow and become more active, you may need to use both hands to keep them steady while dispensing shampoo.

Flip-top lids may require both hands to operate, so consider which option is most convenient for you.

Hypoallergenic Options

Hypoallergenic shampoos are formulated to minimise allergic reactions. Whether for eczema or dandruff control, a hypoallergenic choice is wise if your baby is prone to allergies.

Moisturising Ingredients

Given that babies’ skin is sensitive and prone to drying out, many baby shampoos include natural moisturisers such as aloe and coconut oil.

Fragrance Considerations

Fragrances can often be synthetic, which may pose issues for sensitive skin. Opt for shampoos with natural scents or consider fragrance-free options for babies with sensitivities.

Your Baby’s Unique Needs

Your choice will ultimately depend on your baby’s skin and hair type. Babies with thick hair may require two washes or a shampoo/conditioner combo, which can be less gentle on the eyes than a regular baby shampoo. Additionally, babies with sensitivities or conditions like eczema may need specialised products.

Understanding Baby Shampoo Prices

Budget-Friendly

Inexpensive baby shampoos start around £0.30 per ounce or less. These are typically formulated with gentle cleansers to minimise tears, but be sure to check for any potentially irritating ingredients.

Mid-Range

All-natural baby shampoos that are tear-, alcohol-, and sulphate-free can range from £0.50 to £0.75 per ounce. These often incorporate plant-based ingredients and natural fragrances.

Premium

High-end products that are organic, sulphate-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, cruelty-free, and gluten-free are priced over £0.75 per ounce. These formulas often contain fewer ingredients to limit exposure to synthetics.

Ingredients to Avoid in Baby Shampoos

While choosing the right ingredients is crucial, there are some you should definitely steer clear of:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

SLS is a common surfactant and detergent found in many skincare products. Though derived from coconuts, it can cause eye and skin irritation, making it unsuitable for baby shampoos.

Synthetic Fragrances

Although many baby shampoos have mild scents, some fragrances are chemically based and can cause issues for babies with respiratory sensitivities.

Parabens

Used as preservatives, parabens can disrupt hormone levels and are best avoided in baby products.

Other Preservatives

Other preservatives, like phenoxyethanol, have been found harmful if ingested and should not be included in baby shampoos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can adults use baby shampoo?

A. Baby shampoos are milder than adult shampoos, designed for less dirt and oil. Adults may find they need to wash their hair multiple times to achieve a clean feel.

Q. Is baby shampoo suitable for toddlers and preschoolers?

A. Absolutely! Baby shampoo can be used on children of all ages, although older children with longer or thicker hair might need an additional conditioner.