Parents do everything to protect their babies. From outlet covers to organic baby food, baby safety is paramount. However, most parents do not realize one area where safety is commonly overlooked. The fact is that, according to many sources, the products you use to clean your baby may actually lead to harm. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of baby shampoos sold at most stores have dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde.
Because of these risks, most parents do not want to take any chances with their precious newborn. That is why it is important to know the top five baby shampoo brands before washing your little one. Read about each option to determine the best choice for you and your baby.
Dove
Dove is better known for its products for adults. Committed to natural, real beauty, Dove has undergone many branding efforts in recent years to appeal to regular men and women while redefining our concept of beauty.
This same approach is what makes its baby products so appealing to new parents. Dove baby shampoo is designed without any harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural moisture. In general, Dove creates its baby shampoo with as few ingredients as possible in order to minimize any risk of irritation. This means that the shampoo is hypoallergenic and tear-free. There are some advanced formulas that Dove provides to address certain areas of concern for new parents. For example, Dove carries a baby shampoo to deal with cradle cap. This formulation includes skin-identical lipids to add extra moisture to an infant’s irritated and dry scalp.
Ranging from $5 to $10, Dove baby shampoos are moderately priced. They are available at general stores like Target and Walmart, and they can also be found at pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. Amazon is a great place to shop for bulk purchases of this brand.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson is one of the best-known brands for baby products. This company has a long history of providing gentle products for our youngest family members. In fact, the company has been around for more than 100 years, and gentleness is at the heart of its mission.
Its classic baby shampoo has been tested by pediatricians and dermatologists for your baby’s safety. Every bottle is hypoallergenic with a tried and true tear-free formula that is as pure as water on the eyes. Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo has no parabens, phthalates, sulfates or other dyes. This is how the gentle promise is delivered with each and every wash.
Different shampoo options can be chosen for your baby’s specific needs, including:
- CottonTouch Newborn Wash & Shampoo
- Head-To-Toe Wash and Shampoo
- No More Tangles Detangling Shampoo
- Calming Shampoo
Being one of the most common choices for baby shampoo, Johnson & Johnson is reasonably priced (ranging from as $2 to as high as $11 depending on the size) and available at most retailers where personal hygiene products are sold.
Honest
The Honest Company is relatively new to the game of baby shampoo. As a wellness company, this brand was founded by Jessica Alba in order to provide safe and effective personal products. Baby care items are included as part of its overall commitment to providing everyone with the option of a healthy and happy life.
The company’s Shampoo + Body Wash is able to provide gentle cleansing with ingredients that naturally moisturize your baby’s sensitive skin. The Honest Company provides a classic unscented formula, but there are also scented variations available. This includes sweet almond, orange vanilla, and creamy lavender.
Specific ingredients include the following:
- Aloe
- Chamomile
- Calendula
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba protein
- Quinoa extract
The Honest Company carries its products at most major retailers. This includes the discount retailer Costco. With a flat rate of $9.95 for just 296mL, these baby shampoos are often more expensive than the competition, which can make them hard to afford for some families.
Aveeno
Aveeno markets itself as a wellness brand to help you feel good in your own skin. With a focus on holistic health care approaches, Aveeno has carried many beauty products for men and women during its 70-year history. Now, the Aveeno product lineup also includes baby shampoo.
Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo is designed for head-to-toe cleansing for babies. The key ingredient that Aveeno uses to differentiate its baby products is oat extract. Oat extract is regarded for its ability to soothe and nourish. Given how sensitive a baby’s skin can be, oat extract is ideal in baby shampoo formulations. Aveeno works with a rich lather that washes away with a light, fresh fragrance. This makes the product safe for daily use if needed. For extra moisturizing of the scalp, Aveeno also carries its Baby Gentle Conditioning Shampoo.
Starting around $7, Aveeno is moderately priced in the market. It is readily available at Target, Walmart and other stores with pharmacies. Online shoppers can enjoy savings and convenience with websites like Amazon.
Cetaphil
Cetaphil is another longstanding company in the skin care game. Founded more than 60 years ago, Cetaphil is trusted for is gentle and nourishing lotions and creams. Therefore, its baby offerings are worth checking out if you want something safe for your little one.
Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is tear-free and moisturizing. In order to deliver the best care for your baby’s skin, Cetaphil uses calendula extract, which is an organic substance derived from the marigold flower. This extract has a long history of providing natural relief for sensitive skin types. This baby shampoo is lightly fragranced but has no colorants, mineral oils, or parabens.
For around $5 to $7, Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo can be purchased at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and other major pharmacies. It can also be purchased online via major retailers like Amazon. However, Cetaphil does not carry as many larger packages, which can reduce the value of each bottle compared to other brands.