How to Shop for a Natural Baby Shampoo
A guide for parents on what to look for in baby shampoos
Ever wonder what ingredients are found in baby wash and shampoo? Which ingredients are toxic?
When I was shopping before Haylee was born, I only knew that I wanted a natural baby shampoo that didn’t test on animals. But more than that, I didn’t know what to look for in a baby wash.
I had no idea which ingredients were harmful and should be avoided at all costs. After doing some research, I learned what to look for.
In this article, I will outline some ingredients that aren’t safe for babies.
You’ll also find a list of some natural baby shampoos that are safe for your little one.
Toxic ingredients found in baby wash
There are several ingredients that I will mention here that you should make sure aren’t in the baby wash that you choose for your little one.
These ingredients are also found in many diaper brands . You can read this article on cruelty free and non toxic diapers to choose the best one for your baby.
Phthalates
This ingredient has been linked to reproductive issues, as well as an increased risk of cancer.
Parabens
This ingredient can disrupt hormones in the body. It can also cause skin irritations and increase the risk of cancer.
Sulfates
This ingredient can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and lungs. Not only that but it can also be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which is carcinogenic.
Fragrances
Many products say they contain fragrances as a way of masking which specific fragrance ingredients they use.
A common ingredient used in synthetic fragrances is phthalates, which is mentioned above as one of the toxic ingredients found in baby wash.
I want to make it clear that “unscented” doesn’t mean there are no fragrances contained in the product.
It simply means that the product doesn’t have a smell.
However, it’s common to use other fragrances to mask the chemical smells in personal care products, to make it unscented.
Therefore, you should look for fragrance free products.
Choosing a natural baby shampoo
Now that you know some of the common toxic ingredients found in baby wash and shampoo, it’s important to read the ingredient list before buying products for your little one.
This will help you choose a non toxic baby shampoo.
You’ll notice a difference when using a natural baby shampoo over the popular brands filled with unsafe ingredients.
Many parents complain that their little ones suffer from dry skin, rashes, and skin irritation. As mentioned above, sulfates can cause these results.
Baby washes with harmful ingredients
It’s best to avoid the following baby washes which contain toxic ingredients:
- Baby Magic Gentle Hair & Body Wash – contains fragrances
- Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Bath – contains fragrances
- Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Wash & Shampoo – contains fragrances
- Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo – contains sulfates and fragrances
- Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo – contains sulfates
Please note that the links above are only so you know which product I’m referring to and so you can check the ingredients yourself to verify my findings.
These links are not affiliate links since I don’t want to earn any money from harmful products. I don’t recommend them and I only add affiliate links for products that I do recommend.
Therefore, in the following section, you will find links for safe baby shampoos that I do recommend and think are great options for your little one! Those links are affiliate links.
Feel free to choose which one you like best.
It’s unfortunate that the market for baby products is not focused on safety first. Their only goal is to make money, even at the expense of our precious babies.
In my article 4 Dangerous Baby Products and How to Avoid Them, I mention some baby items that also completely unsafe, yet they’re still sold in baby stores.
Check out that list to make sure you’re keeping your little one safe.
Best natural baby shampoo
Here are 5 of the best natural baby shampoos that I recommend. They do not contain any of the harmful ingredients I mentioned above.
Additionally, none of them test on animals. As a vegan, this is one of the most important things I look out for when buying personal care products.
Puracy Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
The Honest Company Shampoo and Body Wash
Babyganics Baby Shampoo + Body Wash
Earth Mama Baby Wash
Baby Bum Shampoo & Wash
To wrap up
After seeing the toxic ingredients found in many popular baby washes, it’s the best choice to switch to a safer alternative.
I’ve listed 5 natural baby shampoos that I recommend based on their ingredients.
Comment below with which baby shampoo you use or want to switch to for your little one!
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Very insightful article.
Very informative
Natural baby shampoos have come a long way in recent years. Thank you for sharing your recommendations. I will pass the info on to my daughter-in-law.
Christine, I’m happy this can help you and your family!
I have loved all of the EarthMama products I’ve tried!
Nathalie, me too!
Did not try any of these 5 shampoos, I used Burt’s Bees for all my 3 kids. Looks like it worked well. Now, I’d better check if it contains anything harmful. Thank you for your article!
Tetiana, as far as I checked, Burt’s Bees is safe for babies. However, it’s not vegan so that’s why I didn’t recommend it, being that my blog is also vegan.
Wow! We used to use Honest Baby wash and switched to Aquaphor since I had an unused bottle laying around. Thanks for the insight. Will be switching back! Xo
Crystal, I’m so glad that this article helped you choose the right baby shampoo for your little one!