8 Best Baby Shampoo and Wash Options for Sensitive Skin

Protect your baby’s soft sensitive skin with the best baby shampoo and wash on the market. As a mom of three, I’ve used many kinds of baby shampoo and learned a few lessons. My daughter had extremely sensitive skin, meaning I had to scour ingredients to find the best baby shampoo and wash for her.

We searched far and wide for the best kids and baby shampoo made with mild, safe ingredients you can trust. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to choose the best shampoo for your baby.

The Top 8 Best Baby Shampoos and Washes for Babies with Sensitive Skin

Make bath time pleasant with these shampoos that gently cleanse your baby's hair and skin. Discover excellent options for dry skin, cradle cap, sensitive skin, and other skin care needs.

1. Best Plant-Based Baby Wash and Shampoo: 8 Sheep Organics - $17

Made with 100% plant-based ingredients, this baby soap's gentle formula cleanses and moisturizes without irritating your baby's skin. Choose the unscented option or opt for the lavender scent made with natural essential oils. We love this baby wash because it's chemical-free and nourishes your baby's skin with aloe and coconut oil derivatives.

• No sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, or petroleum by-products
• 100% plant-based ingredients
• "This soap does a great job of cleaning our little one, and it never irritates her skin. Really recommend using this product!" - Jo 

2. Best NICU-Approved Baby Wash and Shampoo: Earth Mama - $9.99

Kick germs to the curb with this castile soap that provides a powerful clean while also being gentle on your baby's skin. This calm lavender soap is a favorite among NICUs and hospitals. As it is a castile soap, take care when using it around baby's eyes.

• No synthetic fragrance, Triclosan, phthalates, parabens or sulfates.
• EWG rating of 1
• "Trust no other brand for your babies. I have tried them all and this is by far the cleanest and best wash I could ever find to use on my babies who are now toddlers!" - Tara P.

3. Best Baby Shampoo and Wash for Sensitive Skin: California Baby Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle - $32.99

Care for your baby's skin and hair with this complete package of shampoo and conditioner for the ultimate hair softness and a tear-free clean. This best kids shampoo and wash is ideal for babies, kids, and adults with sensitive skin and allergies. Plus, the conditioner nourishes the scalp and prevents dry skin.

• 100% plant-based ingredients
• EWG rating of 1
• "My baby has sensitive skin and this product has been the best for her!" - Carlos C.

4. Easiest to Use Baby Shampoo and Wash: Nemah - $25

Cleanse and hydrate with ease using Nemah's plant-based formula. As a parent, you know that handling a slippery infant in the bathtub is challenging. Nemah designed the bottle to manage easily with one hand, ensuring you can focus on baby. If that weren't enough, the formula features natural oils like chamomile, aloe, and jojoba to soothe baby's skin.

• Plant-derived ingredients
• Meets the highest EU standards
• "Love love love this for my baby. So gentle and smells so good." - Jill F.

5. Best Cradle Cap Shampoo: Tubby Todd - $18

Cradle cap, similar to dandruff, is a common concern for babies under 12 months old. Two of my kids had terrible cradle cap that persisted well beyond their first birthdays. I treated it using olive oil, but it was a persistent issue from infancy through toddlerhood for both of my boys.

Tubby Todd offers an excellent and effective cradle cap bundle that helps clear your baby's scalp in as little as a few washes. Tubby Todd's cream uses special ingredients to combat the fungus that causes cradle cap. The shampoo on its own is also an excellent choice for everyday use.

• No gluten, dairy, SLS/SLES, synthetic fragrances, parabens, or steroids
• EWG rating of 1
• "Got rid of her cradle cap after two washes. So impressed." - Sabree C.

Pro Tip: Treat stubborn cradle cap by applying mineral oil or olive oil on your baby's scalp about an hour before bathtime. Then, gently rub baby's wet scalp in the bath using a soft brush or your fingertips to remove the scales. Shampoo as normal.

If your baby's cradle cap persists, you may need to speak to your pediatrician. Your baby may need a specially-formulated shampoo for cradle cap.

6. Best Baby Shampoo with Chamomile: The Honest Company Baby Shampoo + Body Wash - $11.99

Honest baby shampoo gently washes without overdrying your baby's skin. Approved by the National Eczema Association, we love this soothing formula. Choose from a range of scents featuring naturally derived ingredients such as sweet almond oil, citrus vanilla, and lavender.

• No parabens, phthalates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, formaldehyde donors, or SLS/SLES
• Approved by the National Eczema Association
• "We use this soap everyday for both my sensitive skin having kiddos." Customer in Seattle

7. Best Baby Shampoo and Wash for Eczema: Ellaola - $28

Harvard pediatric dermatologists created this mild baby wash and shampoo. It includes vitamins and minerals from natural plant-based ingredients that nourish your baby's delicate skin. Plus, it holds the National Eczema Association Seal of approval.

• Includes 14+ essential vitamins and minerals
• National Eczema Association Seal of approval
• "The only soap that doesn't irritate or dry out my toddler's eczema skin!" - Paige

8. Best Baby Shampoo with Tear Free Formula: Pipette Baby Shampoo - $8.99

Not all baby shampoos are tear free. Pipette's formula ensures a happy bath for your baby's sensitive skin. This shampoo is also fragrance free, but you can opt for the vanilla and ylang ylang version for a pleasant aroma.

• 100% plant-derived and free of synthetic fragrances
• Clinically shown to moisturize
• "The only thing I use for my babies! Absolutely loooove the subtle scent! I also use it on myself. " - Nathalie

9. Best Moisturizing Baby Cleanser: Babo - $18

If your baby has dry skin, try Babo's Sensitive Baby Shampoo and Body Wash. Featuring shea butter, this formula will keep your baby's skin supple and smooth.

• Plant-based ingredients
• EWG Verified®
• "This is gentle enough that it doesn't dry out my kids' skin (or mine), but it still works and gets everything clean." - Hannah

Avoid These Ingredients when Shopping for the Best Baby Shampoo

In my experience, the best baby shampoo and wash products use gentle, natural ingredients. For babies with eczema or sensitive skin, this might mean going fragrance-free. Or, you can opt for gentle, plant-based fragrances instead of harsh, synthetic fragrances.

To protect your baby's health, you may also want to avoid some ingredients. Many baby washes and shampoos contain harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. These can irritate your baby's skin and eyes and even disrupt your little one's hormone balance. Look for options without these harmful ingredients.

Choosing the Best Baby Shampoo

When shopping for a baby shampoo, choose a gentle shampoo and wash made with safe ingredients. Ideally, test the shampoo on a small area of your baby's skin before using it for a full bath.

Do you have a favorite baby wash or shampoo? Let us know what it is in the comments below.

Sources:

1. NPR

2. The American Academy of Pediatrics

3. EWG