For many years, anyone with a new little addition to the family would reach for the Johnson baby shampoo in the supermarket as the best baby shampoo and body wash. This was the best baby soap around at the time. But not anymore. And then in 2011, according to reports, the shampoo samples revealed presence of Formaldehyde (yes, glue!), which is a known cancer causing chemical. This was shocking news to me after the birth of my first daughter.
So I began searching for safer baby products, and that’s how my hunt for the best baby soap, shampoo and body wash began. One that was organic, chemical-free and safe for a newborn baby’s sensitive skin.
While Johnson’s is still considered a good shampoo for kids (after it’s revised formula free of formaldehyde in 2014), there are now so many more chemical-free baby shampoos, body wash and soaps in the market today to choose from.
How Chemicals in Baby Skincare Products Can Affect Baby’s Health
When choosing the best baby shampoo and wash for your baby, choose ingredients that don’t contain mineral oils and phthalates.
These can be exceptionally harsh on a baby’s delicate skin. Also, since your baby’s skin is thinner than that of an adult, these damaging chemicals will be absorbed through baby’s skin and be potentially harmful.
Following is a list of what is considered by many to be the best baby soaps and the best shampoo for kids in the market today.
What Are The Different Types of Baby Soaps?
There are two types of baby soaps namely:
- baby soap bars
- baby shampoo and body wash
Most chemical-free soaps are designed especially for baby’s delicate skin and are not made with harsh ingredients or harmful chemicals. Shampoos and body washes come out as a foam and need not be rubbed to get baby’s skin or hair clean. So they are also very gentle for newborns and small toddlers.
What should I look for?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a baby soap or organic baby shampoo. These are:
- Fragrances and chemicals, both of which could irritate or harm your baby’s skin.
- No-tear formulas – if the product does not claim to have this formula, then don’t use it near your baby’s eyes.
- EWG (Environmental Working Group) rating, gives all the info you need about a product. Do note though, that EWG ratings are not available for some products.
Make sure that you buy a non-toxic and chemical-free baby shampoo for your child. In fact, be discerning while choosing all baby bath products to make sure these are gentle and safe for your baby’s skin.
Best Baby Soap Bars
Best for Dry Skin:
1. Opas Soap Baby & Me Soap
Made in:
USA
Ingredients:
Saponified coconut oil, Saponified mass balance sustainable palm oil, Organic olive oil, Retained vegetable glycerin, Organic Jojoba oil, Organic Fair Trade shea butter, Organic tocopherol (Vitamin E), Organic , empseed oil, Sodium chloride, Rosemary extract, Sodium Gluconate.
EWG Rating:
Rating 1
This baby bath soap is made in the USA. This organic soap is extremely gentle and effective for cleaning skins of all types, for babies as well as mature adults. With an EWG rating of 1, Dr Woods unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap with Organic Shea butter provides everything it claims to provide and more!
What I love about it:
This organic soap is moisturizing, foamy, and gentle. Additionally, I love the fact that it is an unscented baby soap bar. One mother has been using the product on her baby from day one and considers it to be the best baby soap on the market!
Best for Eczema:
3. Zum Wee Bar Goat’s Milk Baby Soap
Made in:
USA
Ingredients:
Palm and castor oils, Saponified 100% food-grade olive oil, Bulgarian essential oils, Goats milk cheese, Aloe Vera.
EWG Rating:
Rating 3
Verified by EWG and rated 3, this organic baby soap bar is one of the best soaps for babies. It can be used as a shampoo as well, and is equally as gentle and effective on baby’s skin and hair. In addition to this, the soap makes a fabulous facial soap for adults as well.
What I love about it:
This baby bath soap is a great organic baby soap for eczema. Many love the lavender scent that it leaves on the skin and in the bathroom. It has also been exceptionally helpful in managing eczema on some children’s skin. Additionally, it has also helped in clearing up irritating rash that developed after using a different soap. So this makes it the best baby soap for eczema. Overall, it’s a great baby soap for sensitive skin.
Best Naturally Scented:
4. Lavender Goat Milk Soap Bars
Made in:
USA
Ingredients:
Coconut oil, Olive oil, Lavender essential oil, Goat milk.
Although not verified or rated by EWG, Lavender Goat Milk Soap Bars, made in the USA, are handmade from all-natural ingredients. What’s more, they are fantastic to use as baby soap, as well as face and body soap for the rest of the family. It is the one of the best baby soaps for all skin types, as well as a great baby soap for sensitive skin.
Besides using Lavender Goat Milk Soap Bars for new-born babies and hand or body soap for the other members of the family, this baby soap bar, being a chemical-free soap also makes an awesome shaving cream for dad. After using the soap, skin doesn’t feel tight and dry, but rather soft and beautifully moisturized.
Best Hypoallergenic:
5. Mustela Gentle Soap, Baby Bar Soap with Cold Cream
As the name implies, Mustela Gentle Soap is extremely gentle for cleaning the faces and bodies of little new-born babies and children. This is one of the best chemical free baby products, especially for those who have dry skin. Although not EWG verified or rated, this chemical-free soap contains 98% completely natural ingredients. Moreover, it is hypoallergenic, tear-free, and entirely safe to use on new-born babies.
Made in several countries all over the world, the product is one of the best baby soaps on this list. That’s because it is phthalate, phenoxyethanol and paraben-free. After being tested by pediatricians and dermatologists, Mustela Gentle Soap has been specially formulated to minimize the danger of allergy reactions. It is another great baby soap for eczema.
Best Natural Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
Many people consider the following products to be the best baby shampoo and wash in this category:
Best for Newborns:
1. Babo Botanicals Calming 3-in-1 Shampoo, Bubble Bath Wash
Made in:
Pennsylvania, USA
Ingredients:
Organic Meadowsweet Flower Extract, Natural Lavender Flower Oil, Virgin Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
EWG Rating:
Rating 1
Manufactured by women in a facility in Pennsylvania, Babo Botanicals Calming 3-in-1 Shampoo, Bubble Bath & Wash is a best shampoo for kids. It’s made with safe ingredients to keep your baby safe and happy. This product is an organic baby shampoo, possibly the best shampoo for toddlers. What’s more, it is vegan and hypoallergenic, and ideal for babies and children. Rated #1 for safety by EWG, the product contains absolutely no irritants or harsh chemicals that can harm your baby or child in any way.
Most users of this baby shampoo feel that it’s the best baby wash. Some claim it helps their babies to sleep easily and leaves their skin silky soft. Most also love the lavender scent, although there are a couple who find the smell slightly overpowering. This is possibly the best chemical-free shampoo for newborn baby.
Best for Toddlers:
2. Baby Mantra 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Shampoo and Body Wash
Made in:
USA
Ingredients:
Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolysed Amaranth Protein, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium coco-glucoside Tartrate, Aqua (water), Benzyl alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice powder, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender oil), Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle flower) extract, Phytic acid, Potassium sorbate, Lonicera Japonica flower extract.
EWG Rating:
Rating 1
Made in the USA, Baby Mantra 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Shampoo and Body Wash is EWG verified with a #1 rating. It is great for toddlers and children with sensitive skin. The organic baby shampoo is one of the best shampoos for kids. It’s also a great natural baby shampoo as it is pure, safe and ideal for every day use. Made from the best possible natural, organic, and non-toxic ingredients, this shampoo and organic body wash is extremely gentle on sensitive skin.
This is one of the best baby body wash for newborns. Scented lightly with essential oil and aloe vera, it moisturizes baby’s skin beautifully. Additionally, it also leaves baby feeling relaxed and calm and more than ready to go to sleep. Quite possibly the best natural baby wash on the market and the best shampoo for toddlers.
Best Organic:
3. Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash
Made in:
USA
Ingredients:
Aloe vera, Water, Corn, palm and coconut, Soap bark, Calendula, Cactus extract, Parsley extract, Yucca extract, Vegetable glycerin, Jojoba oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-5 ,Undecylenoyl Glycine, Capryloyl glycine
EWG Status:
EWG Verified
This is one of the best baby shampoos and organic baby wash is made in the US from 98% natural ingredients. It is one of the best natural baby shampoo and wash. What’s more, it is clinically proven to be completely safe and effective to use on your baby every day. Also, the tear-free shampoo and mild natural baby wash are specially designed with a non-irritating formula that will leave baby squeaky clean from head to toe after every bath.
It is EWG verified and rated, and considered to be a best shampoo for kids and the best baby wash. However, some users are not happy with the fact that the product does not look, feel or perform the same from one bottle to the next. One user asked that the manufacturer starts including the baby shampoo ingredients on the labels of future batches. This way, consumers can see what the product is made from and whether or not it is a safe baby shampoo that will suit their child.
Best for Sensitive Skin:
California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash
Made in:
Los Angeles, USA
Ingredients:
Aloe vera, Water, Corn, palm and coconut, Soap bark, Calendula, Cactus extract, Parsley extract, Yucca extract, Vegetable glycerin, Jojoba oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-5 ,Undecylenoyl Glycine, Capryloyl glycine
EWG Rating:
EWG Verified
California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo and Body Wash. It is an allergy-tested, no fragrance product suitable for sensitive skin and an effective baby soap for eczema. Additionally, it is one of the best shampoo and body wash for kids. What’s more it contains no irritants, alcohol, or harsh chemicals whatsoever. So is, therefore, a completely safe and extremely effective cleanser for your baby’s delicate skin.
Some users say that the product is the best baby wash for eczema. Meanwhile, others say that contrary to claims, the shampoo is not tear-free and tends to tangle the hair.
How to Bathe your Newborn Baby
My Experience with Organic Baby Soaps
I always choose organic baby soaps to wash my little one. The major difference between natural products and organic soaps is how regulated they are. Labels claiming natural/ all natural aren’t regulated by the FDA. Organic soaps are strictly regulated and must contain at least 70% of the ingredients provided by organic sources. My baby’s skin is super sensitive, so I choose top-quality but affordable organic baby soaps.
FAQs
-
How Do I Choose Baby Soap?
You must choose a safe baby soap for your little one’s sensitive skin. The soap’s ingredients should include glycerin, organic palm oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, chamomile flowers, honey, water, and cocoa butter. Go for the fragrance-free and hypoallergenic soaps. Avoid baby soaps which include dyes, colorants, harmful chemicals, and preservatives.
-
When Should You Start Using Soap on A Baby?
You can start washing your little one with safe baby soap from when he or she turns 1 month old. Until then, use plain warm water. Within several weeks of birth, the skin of your baby changes to an acid pH. This film, which is called the acid mantle protects your baby’s skin. Bath your baby using only water if you live in a soft water area. Wash your baby with a mild baby cleanser or use fragrance-free wipes if you’re in a hard water area. Hard water comprises an alkaline pH.
-
Do Babies Need Soap?
You can use baby soap to bath your little bundle of joy starting from when he or she is 1 month old. Until that time, you can simply use only water.
-
Do You Need to Rinse off Baby Soap?
Yes, you must rinse the baby soap of the little one’s skin. Any soap left on the little baby’s skin can irritate him or her. Use a container or squeeze water over your baby’s body. Pat your baby fry and wrap your sweet little one in a blankie.
-
What Can I Use Instead of Baby Soap?
Instead of baby soap, you can use a mild liquid cleanser. Make sure the cleanser is free of any dangerous chemicals, parabens, and fragrances. Look for natural ingredients to protect your baby’s skin.
-
Should I Wash My Baby’s Face Everyday?
Yes, it is recommended wash your baby’s face everyday. Don’t bathe your little one every day, but you must wash his or her face, hands, neck, and bottom every day. Choose the time carefully, when the baby is relaxed and content.
-
How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?
During the first months of your little one’s life, you should continue to bath him/her one or two times per week. Between 6 and 12 months you can bath your baby more frequently but use baby soap for just 2 of the baths to avoid dryness of his/her skin.
-
Can I Use Soap on Newborn Face?
You shouldn’t use soap on your newborn’s face because it can irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. A baby’s face is slightly acidic for protection and prevention of infections. And soap can lower the acidity of your little one’s skin and makes it drier.
The Bottom Line
With the above extensive list of best organic skincare and haircare products for babies and toddlers to choose from, there is little doubt that you will find the best baby soap or the best chemical-free shampoo for your baby. Choose a chemical-free body wash and other baby care products with the safest ingredients that suit your baby or toddler the best.
If you want to learn more about natural, non-toxic and chemical-free baby products, I recommend you start here with an introduction to the world of non-toxic and organic baby products.
